LANSING – The Michigan Lottery is eyeing the Internet as a means to increase sales, the Lansing State Journal reports.

However, some state lawmakers fear an online expansion could increase gambling addiction, debt and impact brick-and-mortar lottery retailers.

The debate is heating up as lawmakers consider spending for the next budget year. Governor Rick Snyder’s administration has requested more than $3 million to launch an “iLottery” early next year. The Republican-led Legislature is divided over the idea: the House has agreed to the funding request and the Senate is expected to reject it.

Illinois and Georgia currently sell lottery tickets online. Michigan lottery officials maintain the move is critical in order for the lottery to remain relevant.

“You can buy almost anything you want on the Internet now. We really should not be any different,” said lottery spokeswoman Andi Brancato. 

Profits could grow by up to $471 million in the following seven years if the lottery expands to the Internet.  But some Republican senators say the extra money is not worth the potential trouble if people could play the lottery on their computer or phone. 

“It’s alarming that the state would be leading the charge in online gambling. State-sponsored, wherever-you-are-gambling on a credit card — that just doesn’t pass the smell test for me,” said Rep. Kevin Cotter.