Gov. Henry’s Lottery Profiting from Neediest Oklahomans with Sales at Pawn Shops, Check-Cashers, Payday Loan Locations

State Sen. Cliff Aldridge, R-Midwest City, said the decision by the Oklahoma Lottery Commission’s oversight board – which was appointed by Gov. Brad Henry – to allow lottery ticket sales at pawn shops, check-cashing businesses, and payday loan companies amounts to profiting from Oklahoma’s neediest citizens.

“Yesterday our worst fears were confirmed: Gov. Henry and his Lottery Commission appointees plan to profit on the backs of the poorest and neediest Oklahoma citizens,” said Aldridge. “By targeting patrons of pawn shops, payday loan centers, and check-cashing shops, we are seeing Gov. Henry’s target audience for the lottery – low-income Oklahomans who feel desperate for a lucky break.”

Aldridge said legislation is needed to publicize the extremely long odds of winning the lottery, and to prevent lottery ticket sales in places like pawn shops, payday loan centers, and check-cashing shops.

“We won’t see Gov. Henry or the Lottery Commission telling the people of Oklahoma that they have a better chance of being struck by lightning than they have of winning a lottery jackpot. Instead, we’ll see billboards and advertisements aimed convincing our neediest citizens that they can get-rich-quick if they buy lottery tickets every week,” Aldridge said.