Friday, January 26, 2007

"Just a few years ago, a $240-million Powerball jackpot would have drawn
long lines at gas stations and convenience stores across the state. "But
yesterday there was little buzz. And forget about lines. ".Rhode Islanders'
appetite for gambling has lowered. And we're not alone. Elsewhere in the
region, sales of lottery tickets and other forms of gambling are either less
than last year or flat. ".Since July, Rhode Island lottery sales have grown
by less than three-tenths of a percent compared with the same period last
year. Instant scratch tickets are down 2.5 percent, Keno is down less than
half a percent and Powerball is up just 1.9 percent. ".At Lincoln Park,
revenues have been down in seven of the last eight months. Newport Grand has
been down during 16 of the last 20 months."