Mississippi legislature approves state lottery

The Mississippi House of Representatives passed the bill to create a state lottery. There have been stiff opposition, especially from churches, but the legislators passed the bill, which has been now sent to Governor Phil Bryant to be signed into Law.

Mississippi was one of six US states that did not operate its own state lottery. The government expects the launch of  lottery to create tens of millions of dollars annually that would help fund highways and bridges maintenance and restoration.

“This is a historic day in Mississippi,” Gov. Phil Bryant said on Twitter and added: “Mississippi lawmakers rose to the occasion.” The House seemed to be against the bill after 60 opposed the original text and only 54 favoured it. However, the Senate passed the updated proposal and Representatives finally approved the measure in a 58-54 vote during a special session.

Several lawmakers like Republican Rep. Bill Denny or Democratic Rep. Greg Holloway praised the bill’s approval and said that people in the state were craving to get a lottery and urge them to approve the segment. “My people have contacted me,” Holloway said. “They want the lottery and I want them to have what they want.”

Source: Focus Gaming News