Georgia, USA, Tries for Online Lottery

According to a recent report from Associated Press, a bill to set up the nation's first online lottery passed the Georgia House on March 4th, but a Web-based lotto is still a long shot.

Lawmakers in the US state approved the legislation 131-32, with no debate. The measure would allow players to use credit cards or checking accounts to play up to $5 in lottery numbers every day.

Supporters say an online lottery would boost sales and help ensure the future of a popular but expensive college scholarship bankrolled by the lottery.

"This is designed to increase revenue for scholarships, so college students can continue to enjoy the maximum amount of funding," said Republican Rep. Terry Barnard.

Opponents said they doubted the issue would even come to a vote in the Senate.

Lottery officials say they're not sure an online lottery would be legal -- casinos, horse racing and video poker are all illegal in Georgia -- and convenience stores oppose it because they get commissions on ticket sales.

Gambling addiction groups are also opposed, noting it's unwise to let people bet on credit and that it would be hard to make sure minors weren't getting in on the action.

Several states have considered online lotteries but none have started one.