Tennessee Lottery Battle

Bobbitt, Randy (2003). The Tennessee Lottery Battle: Education Funding vs. Moral Values in the Volunteer State. Public Relations Quarterly. Vol. 48, Iss. 4. Retrieved Feb. 18, 2009, from 

http://proquest.umi.com

This article addresses the issue of the lottery battle in several states all over the country. 

Advocates of the lottery claim that lotteries generate additional funding for the states educational system and provide an alternative to tax increases.  Opponents counter with evidence that the state lotteries often fail to produce the revenues that are promised, and instead contribute to gambling addiction and other social problems.   The article gives several examples of states that have voted in favor of, or against, the legalization of statewide lottery.  The main public relations campaign the author brings to our attention occurs in Tennessee.  A fierce battle ensues between religious groups (anti-lottery) and several state officers.  Both opponents bring in public relations experts to help sway the voters of Tennessee.  It becomes an ethical and moral battle especially for those who are against the lottery.  They argue that the lottery would destroy families, cause the poor to become poorer, cause addictions to gambling, and cause teachers to lower expectations so that their students would be able to receive scholarship money generated by the lottery.  Those in favor of the lottery say that the lottery would help generate approximately $300 million a year, helping to pull Tennessee out of debt.  They also claim that all proceeds of the lottery would be donated towards education.  Both the advocates and those opposing bring up great arguments for their side and  an ethical battle followed.  After a lot of twisted lies and misinformation from both sides, the people of Tennessee voted.  Records were broken as  1.6 million Tennessee voters showed up to the polls.  The lottery was approved by 58 percent.