Colorado Lottery Embraces Online Sales and Credit Cards
The Colorado Lottery Commission has recently approved significant rule changes, allowing direct-to-consumer online lottery sales and the use of credit cards for ticket purchases. This move aims to modernize the state’s lottery system, but it’s met with strong opposition from Colorado state legislators and concerns from addiction specialists across the community.
Modernizing the Lottery: What’s Changing?
During a public hearing, the Colorado Lottery Commission formally approved new regulations that enable players to buy lottery tickets directly online. Crucially, these changes also permit the use of credit cards for purchases, a departure from previous restrictions. According to Colorado Lottery Director Tom Seaver, this modernization is essential to meet the evolving habits of consumers who increasingly prefer digital transactions and carry less cash.
Legislative Opposition and Calls for Review
The decision has not been met with universal approval. Senator Jeff Bridges (D-District 26) is among 25 bipartisan state lawmakers who penned a letter to the commission, expressing significant concerns. They argue that Colorado is currently facing an affordability crisis, and making gambling easier contradicts efforts to support residents. Lawmakers believe such a substantial change should warrant legislative review, or potentially even a statewide vote, questioning the Commission’s authority to enact these rules unilaterally.
Addressing Addiction Concerns
Beyond legislative pushback, the changes have also raised red flags among health professionals. Brad Sjostrom, Director of AdventHealth’s Behavior Health Service Line, voiced concerns that easier access to gambling, particularly through credit card use, could exacerbate issues for individuals with gambling addictions. He notes that readily available funds make it much more likely for someone struggling to engage in harmful gambling behavior.
Lottery’s Stance and Future Safeguards
Director Tom Seaver confirmed that the Lottery Commission undertook months of research and consulted with experts before making its decision. He stands firm on their adherence to appropriate steps and legal authority, citing C.R.S. 44-40-109 as the basis for their right to amend rules. Governor Jared Polis’s office supports the changes, emphasizing increased consumer convenience and the goal of modernizing the system.
To mitigate potential harm, the Colorado Lottery plans to implement responsible gambling tools. These will include player-set limits on time and money spent, “cool-off” options, and player behavior data for self-monitoring. Additionally, financial literacy tools and consultations with national experts are planned to ensure best practices in player health and harm minimization.
Where Lottery Revenue Goes
It’s important for Denver locals to know that the majority of Colorado Lottery revenue funds critical state programs. Primary beneficiaries include Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Conservation Trust Fund, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Any overflow funds, especially from GOCO after it reaches its cap, are directed towards the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program and the Outdoor Equity grant program.
Colorado’s Position Among Other States
With this move, Colorado aligns itself with a growing number of states adopting modern payment methods for lottery play.
| Feature | Colorado Lottery | Other States |
|---|---|---|
| Online Sales | Approved | Increasingly common |
| Credit Card Payments | Approved | Joins 26 other states |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What exactly did the Colorado Lottery Commission approve?
They approved direct-to-consumer online lottery sales and the use of credit cards for purchasing tickets. - Why are some lawmakers against this decision?
Lawmakers are concerned about an affordability crisis in Colorado, believing easier access to gambling could worsen financial issues for residents. They also argue such a significant policy change should involve legislative review or a statewide vote. - What are the concerns from addiction specialists?
Addiction specialists fear that making lottery purchases easier through online platforms and credit cards could increase the risk for individuals with gambling addictions. - Where does the money from lottery sales go in Colorado?
The revenue primarily supports Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Conservation Trust Fund, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Overflow funds also benefit the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program and the Outdoor Equity grant program. - What measures are being put in place to protect players?
The Lottery plans to implement player-set limits on spending and time, “cool-off” options, player behavior data for self-monitoring, and financial literacy tools, consulting national experts for best practices.
As the Colorado Lottery moves forward with these changes, residents are encouraged to remain aware of the new options and the responsible gambling tools available to ensure a healthy approach to participation.
Colorado Lottery approves online sales despite concerns
