Despite the weak economy and unemployment percentages going thru the roof, gambling in New York continues to grow, according to records from the state lottery. Lottery results

Sales of traditional lottery games — like Powerball and Mega Millions — increased by $73.3 million, between 2010 and 2011, since jackpots, like Wednesday’s $170 million Powerball game, help generate interest in state-sponsored gambling.

Just a few lottery games declined in sales from 2010 to 2011. Instant game sales decreased about $73.3 million, the bi-weekly Sweet Million dropped $5.8 million, and the Lotto game declined by $6.1 million.

But those declines were not as meaningful as the growth in other games, like Powerball, which jumped $72.9 million. Quick Draw sales also grew by $72 million, 2010 to 2011. According to the state Lottery Sales, instant games in 2011 totaled $3.6 billion.

In his State of the State address, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he supports an amendment to allow casino gaming in New York as his office estimates that $1 billion in economic activity could be generated from gaming in the state. Proponents of this cite job creation and increased revenue for the state as opponents say it would exploit the poor and people with trouble controlling a gambling habit.

As for some store owners, like Oasis Discount Beverage owner Michael Messina, legalized casino gaming is not something they worry about because it would not impact his store, or the county. State lottery

“I’m not going to be able to put a slot machine in my store. So it’s going to have zero impact,” he said.

Messina, who sells lottery tickets at his business on Main and Grand streets in the City of Poughkeepsie, said the store gets 6 cents of every dollar spent on tickets.

“The lottery is not a moneymaker,” he said. “It’s meant to bring people to your store to buy a six-pack, or a deli to buy an egg sandwich.”

Also, the state Lottery is planning to expand its online lottery subscriptions to Powerball and Sweet Millions; as there is already online subscription for Mega Millions and Lotto. Theses subscriptions allow players to automatically enroll in lottery games for an extended period.

City of Poughkeepsie resident Bill Spindler, 77, said legalizing casino gaming in the state is a “moot point” because it already occurs on Indian reservations. But Spindler said if he goes to a casino, he prefers Connecticut to the reservations because he believes the payouts are better.

He said legalized gambling would need tight controls. “I don’t believe in the corner casino.”

Jon Urban, owner of a small chain of Thrifty Beverage, Smokes-4-Less and check-cashing facilities, said he supports the governor’s push to legalize casino gaming in the state.

He said with changes to rules regarding video terminals at racetracks, “they’re kind of stepping into that.”

So, the possible changes in the state may bring some discussion in the future as to how and when, but one thing is for sure, whether is lottery, casinos or tracks, most New Yorkers gamble.