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JULY 28, 2000

The Joint State-Tribal Relations Committee on Thursday approved a controversial gaming compact that continues off-track horse betting by a Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma facility.

Debate surrounding the compact was heated, with congresspersons trading harsh words regarding the way the compact was being handled by the committee. The committee approved the compact by a 5-2 vote, which extends off-track horse race betting at a facility in Pocola by two months.

The Choctaw Nation and Governor Frank Keating are currently negotiating over what types of "amusement games" the tribe can offer. The two are expected to come to an agreement by September 30, when the compact extension ends.

If the tribe and the state come to an agreement by then, the tribe will stop the betting and pay $70,000 to Blue Ribbon Downs, who say the betting hurts their business.

Further provisions of the extended compact define how much money will be paid to Blue Ribbon if the tribe and state fail, approve, or renegotiate a new agreement.

Get the Story:
Panel makes gaming deal with tribe (The Daily Oklahoman 7/28)