Oklahoma State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: February 14, 2006

Wilcoxson Wins Committee Approval for Measure Banning Lottery Ticket Sales at Pawn Shops

State Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson has won committee approval for Senate Bill 1089. The Senate Finance Committee approved the legislation on Tuesday. SB 1089 would ban the sale of lottery tickets at pawn shops, payday lenders and check-cashing businesses.

“I think the committee vote shows this is an issue that we all can agree on, whether you personally supported the lottery or not. The problem is that individuals who depend on a pawn shop or pay-day lending business for money is likely in dire financial circumstances as it is. To take advantage of that with the sale of lottery tickets is simply unconscionable,” said Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City.

Wilcoxson said she was alarmed when the Lottery Commission initially approved the sale of tickets in the types of businesses her bill addresses.

“The Commission later reversed itself—but we know that they could still change their minds sometime in the future. By placing the ban in the statues, it will be much more difficult to reverse that policy,” Wilcoxson said.

The next step for SB 1089 will be a vote on the measure by the full Senate.

For more information contact:
Senator Wilcoxson's Office - (405) 521-5618