OKLAHOMA CITY -- Gaming licenses for Oklahoma's first two "racinos" have been authorized by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission.
Without comment, commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved applications from Remington Park in Oklahoma City and Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw. Action on the application of a third pari-mutuel track, Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, was delayed for a third straight month.
Blue Ribbon Downs' owner, the Choctaw Nation, spent about $2 million preparing its old off-track-betting room to become the state's first racetrack casino, or racino. Remington Park is undergoing a $32 million renovation, delaying its racino opening until November.
The Choctaws' assistant chief, Mike Bailey, said the commission's action "is going to save the horse industry."
archive