As state legislators work to pass a budget by the end of June, a federal ruling over lottery money could mean that the state will lose millions of dollars in funding. The U.S. Department of Justice in November reversed a 2011 legal opinion that said only interstate sports betting is in violation of the federal wire act, which now means online lottery sales are illegal.  New Hampshire officials said the move could cost the state millions of dollars in school funding.

State could lose millions in funding over federal lottery decision 

AG says state's lawsuit over decision will be heard next month

CONCORD, N.H. —

As state legislators work to pass a budget by the end of June, a federal ruling over lottery money could mean that the state will lose millions of dollars in funding.
The U.S. Department of Justice in November reversed a 2011 legal opinion that said only interstate sports betting is in violation of the federal wire act, which now means online lottery sales are illegal.

New Hampshire officials said the move could cost the state millions of dollars in school funding.

"It will affect our iLottery business, which has been growing and growing and growing," said Charlie McIntyre, executive director of NH Lottery. "Month on month, we're 100 percent above projections... and the rest of the business has been growing, too. Our other lottery sales are up 15 percent as well."

New Hampshire filed a lawsuit in February against the Trump administration to try to save the money.

Attorney General Gordon MacDonald spoke with state legislators Tuesday about where things stand with the lawsuit.

"We've asked the federal court to consider it as quickly as possible, and we'll have a hearing on April 11 for the court to hear our arguments," MacDonald said. "And we hope to have an opinion one way or the other as soon as possible after that."

MacDonald said all briefing will be done by early April and he expects some initial determination by May 30.

"We've informed the federal court that the budget process in the General Court is ongoing. They have a hard deadline of June 30th to put together the state budget," he said.

The deadline leaves some leeway for legislators as they figure out the state budget.

"We've asked the federal court to give us an opinion as soon as they can, mindful of the state's ongoing budget process," MacDonald said.

State officials said that if the opinion stands, it could cost the state anywhere from $4.4 million to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Online sales continue as the state awaits the outcome of the lawsuit.

https://www.wmur.com/article/state-could-lose-millions-in-funding-over-federal-lottery-decision/26951654