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Lottery machines returning

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The Associated Press

Published: June 6, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Construction worker Anthony Carey usually gets $50 in scratch-off lottery tickets once a week at the convenience store where he gasses up, but he says that probably will change when Florida reintroduces vending machines this year in supermarkets.

The first of 1,000 machines should begin showing up in mid-August, and all should be in place by the end of November.

"By having those machines available everywhere and more convenient, people would definitely buy more," Carey said.

That's just what Florida Lottery officials and lawmakers want to hear after betting $3.9 million of taxpayers' money that the vending machines will pay off.

The machines will be placed only in supermarkets. Five supermarket chains, including Publix and Winn-Dixie, have committed to take them.

Lottery Secretary Leo DiBenigno said he expects this and other changes to produce a better result than Florida's past experience with the machines.

State economists estimated the machines will raise sales by 15 percent annually, or $3.4 million.

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