Lottery tickets and video-slot machines have been the fastest-growing source of revenue for the Rhode Island state.

Gambling: fastest-growing revenue source for RI

In the last decade, lottery tickets and video-slot machines have been the fastest-growing source of revenue for the Rhode Island state, the Associated Press reported, quoted by www.abc6.com.

The state has been relying less on business taxes and more on consumer taxes and fees over the past decade, according to the Providence Journal.

Lottery was quoted as a major example in shifting the tax burden. The lottery has now surpassed businesses taxes to become the state's third-largest source of cash.

Smokers, gamblers and shoppers are paying more for state government in Rhode Island, while personal income and sales tax remain the state's top two revenue streams.

Other increases are in user fees, such as parking at state beaches, car registrations and state licenses required for plumbers and barbers.