Feds propose to define gambling classes

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Bush administration is planning to clarify the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 gambling.<br/><br/>Experts say the move would require more Oklahoma tribes to compact with

Saturday, September 17th 2005, 9:13 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Bush administration is planning to clarify the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 gambling.

Experts say the move would require more Oklahoma tribes to compact with the state and result in millions of more dollars for education funding.

Minnesota US Attorney Tom Heffelfinger heads a Justice Department panel on American Indian issues. He says the plan is designed to re-establish the distinction between Class 3 slot machines and Class 2 machines based on bingo.

Federal law restricts tribes to Class 2 gambling unless they sign a compact with the state. Class 3 gambling is reserved for tribes that compact with their state government.

26 of Oklahoma's 38 federally recognized American Indian tribes have signed compacts for limited Class 3 gambling.