Attempts to legalize gambling in the form of a state lottery came up short Tuesday when a proposed constitutional amendment failed to garner enough support in the House of Representatives for a vote. 

SB 220 by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, would have put a paper lottery with multi-state games before a vote of the people March 3, 2020. Dubbed the “clean lottery bill,” the legislation would have prohibited video lottery terminals or interactive electronic games. 

The measure passed the Senate earlier in the session but was amended by a House committee to change the distribution of revenues. These changes, along with opposition from proponents of existing gaming facilities, eroded support for the bill. 

State law requires a budget isolation resolution (BIR) to be approved by a three-fifths majority if legislation is considered before the budgets pass. The BIR on SB 220 fell one “yes” vote short.  Fifty-three representatives voted for the BIR; 36 voted “no;” 14 did not vote; and 1 abstained.