Plan Could Let You Buy Lottery Tickets Online

State Senate President John Cullerton thinks Illinois could squeeze more money out of its lottery by selling tickets online and hiring a private management company. Online sales could bring in new customers -- particularly when a big jackpot attracts impulse buyers, Cullerton said. He thinks state government shouldn't be in charge of running the lottery; a private company could improve marketing and expand sales. The changes could potentially double the state's lottery revenues, Cullerton told The Associated Press. But experts question his thinking. They say Internet ticket sales might be illegal. Even it's not, they question whether it would make a dramatic revenue difference. And they predict private management won't change much unless lottery rules change, too. The company would have to offer new games and advertising.