Internet sales of lottery tix proposed

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Illinois state Sen. John Cullerton says the cash-strapped state education fund would get a shot in the arm with Internet sales of lottery tickets.

The Chicago Democrat has introduced legislation authorizing a pilot study of an electronic system that would let consumers use home computers to purchase lottery tickets online. Illinois could become the first U.S. state with Internet lottery ticket sales if the test is successful.

"I just wonder why we are passing up an opportunity to get money into the common school fund," Cullerton told the Chicago Sun-Times. "It's not an expansion of gambling. It's legal, and it would appeal to wealthier patrons."

Illinois Lottery tickets are currently sold at service stations, convenience stores and liquor stores. Supporters of online lottery ticket sales say software must be developed to screen out underage buyers and limit purchases of tickets.