Study says Tennesseans spend $243 million a year on lotteries

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE - Tennesseans spent an estimated $243 million last year on lotteries in Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia and Missouri, according to a study released this week. <br> <br> Of that total, almost $118 million went from Tennessean&#39;s wallets to lotteries in Georgia. <br> <br> The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations says its finding were based on ``very rough estimates.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> State Senator Steve Cohen, a Memphis Democrat, requested the study and is pushing for passage of the November 5 state lottery referendum. He says the study proves the state should have its own lottery. <br> <br> If approved, the referendum would lift a constitutional ban on a lottery in Tennessee. <br> <br> Michael Gilstrap, campaign director of the anti-lottery Gambling Free Tennessee Alliance, calls the study&#39;s finding ``ridiculous.&#39;&#39;