Oklahoma’s Slot Machines Not Performing as Expected

The Oklahoma American Indian Tribes are bringing in much less slot machine and gambling revenue than previously expected. The state had approved State Question 712 which permits the state to enter into compacts with tribes that want slot machines or other types of gaming, but since they have done so, the slot machine and gaming revenue has been less than what was expected.

They still brought in $21.5 million so far this year, and the state has brought in $29.7 million in “exclusivity fees” from slot machines and table games. However, the projections in slot machine and table gaming had been closer to $70 million in fees. The state uses the majority of the slot machine and gaming revenue to support education.

The tribes are allowed to offer Class III slot machines, and the Cherokee Tribe has paid $6.2 million to the state this year, while the Chickasaw Tribe has paid $6.1 million. The revenues are based on percentages on the slot machines and the table games. The tribes have roughly 1,500 slot machines and more will be added.

''The fees are not representative of a tribe's gaming revenues as a whole,'' Derek Campbell from the Office of State Finance said. ''Class II gaming still makes up the majority, about two-thirds, of the electronic [slot machine] gaming in the state, although we are seeing more compacted games each month.''
 

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