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Forty-three states have lotteries, including all but one - Alabama - that border on Mississippi. Supporters say a lottery would help shore the state budget - and could be earmarked for education - and keep Mississippians from spending lottery dollars in neighboring states.
Rep. Richard Bennett, R-Long Beach, said he has the Mississippi Gaming Commission and a casinos' association gathering information for lawmakers.
In 1992 Mississippians voted, by 53 percent, to change the state constitution and allow a lottery. Lawmakers have never enacted a lottery.