Several Oklahoma casinos are ready to begin offering roulette and craps, but they’re still waiting for final approval from the U.S. Department of Interior. A measure approving ball and dice games passed the Oklahoma legislature and was signed by Governor Mary Fallin in April. The games are projected to generate more than $24 million annually, with 80 percent directed to the state for teacher raises and resources. “I think we were given an appropriate amount of time, we’re just waiting for them to review and approve,” said Lana Rivera, general manager at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa.
Meanwhile, Rivera said, “We’ve had guests come by and just rub the felt of the layout. I think the guest are just as excited as we are, and we expect to see an overwhelming response. This is going to bring in a new wave of guests to Oklahoma, guests who like ball and dice games,”
River said all Hard Rock dealers have taken 20 to 200 hours of training on the new games.
River Spirit and Osage Casinos also are making the changes to their casinos in anticipation of offering ball and dice games.
Tribes currently pay the state a share of revenue as part of their Class III gaming compacts. According to the Oklahoma Gaming Compliance Unit’s latest report, tribes shared $113.9 million in fiscal year 2017, up 1.44 percent from the prior year. Since voters approved Class III gaming in 2004, tribes have shared more than $1.25 billion with the state. The first agreements are due to expire in 2020.
