Indian tribes' lottery; don't bet on it.

The Oklahoma attorney general's office says at least two Indian tribes in the state are thinking about starting their own lotteries if the state begins one. <br><br>That couldn't happen without

Sunday, December 29th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Oklahoma attorney general's office says at least two Indian tribes in the state are thinking about starting their own lotteries if the state begins one.

That couldn't happen without voter approval. Governor-elect Brad Henry says a lottery could be a good way to boost education funds.

But at least one Oklahoma lawmaker says any public benefits from a lottery could be gone if Indian tribes get into the act. State Representative Wayne Pettigrew says tribes can offer bigger payouts because they don't have to pay state taxes or contribute to education.

Some Indian leaders say lotteries aren't a good idea because tribes don't have enough resources for a big cash prize. The A-G's office says the Absentee Shawnee and Seminoles have expressed some interest.