Indian Gaming > Oklahoma tribes eye expansion of gaming facilities

November 04, 2004

Oklahoma tribes eye expansion of gaming facilities

Several Oklahoma tribes are planning to expand their gaming facilities thanks to the approval of a ballot initiative on Tuesday.

State Question 712 legalizes certain electronic casino machines for tribes and three racetracks, two of which are tribally owned. Attorney Kirke Kickingbird says the initiative also allows non-house match card games such as poker or possibly blackjack.

SQ 712 creates a compact between the state and tribes. The tribes who sign it will share a percentage of revenues from the new casino games with the state. Officials estimate $71 million a year, which will go to education.

The Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, Osage Nation, Kickapoo Tribe and Absentee Shawnee Tribe support the compact. Smaller tribes, but also the large Creek Nation, opposed it.

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Horsemen, tribes join for successful vote (The Oklahoman 11/4)
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Gaming Measure Expands Options For Tribes, Tracks (KOCO News 11/3)