Oklahoma Lottery to Take Months

"It could take from six months to a year or more for the lottery to be available. The gaming devices might be available sooner, but there are still some hurdles to leap.

"'It will probably be late 2005 before we sell our first lottery ticket,' said Paul Sund, who is the communications director for Oklahoma Gov. Henry.

"Before the first lottery ticket can be sold, Henry must first select and appoint a seven-member board of directors. Then he has to find an executive director to oversee and organize the lottery.

"…The tribal gaming pact which would allow a different class of electronic gaming machines at the 80 Indian casinos in Oklahoma as well as at three race tracks is set to go into effect during the spring of 2005. It's been estimated the pact will result in $70 million a year for education…"