The State of Okalahoma allows gambling in the form of horse racing, Class II
gaming compacts and charitable games as defined in the Oklahoma
Charity Games Act . Oklahoma also allows casinos, but restricts their
operation to Class II gaming. Class II gaming includes high-stakes bingo, video
pull tabs, and certain electronic gaming machines.
In 2003, both the House and the Senate approved HB
1278 and the Senate Joint Resolution No. 22, which legalized State-operated
lottery sale. That law also allows for educational and non-profit institutions
to conduct fundraisers in the form of raffle ticket sales, which were considered
illegal prior to the approval of HB 1278. A seven-member Oklahoma Lottery
Commission will be appointed by Gov. Brad Henry in early 2005. It is expected
that the state lottery may begin in October 2005.
The expansion of Indian casinos to include certain types of electronic casino
machines was approved by Oklahoma voters through State Question 712
on November 2, 2004. The expansion of gaming as contemplated by State
Question 712 will allow Oklahoma casinos to introduce “games of skills” as
early as Spring 2005. Although only Blackjack was specifically mentioned, this
expansion could also extend to tournament poker.
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