Osage Nation Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear recently stated he wants to start talks with the state of Oklahoma regarding a new Class III gaming compact, although the current compact will not expire until January 1, 2020. Standing Bear added the tribe wants to offer roulette and other Class III games at its Osage Casinos in Tulsa, Bartlesville, Sand Springs, Ponca City, Skiatook, Hominy and Pawhuska.
“That’s how we can attract tourists to Oklahoma is to make the gaming environment more diverse and attractive to the out-of-state visitor. So that is an economic force that is at play here, what keeps it going is a stable compact,” he said.
Since Oklahoma voters approved Class III gaming in 2004, tribes have shared $1.1 billion with the state. With more than 100 gaming facilities, Oklahoma leads the nation in the number of gambling operations.
