It will be up to the Legislature to revisit the matter following the vote and establish a lottery, defining what is legal and what is illegal. That is why a lottery should not be confused with tax reform, desperately needed in some form and fashion at the state government level. Lottery money should not replace current education spending. Although lawmakers have said that most Tennesseans support a lottery, a favorable vote should not be taken for granted. Alabama appeared headed toward a lottery a couple of years ago, but momentum shifted in the debate, and the measure failed.
Supporters also have strong arguments.
Tennesseans spend a lot of money on lottery tickets in Kentucky, Georgia and Virginia that could be spent in this state. Opponents suggested a lottery would bring gambling interests into state politics. Defining the lottery in that sense would make it similar to the lottery established by Georgia several years ago. It has been clear for some time that the voters of Tennessee wanted a voice in whether the state adopted a lottery. The House should take the next steps this week toward providing that opportunity and move the issue closer to being settled.