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Oklahoma Tribes Want End to Slot Guessing Game

“It's a guessing game in which tribes add new slot-like machines and then wait to see if U.S. regulators consider them lawful. When tribes lose, they pay by going to court or removing some of their most popular draws.

“…A compact, or agreement, that would have legalized some questioned games in exchange for giving Oklahoma an estimated $30 million share of the gambling pot each year is now on hold.

“The gaming changes, linked to an effort to rescue Oklahoma's ailing horse racing industry, lacked support in the state House. It adjourned last month without putting them to a vote.

“…Without a compact, tribal casinos can offer only Class II games, such as bingo and pull-tabs, and the state cannot touch the earnings.

“The difference between Class II and casino-style Class III machines can be so subtle, though, tribes rely on laboratories to make the call. Even then, regulators have disagreed.

“…A compact would help tribes avoid costly court battles over game disputes and give them the chance to buy machines instead of leasing them, ] Bob Rabon, an attorney for the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations,] said. The tribes also have faith in the draw of the popular games - enough to give up millions in tax dollars…”

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