Gaming expansion proposed in Oklahoma

A lawmaker proposed the expansion of Indian gaming at casinos to solve state budget problems.

US.- State Rep. Kevin Wallace has proposed the increase of Indian gaming at casinos from Oklahoma in order to help solve the state’s budget problems. The official believes that the proposal would bring money to the US$200 million shortfall.

Wallace, who heads up the House Appropriations and Budget Chair, proposed Indian casinos to increase gaming to include dice and roulette to their offerings, which could be tied to compacts and other benefits, local media reported. Oklahoma leaders are expected to meet for a special session to discuss the budget crisis sometime this month.

Moreover, Cherokee Nation Secretary of State Chuck Hoskin, Jr. released a statement after the proposal and said: “If a further expansion of gaming is on the table, it should also be planned out with a strategic goal in mind that is beneficial to all parties not because our state leaders in the Republican-led House and Senate have made poor fiscal decisions and need a quick fix.”