Repealing Oklahoma's Lottery

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The head of Oklahoma's Republican Party, citing lower-than-expected revenue and escalating social costs, is calling for repeal of the Oklahoma Lottery. Only 18 months after the

Monday, March 26th 2007, 1:28 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The head of Oklahoma's Republican Party, citing lower-than-expected revenue and escalating social costs, is calling for repeal of the Oklahoma Lottery. Only 18 months after the first lottery ticket was sold in the state, state Republican Party chairman Tom Daxon says the lottery, approved with 64 percent of the vote in a statewide referendum in November 2004, has not worked out as the voters were led to believe.

Democratic Governor Brad Henry supported a statewide lottery as a way to raise additional revenue for public schools and state colleges and universities.

A spokesman for Henry, Paul Sund, says if Daxon wants the lottery repealed, quote, ``he should have at it.''

The GOP chairman says lottery revenue has consistently been below expectations and that shortfalls have forced lawmakers to dip into other revenue sources to fund education.

Daxon also says an increase in gaming in the state has led to a variety of social problems.

The find out more about the Oklahoma Lottery, visit their website.

Related stories:

10/11/2005 - Lottery Tickets Become Hot Sellers On Opening Day

7/17/2006 - Official Says Lottery Has Generated $65-Million For Schools

10/17/2006 - Oklahoma Lottery Transfers $17.4 Million For Education

3/12/2007 - Schools To Get Less Money