News Summary
The Louisiana Lottery Corporation has proposed allowing online lottery ticket purchases, projecting over $150 million in revenue for public schools. While many lawmakers support the idea due to potential financial benefits, others express concerns about the impact on local convenience stores reliant on in-person sales. Strategies to balance modernization and support local businesses are being discussed as lawmakers prepare for a comprehensive study ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
Louisiana may soon allow residents to purchase lottery tickets online, as proposed plans by the Louisiana Lottery Corporation have caught the attention of state lawmakers. At a recent meeting, lottery officials presented projections indicating that online lottery ticket sales could generate more than $150 million in revenue over the next five years. This proposed expansion is seen as beneficial not only for the lottery itself but also for Louisiana’s public schools, which have benefited from nearly $5 billion in lottery revenue since the corporation’s establishment.
Rose Hudson, the president and CEO of the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, noted the importance of adapting to current market trends and the evolution of retail options. She likened the potential shift to the increasing trend of online shopping that has shaped various industries, asserting that integrating online ticket sales is a necessary progression for the lottery.
Despite the potential financial benefits, concerns have been raised by some lawmakers, including State Representative Alonzo Knox. He highlighted the risk that online sales might harm local convenience stores that rely heavily on in-person lottery ticket purchases to attract customers. Local retailers often depend on lottery sales for foot traffic that generates additional in-store sales.
Experts from the industry have suggested various strategies to assist local retailers during this transition, including referral bonuses for stores and providing in-store vouchers that can be used for online purchases. These suggestions aim to create a balance between modernizing the lottery system and supporting local businesses that could be impacted by the change.
Regular customers at stores like A&M Food Store in New Orleans have expressed a preference for the traditional in-person lottery experience. These loyal customers enjoy the community atmosphere that local stores provide when playing the lottery. The store’s manager remains hopeful that loyalty will continue despite the introduction of online sales.
While no formal legislative decisions were reached during the recent meeting, state lawmakers are looking to conduct a comprehensive study on the proposal ahead of the 2026 legislative session, where the topic of online lottery ticket sales will be revisited in March.
Support for the online lottery initiative was echoed by several industry officials, including Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko, who reinforced the idea of receiving increased revenue as a primary benefit of allowing online ticket purchases. State Representative Vanessa LaFleur has estimated that this transition could provide an additional $24 million for the state’s education system.
To address the concerns regarding the potential negative effects on brick-and-mortar sales, Scientific Games’ Christine Wechsler referred to industry studies suggesting that online lottery sales can, in fact, increase overall retail sales rather than diminish them.
Implementing an online lottery system is projected to incur approximately $11 million in setup costs and will necessitate about a year of preparations. Meanwhile, advocates and opponents of the lottery system continue to voice their opinions. Kathleen Benfield, director of the Louisiana Family Forum, has publicly opposed the lottery, suggesting that it diverts crucial funds away from essential needs among Louisiana citizens.
As discussions continue, the future of online lottery ticket sales in Louisiana remains uncertain but reflects an evolving landscape as lawmakers weigh the benefits against the potential challenges local businesses may face.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KPLC TV: Louisiana Lottery President Expresses Support for Online Lottery
- WWL TV: Concerns About Online Lottery in Louisiana
- Louisiana Illuminator: Next Fortified Roof Grant Lottery
- ESPN: NBA Draft Lottery Format and History
- Google Search: Louisiana Lottery
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
