Tribes could lose big with rule changes

Oklahoma's casino-owning tribes would lose millions of dollars annually — along with an important bargaining chip — if proposed federal restrictions take effect, a new study indicates.

However, the state's education system stands to reap a windfall from the proposal.

The rules will be debated during a congressional field hearing in Oklahoma, perhaps later this month.

In essence, the National Indian Gaming Commission wants to create a greater distinction between Class II games based on bingo and Class III, or Las Vegas-style slot machines.

Technology has blurred the difference between the types.

The distinction is important because states can only collect a portion of tribes' profits from Class III games.

Indian gaming experts have said the vast majority of existing Class II machines would become illegal in 2013 if the new regulations, as proposed, take effect.

Tribes have almost universally denounced the plan as an unfair imposition on their sovereignty.

Two Oklahoma congressmen seem to agree, according to their recent letters to the commission.

"I remain deeply concerned that there has not been sufficient consideration of the economic impacts of these proposed regulations,” U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, wrote in a Dec. 20 letter.

Boren said Indian gaming has an economic impact "of hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars” in Oklahoma.

He urged the commission to shelve its plan "until such time as you have adequately consulted with all affected tribes.”

Boren joined U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, in a second letter asking that the comment period be extended until June.

However, a letter signed by 10 other congressmen urges "prompt adoption” of the proposed rules.

Both Boren and Cole are on the

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