OK’s Gaming and Tobacco Take Grew in 2011, Lottery Loot Lingered

• Joe Wertz
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  Joe Wertz was a reporter and managing editor for StateImpact Oklahoma from 2011-2019. He reported on energy and environment issues for national NPR audiences and other national outlets. He previously worked as a managing editor, assistant editor and staff reporter at several major Oklahoma newspapers and studied journalism at the University of Central Oklahoma.

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The state lottery raised about $67 million for education in 2011, according to the Oklahoma Policy Institute.

Oklahoma’s cut of gaming revenues and tobacco taxes increased last year, while proceeds from the state lottery slid slightly, reports the Oklahoma Policy Institute in a series of new fact sheets.

For the most part, lottery sales have remained remarkably consistent, regardless of the up and downs of the economy, the addition of new games, and growing competition from tribal casinos and the new state lottery in Arkansas.

Lottery

Revenues from the state lottery dipped less than 1 percent from fiscal year 2010-2011, wrote OK Policy, a nonprofit research organization that promotes equitable, responsible and sustainable fiscal and economic policies.

Despite the slight decrease, 2011’s roughly $198.3 million in lottery revenues exceeded expectations by about $3.4 million.

Gaming

Electronic games and machines generated the bulk of revenues at both tribal gaming locations and racetracks — 87 percent and 89 percent — respectively, OK Policy reports.

Tobacco

In 2004, Oklahoma voters approved a measure that increased the excise tax on tobacco products and eliminated state and local taxes. Cigarette sales declined about 25 percent from FY2004-FY2011, while tax revenues — despite a slight dip in 2010 — have increased, OK Policy reports.

Right-click here to download a .pdf of the OK Policy fact sheet.