According to the Star-Telegram, ten lawmakers will study the impact of eliminating the lottery.

Critics say they fear that the game financially hurts some of the most vulnerable Texans and doesn’t do enough to help the state. Supporters disagree and question where $1 billion a year can be found to replace revenue lost if the entrenched business is shut down.

Some “believe the lottery was a trick and the state of Texas was sold a bag of goods that hasn’t delivered,” said Rob Kohler, a consultant with the Dallas-based Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, which opposes gambling.

“It’s gobbling up folks’ money that they could otherwise use to buy food, pay health insurance or send their kids to camp.”

Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, said he looks forward to the legislative review.

“I’m hopeful that the work we’ve done here at the agency will be recognized … and that they decide to keep us in business,” he said.

At the same time, he said he realizes this that it won’t be review of the agency’s efficiency.

“It’s more a philosophical [review] of whether it’s … good to have a state-operated gaming program,” Grief said.

Critics have long sought to end the Texas lottery, and the issue came to a head last year when members of the Texas House, in an unexpected move, voted to do so.

Within hours, as questions arose about how to replace the money that flows from the lottery into the state’s public schools, legislators shifted gears and continued the lottery.

But they said there must be a study about the possibility of phasing out the game someday and determining how that would affect Texas financially.

Ten lawmakers recently named by House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst will soon study the impact of eliminating the lottery as well as review charitable bingo and the distribution of money that bingo games generate.

There are Republicans and Democrats who are for ending the lottery and against ending the lottery. What do you think? Let us know in today's poll of the day and share your thoughts in the comment section.

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