Senate Leader Refuses To Expand Casino Gambling

  Senate President Pro Tem Mike Schulz said Senate Republicans won't agree to expand tribal gambling. Schulz said the gaming expansion also would have authorized sports betting if a current federal ban were lifted by the U.S. Congress.

  "I think we have too much gambling going on in this state. I think it's too accessible," said Schulz, R-Altus. "I think we have people who are spending milk and bread money in a casino rather than taking care of their kids."

  Senate Majority Floor Leader Greg Treat criticized Inman for unveiling his plan for a tribal gaming expansion with just three weeks remaining in the legislative session.

  "We're sitting here on May 8, and this is the first we've heard of this deal," said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. "Leader Inman has continued to move the goal posts. We stand ready to pass the revenue to fill the hole, and we don't need some gimmick of a last-minute gaming or gambling to get us there."

  Meanwhile, House and Senate budget committees on Monday approved several revenue measures, including a bill to increase the tax on cigarettes by $1.50 per pack that would generate more than $200 million annually in dedicated funding for health care.
  Sean Murphy of the AP posted a full report, here...