Wednesday marked the one year anniversary of the beginning of the Oklahoma Lottery. Lottery officials say it's been an excellent year, even though sales are lagging slightly behind projections.
This year, Oklahomans won more than $129 million. So far, more than $68 million has been transferred to Oklahoma education.
Lottery Commission Executive Director Jim Scroggins says the lottery is expected to generate $123 million this year for education. But before it started, lottery supporters expected that number to be closer to $150 million.
In it's first year, the Oklahoma Lottery has launched 27 scratchers, debuted the Pick 3 online game and hosted the national Powerball drawing. But not everyone KTEN spoke with was a lottery fan.
Bonnie Growall, an Ardmore resident said, "Honestly, I've never played. I don't know anything about it."
Lahoma Barnett of Wilson said, "I think it's not right because now they're having to get counselors to keep people from being hooked on the lottery. Hooked on gambling." [Editor: The curb on the street probably knows more about the lottery than Ms. Barnett, but I guess KTEN News was just looking for someone to mention gambling problems.]
"No, I really don't play," said Felecia Hendon. "Just maybe once a month when I'm feeling lucky I guess, but I haven't ever won."
To celebrate the anniversary, the lottery has planned a statewide scratcher promotion and will launch the first anniversary raffle next month.
On October 12, 2005 I played the Oklahoma Lottery for the first time, buying a Lucky 7's stratch-off ticket. The stores were quite busy that day as we became the 41st lottery state.
Today I play Powerball, Cash 5 and Pick 3, and seldom buy scratchers anymore. But after one year I still enjoy playing the Oklahoma Lottery.
That was a great story. I hope Oklahoma keeps up with their sales and winnings.
On October 12, 2005 I played the Oklahoma Lottery for the first time, buying a Lucky 7's stratch-off ticket. The stores were quite busy that day as we became the 41st lottery state.
Today I play Powerball, Cash 5 and Pick 3, and seldom buy scratchers anymore. But after one year I still enjoy playing the Oklahoma Lottery.