CHEYENNE-You can bet that a multistate lottery bill headed to the state Legislature will generate controversy -but the real fight could be over who gets millions in annual lottery revenue.

Endorsed by a legislative committee Thursday, the bill promises the first $5 million each year to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. The rest goes to the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

But those agencies were just the first to stick out their hands.

"I am sure there will be a whole myriad of groups who want that money as this bill moves through the (legislative) session," Game and Fish Department Director Terry Cleveland said.

The Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee approved the bill during a meeting in Cheyenne.

Sen. Bruce Burns, R-Sheridan, the committee co-chairman, said the Game and Fish is a logical recipient of the funds because of its ongoing revenue problems cause largely by the decline in fishing and hunting license sales.

Cleveland said the money would be spent on habitat improvement and efforts to prevent sensitive wildlife species from requiring protection under the Endangered Species Act.

But Linda Reynolds of Parks and Cultural Resources reminded the committee that a similar bill two years ago reserved funds for her department. The committee quickly endorsed an amendment that gives additional revenue on top of the $5 million to Parks and Recreation.

What could be missing from the tug-of-war is the money.

Wyoming residents will probably buy fewer lottery tickets than their counterparts in heavily populated states. Annual profits are estimated at $2.5 million to $3 million during the first years of operation-not even enough for the payment to the Game and Fish.

"There's not this huge pot of money," said Rep. Wayne Reese, D-Laramie, and sponsor of two previous lottery bills.