Lottery Commission Says September Deadline Possible

The man who started it all, Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter, was on hand Wednesday to encourage the Lottery Commission.

"Now there's gonna be a lot of people... who criticize your work and a lot of people who will criticize your work in the future... but that's okay," he said.

As it stands right now... the commission has settled on one vendor to set up the lottery games and on-line network.

The commission says that vendor, called Intralot, could have the lottery up and running by September 28th.

"Based on everything I've seen September 28th is very doable," said Halter.

The legislative committee says that deadline could come way too quickly...they are taking more time to review the proposed contract with Intralot.

But it's clear...members of the lottery commission believe it's possible.

"I think September 28th really pushes but I'm not yet persuaded that we can't do it on that date," said Lottery Commission Chairman Ray Thornton.

"We just feel good about where we are and where we're going," said Director Ernie Passailague.

You may think what's the difference between a September or October start date, but Halter says there is a very compelling reason to get it up and running as soon as possible.

"If the number is 100 million a year... you're talking eight million dollars in lost scholarships for every month we delay," he said.