Polling shows Connecticut residents did not want Keno. They understand that separating people from their money, particularly people who can least afford it, is no way to build an economy.

Yet Keno is almost here, to be run by the Connecticut Lottery Corp. and available at the state’s existing 2,800 retailers and hundreds of restaurants and bars.

The last impediment to Keno, which was never much of an impediment, fell when the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes agreed to modify their compact with the state that allows them to operate slots at their respective tribal casinos, in return for sending 25 percent of the slot revenues to the state.

The compact would have allowed either tribe to block Keno as unwanted competition. Instead, the tribes will let the state Lottery operate Keno in return for each tribe receiving 12.5 percent of the Keno revenues. It’s a no-lose arrangement for them. Keno will have a minimal effect on Foxwoods Resort Casino or Mohegan Sun, but it will generate new revenues at a time when casino competition is increasing in other states.

Keno should not have gotten this far. In March 2014, the last time Quinnipiac University did a poll on the question, voters responded 65 percent to 29 percent that the state should not allow it in restaurants, bars or convenience stores.

In the past legislative session, however, Democrats in control of the legislature could not resist coming up with another revenue source to pay for government. They expect Keno to contribute $30 million to the budget next fiscal year. They anticipate the number to grow as more people are hooked on the game. Massachusetts revenues from Keno are approaching $800 million annually.

Once the legislature gets accustomed to the new revenues, it is difficult to imagine lawmakers repealing the Keno game. Addicts have a better record of reform than the legislature.

Lawmakers made this cynical revenue calculation knowing full well Keno will prey on vulnerable, desperate people — those with the least disposable income, with troubling consequences for families.

It’s a fast-paced game, with drawings typically every few minutes. Players face a powerful desire to keep betting in an effort to reverse losses, often digging a deeper hole. And unlike gambling in a casino, Keno will involve little travel, just a trip to the local bar or restaurant that offers it.

The people were right. It’s a bad idea. But who listens to them?