Former Gov. Edwin Edwards, the high-rolling Louisiana charmer who has survived two dozen investigations by his own proud count, was indicted along with his son Friday on charges they extorted millions in payoffs to steer riverboat casino licenses to friends and cronies.

"It's less than I expected. I'm not charged at all with the Oklahoma City bombing," Edwards said with his customary aplomb from the court-house steps.The racketeering and conspiracy indictment alleged that the crimes began while he was out of office in 1991, continued during Edwards' fourth and final term as governor, from 1992 to 1996, and went on even after he left office but still wielded considerable clout in Louisiana politics.

Edwards' son Stephen, three Edwards associates and a state senator were also charged.

The charges against the former governor carry a combined total of 350 years and a $7.5 million fine.

"I can truthfully say if my sentence is 350 years, I don't intend to serve," Edwards deadpanned.

The investigation has been public knowledge since mid-1997, when the FBI raided Edwards' home and office, seizing records and more than $400,000 in cash. Edwards said all along that he expected to be indicted.

A high-rolling gambler and ladies' man, the sharp-dressing, silver-haired 71-year-old has served as governor off and on since the 1970s with the kind of roguish charm that delights people in Louisiana.

In the mid-80s, Edwards was twice tried on federal racketeering charges involving a hospital and nursing home investment venture. The first trial ended in a hung jury, the second trial in an acquittal.

This time, the government's investigation led to some of Edwards' closest friends and business partners turning against him. Three of them have struck deals in which they linked Edwards to alleged extortion schemes involving $2.5 million in payoffs for casino licenses.

Among them: Eddie DeBartolo Jr., owner of the San Francisco 49ers football team, who claims he was forced to give Edwards $400,000 to head off problems with his application for a license.

Another friend, Robert Guidry, said he paid Edwards and two others $1.5 million, sometimes leaving the money in trash bins, to ensure approval of his riverboat project.

Still another, Richard Shetler, said in court that he funneled $550,000 in cash, cars and furniture to Edwards and his son Stephen in exchange for their help in getting a license.

All three have agreed to testify for the government.