Oklahoma's Indian gaming industry expanding

Tuesday, February 15, 2005  

Tribes in Oklahoma are undergoing a major expansion of their gaming facilities now that Class III games and electronic casino machines have been legalized.

Several tribes signed a compact with the state to offer the new games. Brian Foster, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, said the deal could boost tribal revenues by one-third.

Marcus Prater, senior vice president of marketing for Bally Gaming and Systems, said the compacts will bring an additional 10,000 electronic casino machines to the state for a total of 30,000 games. Only four other states -- Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi and California -- have more, said Prater.

The compact requires tribes to share a portion of revenues with the state. The state expects $71 million a year.

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Oklahoma gambles big (AP 2/15)