Casino revenue to state falls below projection

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state won't be getting as much money as expected this fiscal year from Indian casinos.<br/><br/>Tribes that have gaming compacts with the state have paid about $2.3-million,

Wednesday, June 29th 2005, 6:10 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state won't be getting as much money as expected this fiscal year from Indian casinos.

Tribes that have gaming compacts with the state have paid about $2.3-million, about one-third of the $7 to $7-million that was estimated.

The fiscal year ends on Thursday and no more payments from the tribes are due.

State Treasurer Scott Meacham has said the shortfall is due to delays in developing new gambling machines and getting the certified by regulators.

Voters approved expanded gambling in the state last November in exchange for the tribes paying the state a portion of the increased revenue.

Meacham predicts the state will collect about $71-million a year once the gaming compacts are fully in place.