New York Faces Opposition to Online Lottery Sales

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Although several states have enacted or explored the possibility of online lottery sales since the U.S. Justice Department declared them legal, New York state may follow Wisconsin's lead in opting out, according to a chips.com report.

"We're very uncomfortable with the idea of our customers being able to access lottery games online," said Jim Calvin, president of the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS). Association data shows that c-store customers who purchase lottery tickets spend an average of $4.06 more than customers who don't.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has reportedly stated that plans for online ticket sales will not proceed without further study. Gordon Medenica, director of the New York lottery, has also stated that retailers are important and it should be ensured that their businesses are not harmed by online sales.