CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The state House of Representatives has approved a bill that would allow Wyoming to offer a lottery.

The proposal passed on a 31-28 vote Monday. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The proposal allows the state to offer a state lottery or join a multi-state lottery, such as the Powerball. Proceeds would go to local cities, towns and counties.

Proponents say Wyoming residents are spending a lot of money buying lottery tickets in other states that have lotteries. They say that is money that could stay in Wyoming if the state offered a lottery.

Opponents say lotteries are a form of gambling and tax that would most hurt the poorest citizens who play the game.

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