OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A recent report says that Oklahoma Indian gaming revenue increased more than $60 million in 2013, but the amount of tribal fees paid to the state has decreased by more than $3.1 million.
The Oklahoman reports the 2015 edition of Casino City's Indian Gaming Industry Report released Monday revealed the revenue disparity may be due to the change in types of games that are in Oklahoma Indian casinos.
Oklahoma tribes are required to pay the state exclusivity fees based on the amount of revenues they generate from operating Class III games like slot machines or roulette. The report noted that the percentage of Class III games in Oklahoma Indian casinos has decreased.
The report says revenue reached nearly $3.8 billion in 2013, but the state's fee revenue dropped from $127.8 million in 2012 to $124.7 million in 2013, providing less money for education, mental health services and general operations.