Gaming at Oklahoma's horse racetracks may start spring 2005

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The head of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission says gaming at Oklahoma's horse racetracks could begin in the spring. <br/><br/>Executive Director Gordon Hare said Thursday that

Friday, December 17th 2004, 6:17 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The head of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission says gaming at Oklahoma's horse racetracks could begin in the spring.

Executive Director Gordon Hare said Thursday that the group drafting rules for gaming may be done with its work by February, just as the Legislature convenes.

Once the emergency rules are approved by Governor Henry, the US Interior Department will have to grant approval of nine tribal gaming agreements with the state.

The federal agency is the final authority on all types agreements between states and American Indian tribes.

According to an Office of State Finance spokesman the tribes have submitted the compacts to the federal agency, but none have been approved so far.

Voters last month passed a measure that allows Remington Park, Blue Ribbon Downs and Will Rogers Downs to offer electronic games at their facilities.