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Committee approves raising max scratch-ticket price to $50; officials say modest revenue boost expected
Summary
Finance Division II approved a change in HB 2 to increase the maximum instant (scratch) ticket price from $30 to $50, with lottery staff estimating a roughly $1 million net revenue increase to the state in the biennium and committee approval by voice vote.
Finance Division II voted to adopt the governor’s proposed change in House Bill 2 allowing the state lottery to sell instant (scratch) lottery tickets priced up to $50.
Charlie McIntyre, Lottery Director, told the committee that several neighboring states already offer $50 tickets and that suppliers and retailers requested the change. He said implementation would require lead time — promotions and product planning — and likely would take effect in the second year of the next biennium. McIntyre estimated the $50 maximum would increase net state revenue by about $1 million over the biennium.
Committee members who spoke in favor said the change updates a price that has not been adjusted for decades and helps keep the product competitive with nearby states. Senator Murray said she had concerns about relying heavily on gambling revenue for state spending but did not oppose the technical ticket-price change.
The committee approved the change on a voice/hand vote; the clerk recorded 7 in favor and none opposed.
McIntyre said the change was expected to be included in HB 2 and would take implementation planning (ticket design and ordering) into account; the lottery will return with administrative details to the committee or as required through the budget process.
Votes at a glance: motion to adopt Section 179 of HB 2 (maximum instant ticket price increased to $50) — passed 7–0.
