Mega Millions rolls on in NY after judge declines to act

ALBANY, NEW YORK - A state judge on Thursday refused to block New Yorkers from taking a chance on the Mega Millions multistate lottery game. <br> <br> Friday&#39;s drawing for the twice-a-week game will be the first that includes tickets purchased in New York state. Tickets for the lottery, which used to be called the Big Game until it was revamped starting for this Friday&#39;s drawing, went on sale in New York and in eight other states on Wednesday. <br> <br> On Thursday, state Supreme Court Justice Joseph Teresi refused a lawyer&#39;s request to issue a preliminary injunction barring the state from participating in the game. The lawyer, Cornelius Murray of Albany, sought the injunction as part of his larger antigambling lawsuit against the state. <br> <br> Murray, representing a coalition of antigambling groups and individuals, argued that the state constitution prohibits New York from entering any lottery game not exclusively run by the state. Mega Millions is operated from Atlanta. <br> <br> The decision doesn&#39;t directly affect Murray&#39;s broader suit. That civil action, filed in January, questions the constitutionality of the law passed in October that allows up to six new Indian-run casinos in New York state, placement of video slot-like machines at horse racing tracks and the state&#39;s entry into multistate lotteries. <br> <br> Murray said he would not appeal Teresi&#39;s denial of his injunction. <br> <br> ``While I certainly disagree,&#39;&#39; Murray said Thursday, ``I also respect the judge&#39;s decision and intend to move on with other parts of the case challenging video lottery terminals at racetracks and Indian casino gaming, which are unaffected by today&#39;s ruling.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> A state Lottery Division spokeswoman said her office wasn&#39;t involved in the case and doesn&#39;t believe the legal action hurt ticket sales.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/5/194603