Oklahoma tribes contribute less than expected

When the tribal-state gaming compact was approved in 2004, state officials predicted tribes would share $70 million a year in Class III revenues.

The actual amount has been far less. In the three years, tribes have contributed $46 million to the state.

But Derek Campbell, the head of gaming compliance in the Office of State Finance, says the revenues will rise as more tribes install Class III machines that fall under the compact. Of the 33,000 machines in play, about half are compacted, he said.

Jamie Hummingbird, a Cherokee Nation gaming commissioner, said about half of the tribe's machines are compacted. The tribe operates about 2,270 Class III games, more than any other tribe in the state, according to The Tulsa World.

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Class Distinction: Gambling for schools: Class III games growing (The Tulsa World 4/15)