Indian Gaming > Okla. gaming compact bill lacks votes in House

February 20, 2004

Okla. gaming compact bill lacks votes in House

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)