Gaming Revenues Increase For Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA -- As reported by the Oklahoman: "The state's share of tribal gambling profits rose by 17 percent this month, thanks largely to the Cherokee Nation's placement of 450 compacted games in its Catoosa casino. Still, the $1,081,184 collected from 19 gaming tribes was far below projections, as is the nearly $7 million collected this year.

"The state is on track to make less than one-third of the $40.5 million projected this fiscal year from tribal casinos.

"Two factors may reverse that trend, although neither will happen overnight.

"One possibility is federal legislation that would force Oklahoma tribal casinos to remove their current electronic games in favor of ones on which the state receives a share.

"The U.S. Justice Department recently proposed the legislation to establish a clearer line between Class II games, which are based on bingo and pull tabs, and Class III games, which include Las Vegas-style slots and card games..."