Facts and Figures

The Oklahoma Lottery

October 11, 2005

•  During his campaign for governor in 2002, Brad Henry said his “education lottery” would bring in $500 million in new funding for education.

•  After taking office in 2003, Gov. Henry reduced his revenue estimate for the lottery to $300 million.

•  The Oklahoma Lottery Commission now estimates that the Oklahoma Lottery will bring in less than $130 million in revenues for the state when it is fully implemented.

•  However, some skeptics say that even the new, lower revenue projections are too rosy. (For example: Kansas , a state similar in size and demographics to Oklahoma , received only half the revenues now being projecting for Oklahoma – $65 million – from its lottery last year.)

•  The State of Oklahoma will receive 30% of all lottery ticket sales. (This goes up to 35% after two years.) 45% goes to prizes. The rest pays for administrative overhead, advertising, etc.

•  Of the state's share of revenues, only 45% goes to K-12 education . 45% goes to higher ed, 5% goes to the School Consolidation and Assistance Fund, and 5% goes to the Teachers Retirement System.

•  After intense, outside pressure, the Oklahoma Lottery Commission reversed its decision to sell lottery tickets at pawn shops, payday loan centers, and check-cashing shops. However, the original decision to sell tickets at these locations shows that the Lottery Commission intends to target low-income Oklahomans to boost ticket sales.

•  Oklahoma Lottery Commission Executive Director Jim Scroggins earns a base salary of $175,000 per year. In addition to his base salary, Mr. Scroggins' contract provides for a $25,000 bonus when lottery tickets sales begin 10/12/2005 and another $25,000 bonus when online ticket sales begin. Prior to coming to Oklahoma , Mr. Scroggins was executive director of the Missouri Lottery (since 1992).

•  The Lottery Commission's board of trustees includes seven members, all appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

•  Oklahoma Lottery Commission website: http://www.lottery.ok.gov