Okla. gaming compact bill lacks votes in House

Friday, February 20, 2004  

The leader of the Oklahoma House said he doesn't have enough votes to pass a gaming compact bill that would require tribes to share revenues and allow racetracks to offer the same electronic games as tribes.

House Speaker Larry Adair, a Democrat, said he had "somewhere in the neighborhood of the forties" in favor of SB553. The measure needs at least 51 votes to pass.

Meanwhile, House Minority Floor Leader Todd Hiett, a Republican, said he would work to defeat the bill. He said it won't bring in the $70 million in revenue state officials claim.

The bill passed the Senate on Thursday by a 30-18 vote. It would legalize certain electronic casino machines for tribes and three racetracks. The compact sets up a revenue-sharing scheme for tribes.

Get the Story:
Republican leader vows to defeat gaming bill (AP 2/19)
PDF: Gaming bill lacks votes (The Tulsa World 2/20)