Editorial: Good news on gaming front in Oklahoma

Friday, March 3, 2006  

"State Treasurer Scott Meacham has reason to feel encouraged about the prospects of Oklahoma casino revenue increasing in the near future. Now that's news!

Meacham played a central role in crafting legislation approved by voters in 2004 that allowed faster electronic gambling machines to be installed in the state's casinos. Trouble is, the new machines haven't gone over very well with casino regulars, many of whom prefer spending their money at the older, slower machines.

Reluctance to use the faster machines is one reason the state's share of casino revenue has consistently been less than anticipated. In December, the state finance director's office estimated that casino and racino revenue going toward education this fiscal year would total about $19.7 million -- the original projection was $52.8 million. For fiscal 2007, the projection was revised downward by $30 million, to about $41 million.

Meacham held the finance director's job when the original gaming revenue projections were made, so he's borne the brunt of the criticism for those figures coming in so low."

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Editorial: Some good news on gaming front (The Oklahoman 3/3)
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