Magna Carta News
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Office of the Speaker
February 17, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mike Fina
Media Assistant to the Speaker
Oklahoma City: (405) 962-7618 or (800) 522-8502
Common Sense
By House Speaker Larry E. Adair
The Legislature will soon consider Senate Bill 553, the "State-Tribal Gaming Regulation Act," also known as a tribal gaming compact. This measure, originally introduced during the 2003 session, was not considered before the full House. During the legislative interim tribal officials, horsemen, and state officials worked to develop
legislation beneficial to all parties.
As of today there are 82 tribal casinos operating in Oklahoma and that number continues to grow each year. Currently Oklahoma has no authority to regulate the type of games offered at tribal casinos. Under the bill, the types of games that could be offered by the tribes would be spelled out, eliminating some of the "gray areas" that are
controversial at the state and federal levels of government. The ability to regulate this growing industry would go a long way to ensuring the integrity of gaming activities.
Under the compact, the state's three privately owned horse tracks would be allowed to operate the same electronic games as the tribal casinos. This provision would bring new fans to the sport and provide racetracks additional revenues needed to help retain a $1-billion-a-year industry alive in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma will be better served by compacting with the tribes than continuing to ignore issues associated with tribal gaming. The authority to provide oversight of this industry; to help revive and retain the state's horse industry; and the creation of an additional revenues that could be used for education without a tax increase is responsible government.
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