Oklahoma compact gaming tax

These facilities are subject to completely separate oversight by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission regardless of who owns a track casino. All state racetracks that have slot-machine facilities are now owned by tribal interests. By statute, total racino slots in the state are limited to 1, machines. And then there are tens of thousands of Class II slot machines in tribal casinos that pay nothing to Oklahoma government. Class II machine count numbers in Oklahoma are self-reported by tribes to a few industry consultants each year.

The article summarized Class II numbers as follows:. Notably, in every other state with class III tribal gaming compacts, class II machines make up a very small percentage of total casino slot machines. In contrast, Oklahoma has over 80 percent of the untaxed class II games in states where class III compacts have been signed.

If the fee on slots were raised to rates commonly imposed in other states, the financial sums created for state government would be even larger. The exclusivity fees paid by tribal casino operators to Oklahoma government are much lower than the tax rates paid by commercial casinos in most states and are also lower than the fees paid by comparable tribal casinos in other states.

And, compared to other states, a much larger share of slot machines in Oklahoma casinos are not subject to any fee due to the huge Class II market. Jonathan Small, C. Previously, Jonathan served as a budget analyst for the Oklahoma Office of State Finance, as a fiscal policy analyst and research analyst for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and as director of government affairs for the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Arthur Laffer and Dr. Jonathan holds a B. Policy Research Fellow.

Stitt had reached new gaming compacts with four Oklahoma tribes. Name, email and comment will be stored in our database.

News Tribal Gaming Share this:. Last Comment 1 Write a comment Write a comment Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Sergeant Maj. July 29, Related News Articles. It is expected to be referred for committee review soon thereafter. With a legislative effective date of Nov. At least some of the new revenue would come from a proposed 10 percent tax on net winnings of approved sports pools at tribal casinos across the Sooner State. Luttrell is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

The last attempt to legalize sports betting in Oklahoma happened in when amended compacts to allow sports pools were signed by Gov. Advertiser disclosure. Written By: Rebecca Hanchett.