Legislators Discuss How Lottery Will Work

They talked about how students will need to qualify... and how much they can get.

"Bottom line is more money the lotto makes... the more money we're going give to the students of Arkansas and that can only be good news for the state of Arkansas," said Speaker of the House Robbie Wills.

Students will need to have at least a 2.5 GPA or a score of 19 or higher on the ACT.

But lawmakers warned it will take more than that to punch their ticket through school.

"Our goal is not just to get students to college... we're very respectable in terms our of our college going-rate,” said Wills, “but I think we're dead last in college degree attainment."

That's why students will have to maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout college in order to keep their scholarships.

The student scholarships themselves will be awarded using what's called a slide rule approach.

For example...if the lottery generates 100 million dollars, students attending four-year universities will receive $5,000 and students attending two-year universities will receive $2500.

If the lottery generates $50 million, then students attending four-year universities will get $2500 and students attending two year universities will get $1,250.

"I think it makes sense to not overpromise and underdeliver... that's the last thing we need to do," said Wills.

It's important to note... there may be some case-by-case consideration for students who don't meet the requirements.

Now, a lottery commission will be appointed.

They will help implement and determine what kind of games will be played.

They will also answer to a legislative oversight committee.

The final vote on this for the House and Senate should take place in about 10 days.