Story Published:
Oct 29, 2009 at 7:43 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Oct 29, 2009 at 10:18 AM CDT
RIDGEDALE, Mo. -- A new poll shows many people in Arkansas don't consider the lottery a winner for the state. More than half don't think they'll buy a lottery ticket within the next year.
The poll finds 45 percent of people favor the lottery, compared to 43 percent who don't support the games; 42 percent plan to buy a ticket in the next 12 months, compared to 57 percent who say they'll pass.
Meanwhile, retailers in Missouri near the Arkansas border have seen a drop in revenue since the lottery was introduced. Sales are down 10 percent at Wild Bill's near Ridgedale.
It could get worse. Arkansas rolls out Powerball on Friday. Still, some Arkansans prefer playing the Missouri lotto.
"Basically, because of the variety of scratchoffs, they have the different kinds of games," said Jeff Mays, a customer at Wild Bill's on a recent day. "Here they payoff more, it seems like. I haven't had many winners down in Arkansas at all."
