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Oklahoma lawmakers spar over potential expansion of tribal gaming

Wednesday, May 10, 2017


The Cherokee Nation owns and operates the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo: Anadisgoi

Most Class III gaming compacts in Oklahoma aren't due to expire until 2020 but discussions have already begun to renew the agreement.

Tribes want to expand the types of gaming they can offer at their facilities. According to news reports, they are looking at roulette, craps and maybe even sports betting.

But a proposal to authorize those games fell apart on Monday, according to news reports. Republicans and Democrats blamed each other for trying to include the measure in a state budget package.

Voters in Oklahoma approved Class III gaming in 2004. Since then, tribes have shared more than $1.1 billion with the state, according to the 2016 report from the Gaming Compliance Unit.

Oklahoma is now home to more than 100 gaming facilities, the most of any state.

Read More on the Story:
Oklahoma budget crisis: Impasse over gambling sinks $400M revenue bill (The Oklahoman 5/9)
Proposed expansion of gambling latest snag in state budget talks (The Tulsa World 5/9)
Okla. Budget agreement stalled due to gambling expansion (CNHI News Service 5/9)
Tribal gaming expansion plan stalls Oklahoma budget talks (AP 5/8)

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Oklahoma tribes contribute a record $132M in gaming revenues (October 13, 2016)
Osage Nation gears up for talks on new Class III gaming compact (September 16, 2016)
Oklahoma tribes stress unity as they prepare for new casino deals (July 15, 2016)