Tribal Gambling Pays Off

Oklahoma has collected $107.5 million in gambling fees from 110 tribal casino operations through May, state Treasurer Scott Meacham said last week. Total collections in fiscal 2010 are estimated at $120 million.

Gambling compacts negotiated with American Indian tribal officials in 2005 call for the state to receive 4% to 6% of each tribe’s revenues from card games and gaming machines in the casinos owned by the tribes.

The current agreements will expire in 2020.

The agreements were authorized by a state constitutional amendment approved by 60% of voters in November 2004.

The tribal gaming fees generated $46 million of state revenue in fiscal 2007, $81 million in fiscal 2008 and $105 million in fiscal 2009.

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