Poker and blackjack come to the Sooner State

Games legal after feds publish compact

TULSA OK
Native American Times and Associated Press

The day that some tribal leaders in Oklahoma have been waiting for and anti-gambling forces have dreaded finally arrived as some previously prohibited card games including poker and blackjack became legal at a handful of Indian casinos. Four tribes became eligible to introduce the games with the publishing of federally approved agreements between the state and tribes to expand gambling.

The agreements, or compacts, are between the state and the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Comanche Nation, Miami Tribe and the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokees wasted no time in touting the new games as they invited the local media to observe as the first cards for blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em and other poker game were dealt out at the tribe's casino in Catoosa, which boasts 24 blackjack tables and 35 poker tables

Sixty-percent of Oklahoma voters approved a measure in November that permitted the state to compact with tribes for non-house backed card games and electronic bingo games that work more like Las Vegas slot machines. Voters also approved electronic games at three pari-mutuel horse tracks, two of which are tribally owned.

In exchange for the new games, the compacts give the state a share of the gaming profits and some oversight.

David Stewart, chief executive of Cherokee Nation Enterprises, said the addition of poker and blackjack gaming is the latest step for the Cherokee Nation Casino Resort to develop into a major gaming and entertainment destination for Tulsa and area communities.

Stewart said the expanded casino complex has what is known as a "niche market that combines gaming, conference facilities, rooms and good food all at the same location."

"That is unique to Tulsa," Stewart said.

The tribe reported that casino officials have been training dealers for weeks in anticipation of being able to offer the new games.

"There are two reasons to celebrate today," said Stewart. "First, this day is a symbol of all the hard work put in by educators, state legislators, tribal citizens and horsemen to do something good for Oklahoma and our schools. Second, Oklahomans now have an opportunity to play more of the games they love, right here at home at Cherokee Casino."