During a news conference, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh cited a study that says four casinos and a lottery would generate $400 million in new state revenue — with $332 million of that coming from a state lottery — and 11,000 new jobs. The powerful Republican's endorsement of gambling as a revenue source could be a significant boost to the idea that has previously fallen flat with conservative lawmakers. The Senate leader said he will discuss the study with legislators this week as a possible answer to the state's perpetual General Fund woes. The study assumes a state lottery and casino games and slot machines at four existing dog tracks in Mobile, Birmingham, Macon and Greene County. Alabama lawmakers face tough budget decisions, with a projected minimum $280 million shortfall in the General Fund plus unfunded needs in corrections, Medicaid and other agencies. A spokeswoman for Republican House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, said the speaker is reviewing the study but said gambling would not provide a solution to next year's budget since a referendum couldn't be held until next fiscal year.