Backers of a state-run lottery have run into formal opposition with the announcement of a grassroots effort to defeat the measure.

It's shaping up to be a lively debate before the issue even officially gets on the ballot.

Members of the Family Action Committee are calling it the “truth campaign.”

(Jerry Cox, Faith in Action Committee) "We believe as the truth gets out about the Arkansas lottery, that people are going to vote against it. Because the more you know about the lottery, the worse it looks."

The group opposes all lotteries, but especially one it says is sanctioned by the state.

(John Thomas, Faith in Action Committee) "Imagine the Arkansas state government encouraging its citizens to gamble money, and then cheering when they lose. Only in a bizarre world of state-run lotteries it is a plus when citizens lose money."

The group will rely on churches to help spread the anti-lottery word. Meanwhile, the lottery’s chief supporter--who says the measure will raise up to $100 million annually to help fund scholarships--is not deterred.

(Bill Halter, Lt. Governor) "Certainly there are people of faith that support this initiative--including myself, and a lot of other folks. This is just an issue where folks of good will on both sides have a respectful disagreement--and I hope it remains that way--about a matter of public policy. We're not preventing anyone from participating in a lottery right now. They go across the border."

The anti-lottery group is launching its campaign after a survey sponsored by the University of Central Arkansas found that more than 60% of state voters would be willing to support the lottery measure.

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