Oklahoma tribes show 5000 percent increase in casino revenues

Monday, August 16, 2010  

Oklahoma's Indian gaming industry has increased 5,000 percent in the last six years, The Oklahoman reports.

Gaming was limited to Class II just a few years ago. But then voters approved a Class III gaming compact and now Oklahoma is home to more casinos than any other state.

In 2008, Oklahoma tribes took in $2.9 billion at their casinos, according to Casino City's Indian Gaming Industry Report. The state is one of the few that has shown an increase during the economic recession.

Under the compact, tribes share a percentage of revenues with the state. In the last fiscal year, tribes contributed a record $118.2 million.

Three tribes were responsible for the bulk of the money. The Chickasaw Nation paid $33.3 million, the Choctaw Nation paid $22.7 million and the Cherokee Nation paid $12.2 million, the Oklahoman reported.

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Oklahoma Indian gaming revenues soar (The Oklahoman 8/15)