Indian gaming and Oklahoma's horse tracks

Friday, March 12th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Governor Brad Henry signed an electronic gaming bill this week, allowing three state horse tracks to offer limited numbers of electronic games. The law goes into effect near the end of August unless opponents gather almost 52,000 signatures to put it to a statewide vote.

The National Indian Gaming Commission Chairman, Philip Hogan spoke on gaming issues in Okmulgee Friday. "We know itâ€™s not a done deal until itâ€™s a done deal. Hopefully this will be the light at the end of the tunnel we've been waiting for to cure long term problems."

The three state horse racing tracks affected by the new law are Remington Park, Will Rogers Downs and Blue Ribbon Downs.

Fair Meadows in Tulsa will not be allowed to operate games but will share in revenues from Tulsa-area tribal casinos.