An article in the Enid News & Eagle explains the current casino conflict between the state and the tribes. The compact is written to renew automatically Jan. 1, while the governor insists on renegotiation for another 15-year agreement.

Over 130 casinos in Oklahoma are the No. 1 employer and their sole proprietorship, guaranteed by the compact, is vital to their continued operation.

Fees in the amount of 4-10% on some games, along with lodging and entertainment, are the lion’s share of the $128 million paid by the various tribes of a total of roughly $4.4 billion they collected.

There are three classes of games offered. Class I is made up of traditional Native American social games and are not typically found at casinos.

Class II is bingo, where players compete head-to-head with other players, even if not in the same room. Technology adds some entertainment value to these games.

Class III is the electronic games where players face-off with the machines. Table and card games fall under this category but are not house-banked, meaning the casino acts as the arranger.

Under federal law, the state collects nothing for class II games and as much as 10% on class III. Tribes are limited on how they can spend the revenue and if Oklahoma negotiates greater rates, it must offer additional benefits to tribes.

Providing for the general welfare of tribal members and economic development make this a win-win for the state where success of the program depends on exclusivity.