Publications [#266592] of Philip J. Cook

Journal Articles

1. Clotfelter, ; Charles, T; Philip, JC, What Kind of Lottery for North Carolina?, Popular Government, vol. 56 no. 4 (Spring, 1991), pp. 25-29
   (last updated on 2024/04/19)

   Abstract:
   In this time of fiscal distress, the lottery—the “voluntary tax”—can be an appealing option. The North Carolina Senate passed a bill in the 1990 session that mandated a public referendum on the creation of a state lottery, and a similar bill is being considered by both houses of the General Assembly this year. If it passes, it would place the question of a lottery on the November 5, 1991, ballot. Our state has held out longer than most: there are thirty-three state lotteries currently in operation, with half of them in business for more than a decade. What will it mean for North Carolina if we join in? The answer, we believe, depends to some extent on how the lottery agency would be structured and what restrictions would be placed on lottery operations. In this article we review the experience of other states as a basis for making a few predictions and recommendations about a North Carolina lottery.