Indian Gaming > Oklahoma tribes fight changes to Class II rules

February 12, 2007

Oklahoma tribes fight changes to Class II rules

Oklahoma tribes say their casinos will be the most affected if the National Indian Gaming Commission changes its Class II rules.

Most of the tribes in the state have Class III compacts. But Oklahoma is also the largest market for electronic Class II machines, or games similar to bingo.

The NIGC contends Class II machines look and play too much like Class III slot machines. So the agency is proposing new rules and definitions that seek to draw a distinction between the two classes.

If the rules are changed, Oklahoma tribes say they will lose revenue, jobs and might be forced to close smaller gaming sites. The Chickasaw Nation, which operates the largest number of casinos in the state, says it could lose $1 billion a year.

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Proposed gaming changes draw fire (The Tulsa World 2/12)