Colorado Lottery to Accept Credit Card Purchases Despite Lawmaker Concerns
DENVER, CO - The Colorado Lottery Commission has approved rule changes allowing customers to purchase lottery tickets wiht credit cards, a move that modernizes the state’s system but has drawn criticism from some state legislators. Colorado joins over two dozen other states in permitting credit card transactions for lottery games.
The new rules, also encompassing online ticket sales, were approved despite a letter signed by approximately two dozen bipartisan lawmakers requesting a voice in the decision. State Rep. William Lindstedt (D-Broomfield), chair of the House Finance Committee, expressed his disapproval.”I don’t think that you should be able to buy lottery tickets on credit cards,” lindstedt stated. “I think that’s a mistake, and I wish I had the opportunity to weigh in on those rules as a legislator.” He indicated the legislature will explore potential responses to the commission’s decision. “In session, we could decide to make legislative changes,” he added.
Governor Jared Polis’ office supports the change, citing increased consumer convenience. A spokesperson for the governor explained the move will “modernize Colorado’s lottery system and ensure customers don’t need to fumble through several cards to buy what they want or have to pay for some things with a credit card and some with cash.”
Colorado Lottery Senior Director Tom Seaver emphasized the changes are driven by player demand. “The lottery’s responsibility is to give players what they want, and that means offering the opportunity to play the games how they want and where they want,” Seaver saeid. He also noted the changes are not immediate, with implementation potentially months away, and that safeguards will be implemented.
Seaver clarified that merchants will not be required to accept credit cards for lottery purchases, and consumers are not obligated to use them.
