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Oklahomans to Vote on Gambling Amendments

OKLAHOMA – As reported by the Paris News: "On Tuesday, Oklahomans vote on nine proposed constitutional amendments including a state lottery, expansion of electronic casino gambling to Oklahoma's three licensed racetracks, increasing the state tax on cigarettes by 53 cents a package, and banning same-sex marriages.

"The constitutional amendment on gaming also would bring Oklahoma's 80-odd Indian casinos under the state's oversight for the first time, allowing those casinos that contract with the state to offer additional electronic games, including video poker and some live card games.

"The first time Oklahoma voters were asked to pass a lottery, a decade ago, they rejected it by almost a 2-to-1 margin.

"But this time around, polls indicate voters may overlook the moral objections of religious leaders and others and support the lottery, which Gov. Brad Henry made the centerpiece of his campaign for governor.

"…Supporters of a lottery note that Oklahomans already gamble at casinos and play the lottery in surrounding states, including Texas, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado.

"…If the gaming proposition — State Question 712 — passes, Remington Park in Oklahoma City, Blue Ribbon Downs at Sallisaw and Will Rogers Downs at Claremore could offer a limited number of electronic gambling machines identical to those found in Indian casinos…"

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