One Utah lawmaker is betting that her constituents would like to play the numbers.
Representative Kera Birkeland proposes that Utah legalize the lottery to help alleviate the burden of rising property taxes for seniors. Birkeland says it’s making it difficult for them to afford their homes.
“I think it’s time for adults to be able to make adult decisions and to be able to do it and put the money into the state of Utah,” Rep. Kera Birkeland, R-Morgan, said in an interview with FOX 13 News.
Birkeland’s proposal outlines the need for a constitutional amendment. This requires the support of two-thirds of lawmakers in both chambers, followed by approval from a majority of voters in the upcoming general election.
Utah and Hawaii are the only two states in the US that do not allow any form of regulated gambling. Alaska, Alabama, and Nevada do not have a lottery system, but they have other forms of gambling available. Hawaii and Alabama have considered legalizing gambling in recent years, but no progress has been made so far.
In the meantime, Utah and Hawaii residents can rely on top offshore sportsbooks to play the lottery, bet on sports, and even on entertainment and politics.
Raffles May Also Be Legalized
In addition to legalizing lotteries, Representative Birkeland proposes legalizing charity raffles in Utah. Although charity raffles are held quite frequently in Utah, they are technically illegal. Bills have been run in the past to legalize raffles, but it has always been a low priority for the legislature.
The proposal is sparking a bigger conversation about the intersection of gaming practices and state revenue strategies. Utah is currently one of the few states in the US without a lottery system.
In the same FOX 13 interview, Birkeland said “Let’s be honest, everyone does them. Every lawmaker has shown up at one where it’s happening, an event where it’s happening. Schools do it. Churches do it. Everyone’s doing charitable raffles,” she said.
Birkeland says these types of raffles are always for a good cause and by legalizing them, and adding a lottery, Utahns could “fix our state.”
An Attempt to Keep Lottery Money in the State
Birkeland also discovered that Utahns spend as much as $200 million a year on lottery tickets in other states. Utahns typically drive to Wyoming, Idaho, and Arizona whenever there’s a big Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot.
Some lawmakers might be influenced by the idea of lost money. If there’s no local lottery, people from Utah will probably keep going to nearby states to buy tickets. This means Utah could be losing out on a lot of money, maybe even tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. That’s the broader issue Birkeland is highlighting.
Not Everyone is On Board
However, some believe introducing a lottery system would be disastrous for Utah. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is against gambling, including government-sponsored lotteries. Church leaders advise members to unite with others in opposing the legalization and government support of any type of gambling.
The LDS Church has a significant historical impact in Utah, with more than 2 million members, making up approximately 64% of the state’s population, according to its website.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox is also not on board. He lacks the authority to veto constitutional amendments but expressed his disapproval during a recent monthly news conference.
We’ll continue to follow the developments in Utah and provide updates when they are warranted.
