For Immediate Release: May 8, 2006

Legislation Banning Pawn Shops/Payday Lenders from Lottery Sales Goes to Gov.

State Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City, has won final Senate approval for legislation banning the sale of lottery tickets at pawn shops, payday lenders and check-cashing businesses.
Wilcoxson was principal author of SB 1089, which was coauthored by Rep. Sally Kerns, R-Oklahoma City. The Senator said the strong bipartisan support for the measure was evidence that even those legislators who supported the lottery felt this was an important statement.

“What we’re saying with the passage of this measure is that we are not going to tempt or exploit those citizens who can least likely afford to lose what few dollars they have on lottery tickets,” said Wilcoxson.
Wilcoxson said she was very concerned last year when the Lottery Commission had initially voted to allow the sale of lottery tickets at pawn shops and payday lenders.

“They changed their stand and voted to prohibit those sales, but there’s nothing to prevent future commission members from reversing that decision,” Wilcoxson said. “By placing this prohibition in state law, we can ensure that won’t happen.”

SB 1089 now goes to Gov. Brad Henry for his consideration.

“I am optimistic that Gov. Henry will join us in supporting this measure,” Wilcoxson said.

If approved, the legislation would take effect immediately.

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