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Mega Millions Lotto Debate

California`s participation in Mega Millions lotto has caused a great debate due to its legalization by a bipartisan vote, which occurred without testimony of lottery officials who claim the multi-state game is already legal. `They had the audacity not to show up,` said Sen. Dean Florez, a Bakersfield-area Democrat who authored the bill. The Senate committee approved the measure Tuesday.

A group that opposes gambling expansion has filed a lawsuit that claims Mega Millions` participation violates the voter-approved constitutional amendment that they state authorized a lottery solely within California. The bill partially matches the group`s goals because it would also ban California`s one-time interest in expanding into areas such as an international lottery or Internet-based games unless officials take the issue to voters. Lawmakers` non-partisan attorneys agree with the protestors` position. The legislation could pre-empt this particular lawsuit, which is seeking to shut down the game in California.