The Oklahoma House Rules Committee recently approved a bill that would allow Native American casinos to offer forms of “ball-and-dice” games such as roulette and craps, which currently are prohibited. An identical bill introduced in May failed as legislators searched for new revenue.
Last spring Senate leadership opposed expansion of Indian gaming and House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols expressed concern that could happen again. Echols said, “The Senate has definitely led on some ideas to get us out of special session. The Republicans in the House have shown their willingness to compromise. The Republicans are trying to compromise, but we don’t have anyone that will meet us halfway.” The legislature has been in special session since September 25 in an effort to plug the state budget’s $215 million deficit.
The House estimated allowing additional games at tribal casinos would generate $8.3 million this year for education and general spending accounts. However, that’s unlikely to happen since approval from the U.S. Department of Interior would be required.
