In the 2004 Legislative Session, the Oklahoma Legislature approved Senate Bill 553 and subsequently amended that with Senate Bill 1252. The legislation referred to a vote of the People of the State of Oklahoma the “State-Tribal Gaming Act”. The referendum was approved in the November 2, 2004 vote.
The newly passed State Question 712 establishes a model tribal gaming compact, essentially a “pre-approved” offer to all federally recognized Indian tribes as defined in the legislation. Acceptance of the Compact, approval by the Secretary of the Interior and subsequent publication in the Federal Register allows compacting tribes to operate the following covered games:
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electronic bonanza-style bingo games
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electronic amusement games
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electronic instant bingo games
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nonhouse-banked card games
The Compact establishes monthly exclusivity payments and one-time startup and annual assessments for the operation of covered games.
The laws include minimum state regulatory requirements on games, accounting and auditing standards, the licensing of employees, liability insurance, property claim procedures and several other provisions.
The bill does not affect the authority of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). That organization still has the authority to ensure that gaming activities comply with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
Finally, the bill establishes a State Compliance Agency (SCA), which is identified as the Office of State Finance (OSF.) The Gaming Compliance Unit (GCU) is the subunit of OSF, which has the authority to carry out the State’s oversight responsibilities under the Compact.
