Stimulus checks boost state lotteries

STOP PREDATORY Gambling is calling on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to immediately shut down the marketing and selling of all state lottery games until the financial turmoil caused by the coronavirus has passed. It is essential that these games be shut down between now and at least 30 days after federal stimulus payments are received by American families.

The reason is simple. Federal tax dollars are being sent to American families in order to put food on the table, make rent or mortgage payments, or provide for other daily necessities — not to subsidize state lotteries.

A revealing report April 23 by The Houston Chronicle’s Eric Dexheimer revealed instant scratch-off lottery ticket sales soared at the same time as hundreds of billions of dollars in direct federal financial relief were being delivered to American families across the nation . ...

State lotteries are openly preying upon the financial desperation of millions of Americans. This news is a shame on all of us. State and local government officials in any capacity must listen to and act on their conscience to stop this exploitation of our citizens.

Lottery research over decades reveals that many citizens gamble on the lottery to change their financial condition, and even more so when they are feeling a sense of desperation. Lotteries are one of the root causes why more than 60% of Americans had less than $1,000 in savings before the coronavirus pandemic occurred.

Besides being exposed to the COVID-19 virus while standing in long lines in convenience stores, spending stimulus money on the lottery makes their desperation even more menacing.

The governor needs to shut down all sales and advertising of lottery games immediately.

DR. GUY CLARK Chairman, Stop Predatory Gambling New Mexico Albuquerque