Gov. Bill Owens said the numbers support his argument that Colorado has enough betting opportunities without importing Powerball. There are plenty of gambling options existing today, and he sees no reason to expand those options. Colorado voters will get their chance to vote in November on whether to join the Powerball Lottery, which includes 20 states. Proponents say it will help the state build more schools and meet other needs.
Opponents say the state relies enough already on gambling revenues.
The amount of money spent on legalized gambling has increased by 11.6 percent in the last five years. But most of the increase came from increased gambling at casinos in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek. That was an increase of 38 percent since 1995. It's an infant market. It hasn't leveled off yet.