Lottery Running Illegally

[Shaggy]

In a way, this is somewhat comical, although it is serious. On the very first day they were doing things illegally. They aren't allowed to sell to anyone under 18, yet they were doing it. They are also not allowed to give any cash winnings to anyone under 18, yet they did. If they were following the law, none of this would have happened.

To top it all off, each store that seels lottery tickets are suppose to keep a minimum of $600.00 on hand in case they get a big winner. Now, these stores are refusing to keep that much money on hand, for fear they may be robbed. Duh? Didn't they think of that before they volunteered to participate?

Again, this whole lottery thing is a big joke. I had a co-worker tell me yesterday that she used her gas money to buy lottery tickets, and of course she lost. Late yesterday afternoon, she was trying to borrow money to get some gas for her car. Oh, that's right. Most of you said that people are smarter than to do something like that. Wrong.

If you really think this lottery thing is a success, then you need to pull your head out of your butt and come back to reality.

[mranderson]

"Again, this whole lottery thing is a big joke. I had a co-worker tell me yesterday that she used her gas money to buy lottery tickets, and of course she lost. Late yesterday afternoon, she was trying to borrow money to get some gas for her car. Oh, that's right. Most of you said that people are smarter than to do something like that. Wrong."

Let me see... This woman is one of how many people in this state? Oh yes. Just under four million. Think about that. Just because one person is stupid does not mean the entire state is that way. Very few people will do what this woman did. Most are responsible enough to budget some lottery money. Plus, to give equal time... Had she won, I bet (no pun intended) you would have praised her.

Your statement said "people." That said every person on this planet would do what this woman did. To use your word... WRONG! Most people are smart enough to buy the gas THEN the tickets. I personally bought my first tickets with change I have saved over the past few months... Oh. By the way. I bought a tank of gas just before that... And I never asked anyone for gas money... And I am a "people."

[MadMonk]

Common sense and personal responsibility are things that are sorely lacking in some people. Its not the lottery's fault she was foolish with her money. It was her choice to spend that money the way she did. You make choices and you live with them. Its no different that if she had bought a hamburger instead of gas and still had to beg for gas money. I spent $6 yesterday and won nothing and now I have to stop off at the ATM to replenish my pocket money. Should I cry and wail about how now I'm inconvenienced and its all the lottery's fault? I don't think so.

[Shaggy]

Common sense and personal responsibility are things that are sorely lacking in some people. Its not the lottery's fault she was foolish with her money. It was her choice to spend that money the way she did. You make choices and you live with them. Its no different that if she had bought a hamburger instead of gas and still had to beg for gas money. I spent $6 yesterday and won nothing and now I have to stop off at the ATM to replenish my pocket money. Should I cry and wail about how now I'm inconvenienced and its all the lottery's fault? I don't think so.

Oh my, you spent $6 yesterday and won nothing? First of all, it was foolish for you to waste $6 for nothing when you could have sent a check for $6 to the Red Cross to help hurricane victims. What a waste, your priorities are in the wrong place. Unfortunately, when someone wants to strike it big, they have no common sense and just foolishly (like you) waste their money, and then have to go to the ATM to get more money. Ah yes, the temptation to throw away money is there. You might want to check in to gamblers annonymous. Sorry, but I don't have their number handy.

[mranderson]

Oh my, you spent $6 yesterday and won nothing? First of all, it was foolish for you to waste $6 for nothing when you could have sent a check for $6 to the Red Cross to help hurricane victims. What a waste, your priorities are in the wrong place. Unfortunately, when someone wants to strike it big, they have no common sense and just foolishly (like you) waste their money, and then have to go to the ATM to get more money. Ah yes, the temptation to throw away money is there. You might want to check in to gamblers annonymous. Sorry, but I don't have their number handy.

Shaggy. We choose to invest in our state, and the way we CHOOSE to do so is to play the lottery. We voted for that RIGHT. If you choose against it that is YOUR right. Please do not bust anyones chops for playing a game. Besides, if we were to win, I bet you would be the first in line to congradulate us.

[Shaggy]

Shaggy. We choose to invest in our state, and the way we CHOOSE to do so is to play the lottery. We voted for that RIGHT. If you choose against it that is YOUR right. Please do not bust anyones chops for playing a game. Besides, if we were to win, I bet you would be the first in line to congradulate us.

First of all, the chances of you winning a very large amount is very, very slim. No, I would not congratulate anyone for winning the lottery. I work for my money, I don't have to play stupid chance games. BTW, mranderson, I have a right to my opinions just like you do. If you don't like my opinion, then don't respond. Another thing, you really don't need to use caps in your posts. That shows ignorance. I agree, it is your right to play the lottery and be foolish.

[Intrepid]

First of all, the chances of you winning a very large amount is very, very slim. No, I would not congratulate anyone for winning the lottery. I work for my money, I don't have to play stupid chance games. BTW, mranderson, I have a right to my opinions just like you do. If you don't like my opinion, then don't respond. Another thing, you really don't need to use caps in your posts. That shows ignorance. I agree, it is your right to play the lottery and be foolish.

You could say the same thing about spending the same $6 on going to a movie, only to be disappointed with it. That's the chance we all take. At least with the lottery, 30% (soon to be 35%) of the $6 goes to a good cause...Oklahoma's Education system. Whereas if it were spent on a bad movie, the $6 would have just been wasted on a bad movie.

I do agree that people need to play responsibly and within their means.

[MadMonk]

Oh my, you spent $6 yesterday and won nothing? First of all, it was foolish for you to waste $6 for nothing when you could have sent a check for $6 to the Red Cross to help hurricane victims. What a waste, your priorities are in the wrong place.

Yes, it was a waste, but at least I know some of the money is going to the school system (or at least is suppoed to. You assume too much about me based on a forum post. You know nothing about my priorities kiddo, so you can't even begin to tell me how to spend my money. Tell me, do you send every spare dime you earn that doesn't pay for the bare necessities to charity? If not, you have no right to attempt to chastise another on how they spend their money. BTW, how much did your ham radio equipment and license cost you? I bet that little chunk o'change could do some good at the Red Cross. Somehow, I just don't expect you to put the stuff up for sale any time soon. Who's the bigger fool, the person who spends a small amount on lottery tickets or the guy who chases tornados?
I suggest you stop being so self-righteous and keep your abusive opinions to yourself.

Unfortunately, when someone wants to strike it big, they have no common sense and just foolishly (like you) waste their money, and then have to go to the ATM to get more money. Ah yes, the temptation to throw away money is there. You might want to check in to gamblers annonymous. Sorry, but I don't have their number handy.

I have no illusions of "striking it big". Its harmless entertainment, thats all. Have you even tried it? Its just $1 to give it a shot. Whats the matter? Afraid the big-bad compulsive gambler in you will burst out and ruin your life? By your warped thinking trying a beer would mean I'd need to contact AA. LOL! You crack me up Shaggy.

...No, I would not congratulate anyone for winning the lottery. I work for my money, I don't have to play stupid chance games.

Man, thats some bad lottery-winner-envy you're developing there. A case of sour grapes I guess.

[Karried]

State has first $5,000 winners

By The Associated Press
Stopping for some baby formula on the way to dinner with friends led to a state employee cashing in a $5,000 prize Thursday on the second day of the Oklahoma lottery.



James R. Glover, computer specialist for the Office of State Finance, said he stopped at a Homeland store in Guthrie Wednesday after his wife said she needed formula for the couple's 11-month-old son.

Glover bought one scratch-off $2 ticket and four $1 tickets and won a $2 prize. He said his wife talked him into buying another $2 "Oklahoma Gusher" ticket with his winnings and that ticket proved to be a $5,000 winner.

"My wife was jumping up and down and celebrating, but nobody in the store seemed to notice," said Glover, who showed up at the Lottery Commission offices early Thursday to cash in his big prize.

As for what he will do with the money, Glover quipped that he had been "telling everybody that I'm going to retire and move to some tropical island."

"Or maybe we can pay some bills and buy some of the things we need," he added. Ron Argyle of Tulsa was the first of three people to submit a claim for a $5,000 prize after playing the lottery's "Rush to Cash" game, officials said. The claim arrived early in the day by Federal Express at the Lottery Commission office in Oklahoma City.

[Shaggy]

Yes, it was a waste, but at least I know some of the money is going to the school system (or at least is suppoed to. You assume too much about me based on a forum post. You know nothing about my priorities kiddo, so you can't even begin to tell me how to spend my money. Tell me, do you send every spare dime you earn that doesn't pay for the bare necessities to charity? If not, you have no right to attempt to chastise another on how they spend their money. BTW, how much did your ham radio equipment and license cost you? I bet that little chunk o'change could do some good at the Red Cross. Somehow, I just don't expect you to put the stuff up for sale any time soon. Who's the bigger fool, the person who spends a small amount on lottery tickets or the guy who chases tornados?
I suggest you stop being so self-righteous and keep your abusive opinions to yourself.


I have no illusions of "striking it big". Its harmless entertainment, thats all. Have you even tried it? Its just $1 to give it a shot. Whats the matter? Afraid the big-bad compulsive gambler in you will burst out and ruin your life? By your warped thinking trying a beer would mean I'd need to contact AA. LOL! You crack me up Shaggy.


Man, thats some bad lottery-winner-envy you're developing there. A case of sour grapes I guess.

I guess I hit a nerve.

Who's the bigger fool, the person who spends a small amount on lottery tickets or the guy who chases tornados?
I suggest you stop being so self-righteous and keep your abusive opinions to yourself.


The person that spends money on a lottery ticket is the foolish one. The one that chases tornadoes has a reason for what he does, and that is, to save lives. The lottery will destroy lives. By the way, just like I told mranderson, I have as much right to an opinion as you do. My opinions are not abusive, they are straighforward.

The saying is, if it gets too hot for you, then maybe you ought to get out of the kitchen. In other words, if you can't handle opposing opinions on a thread, then maybe you need to go to some other topic. I know nothing about you and I certainly do not care to.

Yes, someone won $5,000.00 today. So what? About 5% will go to education, and the rest of it will line someone's pocket. If you all actually think that the majority of this lottery money will go to education, like it was "promised," then I have some swamp land in Florida I'd like to sell you. It's all a big lie, brought on by our narrowminded governor.

[Jay]

In my opinion as long as you honestly earn your money and pay taxes like I do. You have the right to do with your money what you want do with it.




Regardless if you buy, beer, lottery tickets, comic books, cheap crap on eBay it’s your money spend it how you see fit.




I am so tired of these people out there that try to tell you how to spend your money.

What I think is funny is the people that jump on the money soapbox are always tied to the church or a financial institution.




Banks want your money in the bank so they can back a shady financial deal that they can later blame on consumers.




Churches want your money in reserve so when its time to add another wing the multi-million dollar cathedral with the $50,000 dollar audio video system, they can hit you up for the money.




Hey Charley Church and Bob the Banker how about you keep your nose out my finances. If you do just that, I will promise that you will be the very last one I come to when I am need.






I pay my bills and I handle my money just fine. I will be damned If I am going to let someone lecture me for buying lotto tickets.




It’s my money........mind your own business

[Shaggy]

In my opinion as long as you honestly earn your money and pay taxes like I do. You have the right to do with your money what you want do with it.




Regardless if you buy, beer, lottery tickets, comic books, cheap crap on eBay it’s your money spend it how you see fit.




I am so tired of these people out there that try to tell you how to spend your money.

What I think is funny is the people that jump on the money soapbox are always tied to the church or a financial institution.




Banks want your money in the bank so they can back a shady financial deal that they can later blame on consumers.




Churches want your money in reserve so when its time to add another wing the multi-million dollar cathedral with the $50,000 dollar audio video system, they can hit you up for the money.




Hey Charley Church and Bob the Banker how about you keep your nose out my finances. If you do just that, I will promise that you will be the very last one I come to when I am need.






I pay my bills and I handle my money just fine. I will be damned If I am going to let someone lecture me for buying lotto tickets.




It’s my money........mind your own business

Goodness, I hit a nerve with you to, huh? It is my business when the people who can least afford to throw their money away, are the ones buying the tickets so that they can strike it rich. Then, they run out of money, and the government takes care of them as they go to gamblers anonymous.

Hey Charley Church and Bob the Banker how about you keep your nose out my finances. If you do just that, I will promise that you will be the very last one I come to when I am need.

Never make promises you can't keep. Many people go to churches because they can't feed their families, because they blew all of their money. So, if you lost everything you had and were put on the streets, you say you would never need help from the church? You can talk tough now, but when it comes down to it, you aren't as brave as you thought you were.

Churches want your money in reserve so when its time to add another wing the multi-million dollar cathedral with the $50,000 dollar audio video system, they can hit you up for the money.

You are so wrong on that one. Some churches do flaunt their "stuff," however, 99% of them don't have much of anything. When is the last time a church called you up asking for money? Yeah, that's what I though, never. So, don't get on to the church because you think all they are about is money. You are wrong.

What I think is funny is the people that jump on the money soapbox are always tied to the church or a financial institution.

For one thing, I am not on a money "soapbox," and I am not attached to a church or a financial institution. You don't know me, so you have no right to judge me.

I will be damned If I am going to let someone lecture me for buying lotto tickets.

You had to throw in profanity to get your point across, huh? I am not the least bit impressed. By the way, this is not a lecture, it is a lesson. Some will learn the hard way.

[MadMonk]

I guess I hit a nerve.

I wouldn't say that. Call it atonishment at the incredible amount of arrogance you displayed with calling people foolish for spending their money that they earned in a way that they saw fit (entertainment).

Who's the bigger fool, the person who spends a small amount on lottery tickets or the guy who chases tornados?
I suggest you stop being so self-righteous and keep your abusive opinions to yourself.

The person that spends money on a lottery ticket is the foolish one. The one that chases tornadoes has a reason for what he does, and that is, to save lives.

How noble. Anyway, your remarks are pointless as I have my reasons for purchasing a few lottery tickets just as you have galavanting around the countryside chasing weather phenomenon. I enjoy my various hobbies (gambling is one of them), you enjoy persuing the thrill of wind going in circles and talking on the ham radio. So be it. I don't tell you what do spend your money on, so keep your nose out of my wallet as well.

The lottery will destroy lives.

The lottery won't destroy lives. Nobody is forcing anyone to buy tickets. If someone destroys their life by blowing their life saving on a few lottery tickets, the they are the ones responsible for their actions, not a lottery. Tell us, how else would you choose to protect the ignorant unwashed masses from themselves?

Yes, someone won $5,000.00 today. So what? About 5% will go to education, and the rest of it will line someone's pocket.

There are those sour grapes again. Can't you at least try to be happy for them?

[mranderson]

I wouldn't say that. Call it atonishment at the incredible amount of arrogance you displayed with calling people foolish for spending their money that they earned in a way that they saw fit (entertainment).

How noble. Anyway, your remarks are pointless as I have my reasons for purchasing a few lottery tickets just as you have galavanting around the countryside chasing weather phenomenon. I enjoy my various hobbies (gambling is one of them), you enjoy persuing the thrill of wind going in circles and talking on the ham radio. So be it. I don't tell you what do spend your money on, so keep your nose out of my wallet as well.


The lottery won't destroy lives. Nobody is forcing anyone to buy tickets. If someone destroys their life by blowing their life saving on a few lottery tickets, the they are the ones responsible for their actions, not a lottery. Tell us, how else would you choose to protect the ignorant unwashed masses from themselves?


There are those sour grapes again. Can't you at least try to be happy for them?

Amen, madmonk. To you and to okla city 75. I agree with you both. I will spend the money I work my tuchas off earning any way I choose. When I have a woman in my life, she is the only one who has the authority and my permission to decide how I spend some of my money... And no one else. If I want lottery tickets, that is my business. At least I do not blow it on tobacco, alcohol or other drugs like a lot of people do.

[PUGalicious]

...I work my tuchas...

What's "tuchas"?

[Karried]

Tush?

[Keith]

Tuesday, 18 October 2005 by Anthony Jordan

The media is filled with reports. One paper showed the picture of a college freshman scratching his card. Another tells of a man who said he is down on his luck and has been saving his money so he can play. Another stated he could not wait until more aggressive games are available.

Today the Oklahoma Lottery becomes reality. For some it is their lucky day. They won free lottery tickets. Others won $2 and a few won as much as $777. Wow! Most importantly according to political pundits and the gambling promoters, all of our school funding problems will be solved in a short time.

All of this reminds me of one of my favorite Broadway plays “Orphan Annie.” Do you remember the corrupt superintendent and her slinky family members who seek to claim Annie as their own and extort money from Daddy Warbucks? Do you remember the song they sang in anticipation of their windfall? Easy Street! Easy Street for them ended in jail.

My purpose is not to be a sore loser. I will not personally lose anything because I don’t have an itch that needs scratching. But people around me will lose. As Oklahoma becomes a gambling Mecca, families will lose. The poor will lose, as they try to grab a solution to their poverty. Government will lose, because it now must promote taking from her citizenry rather than helping it. Ultimately, our schools will lose. Our kids will grow-up thinking that gambling is the easy solution to problems. They will embrace the logic or thinking that since gambling is the source for our schools, therefore it surely can help me.

I am not a sore loser. I am a sad loser. Sad for our state. Sad for our families. Sad for all those that will gamble away their grocery money and money for shoes for the kids. Extremist? Yes, I am extreme about declaring the ills that gambling brings to a state.
The euphoria of the new plaything will wear off. Already government planners are adjusting the numbers downward regarding expectations of receipts from the lottery and gambling—$350 million now has become $150 million. Now, we are admitting that gambling has impacted the bankruptcy numbers in our state and the attempted suicide rates, and this before the lottery was unleashed on us. Gambling is not and will not be good for our state or its future.

The cry has already begun for churches to minister to families and victims of gambling. The government has allotted a paltry amount for addressing the problem of gambling addiction. Will the church step forward? The answer is “Yes.” We will love these people and their families. We will give them food and clothing. We will counsel them and serve them. We will pay their electric bills.

Where will the gambling establishments be when the walls come down on the lives of the people they have helped destroy? Will they give them money to survive? The answer is “No.” They will kick them out of the gambling halls and refuse them lottery tickets unless they have money! Money is the bottom line. They will not be there to help pick up the pieces. The church will.

While others grin from ear to ear scratching their lottery ticket, I admit to have a tear in my eye and no smile on my face. It is not a triumphant day. No need to celebrate. It is a sad day for this great state.


Anthony Jordan is executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma

I could not have said it any better.

[okieopus]

Interesting point...however, Oklahoma voters approved the lottery last year.

at this point you either play it or you don't but just like indian casinos, gambling is in Oklahoma to stay

[Karried]

Everything in moderation - if people have an addictive personality, they will always find something to get addicted to, no matter how you try to shield them from it... look at all the illegal meth labs. Government tried to keep people from that, they found a way.

Cigarettes, alcohol, gambling, sex, food - if you abuse any of these or take it to the extreme, it's a problem.

[Patrick]

If they don't buy a lottery ticket, they'll just bet their money on the football game. I don't see the difference.