Special committee to examine state gaming compact with Choctaw Nation

Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2000 | 11:05 a.m.

The committee, appointed by House Speaker Loyd Benson, will look at the compact's economic impact on Oklahoma's horse racing industry.

The compact allows the tribe to operate off-track betting facilities that allow wagers on simulcast horse races in several Oklahoma towns.

Earlier this year, officials at Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw complained that a tribal gaming parlor in nearby Pocola was costing the track almost $60,000 a month in lost business.

In April, Gov. Frank Keating threatened to end the tribal gaming compact and renegotiate a new one, but the contract has since been extended as the state and tribe work on a new agreement under a Sept. 30 deadline.

The two sides could reach an agreement before that and the study is likely to have an impact on the process, Keating spokesman Mike Brake said Wednesday.

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