Committee moves to end ‘play-at-the-pump’ and online lottery games

Despite pleas for compromise from Minnesota State Lottery officials, the House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee approved a bill Wednesday to ban online lottery games and end the sale of lottery tickets at gas pumps and automatic teller machines.

HF374, sponsored by Rep. Tim Sanders (R-Blaine), now moves to the House State Government Finance Committee.

An omnibus gambling bill, which included the provision, was vetoed by Gov. Mark Dayton last May.

Lottery Director Ed Van Petten insisted state law doesn’t require legislative approval, but he was contrite in the face of legislators who said the lottery had overstepped its bounds by pursuing online games and so-called “play-at-the-pump” ticket sales.

“It was never … my intention to usurp the authority of this Legislature,” Van Petten said. “We learned our lesson. We need to be more accountable and accessible.” He asked the committee to hold off on the vote and consider compromise language his office had drafted.

Fifty-eight Minnesota gas stations now sell tickets at gas pumps, Van Petten said, attracting players from among the 70 percent of customers who don’t go into the store when they stop.

Representing the Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association, Bill Strusinski testified in support of the bill, saying the program’s rollout had unfairly favored some stations over others.

Sponsored by Sen. Lyle Koenen (DFL-Clara City), a companion, SF229, awaits action by the Senate State and Local Government Committee.