Summer Hurts Oklahoma Lottery

Wednesday, August 16th 2006, 6:05 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The head of the Oklahoma Lottery Commission says high gas prices and other factors hampered lottery sales this summer but that Powerball play remains strong.

James Scroggins says about 367 businesses abandoned lottery sales, but more businesses were added than dropped off, increasing the number of retailers to more than 2,200.

He says a slowdown in lottery sales in the summer is typical as people go on vacation and spend money on other recreational activities.

Preliminary figures show total sales of nearly $205-million, with $109-million being paid out in prizes.