Oklahoma Lottery Commission officials think it's a cinch that more cash could be raised for education by increasing the amount of money available for lottery prizes.

They say it's a business model that has worked everywhere else it has been tried. But House and Senate Republicans, who never liked the idea of a state lottery, have rejected the idea so far.

Democratic state Sen. Richard Lerblance of Hartshorne charges that the GOP opposition is based on a desire to kill the state-run games.

Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee denies that accusation. The Oklahoma City Republican says some GOP lawmakers are concerned that increasing payouts will lead to an expansion of gambling.

Lerblance was the sponsor of a bill to remove a requirement in law that increases the percentage of money going to education from 30 percent to 35 percent beginning July 1st. His bill did not receive a hearing by last week's deadline for considering Senate measures in committee.

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