"Gaming in Oklahoma started with Class II machines, and they are a favorite with many people. No one knows exactly how the changes, which should be more than a year in coming, will affect their numbers and popularity in casinos.

But again, from the state’s viewpoint, more Class III machines are “better” for our state.

Of course, as with the critics of gambling, we don’t like the adverse effects of gaming. And the state and Indian tribes are not contributing enough of their gaming revenues to battle gambling addictions.

But casino gambling is in Oklahoma to stay. Since it’s a profitable Oklahoma industry now, we should be attracting more out-of-state residents rather than just taking money from Oklahomans.

Some casinos along the southern border do a good job of attracting Texas residents, and the Quapaws are building a hotel/gaming complex in the northeast corner of the state. It should bring in people from Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas.

And more Class III machines, the Vegas-style machines, will do more to attract those out-of-state residents who are used to taking their money to gaming hotspots — Las Vegas, Tunica and Missouri."

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Editorial: Vegas-style in the future (The Muskogee Phoenix 8/15)