Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Agreement: What You Need to Know
On April 21, 2020, the state of Oklahoma and five tribes announced an agreement that would allow the tribes to continue operating Class III gaming activities in the state. The agreement, also known as the Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Compact, was signed for a period of 15 years and is expected to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for both the state and the tribes.
Class III gaming activities include slot machines, table games, and other casino-style games. These types of games are regulated by the federal government and are subject to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988. Under the IGRA, tribes are allowed to operate Class III gaming activities on Indian lands, but they must first enter into a compact with the state in which the gaming activities will take place.
The Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Compact was first signed in 2004 and was set to expire on January 1, 2020. However, both the state and the tribes agreed to extend the compact for another 15 years, which means that it will now expire in 2035.
One of the key provisions of the new compact is that it allows the tribes to operate sports betting activities. This is a significant development, as sports betting has become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years. With the new compact in place, each of the five tribes will be able to offer sports betting to their customers.
In addition to sports betting, the new compact also allows the tribes to increase the number of gaming machines they operate. However, the number of gaming machines will be capped at 20,000 statewide. The new compact also sets a minimum age of 18 for casino patrons, which is a change from the previous minimum age of 21.
Under the terms of the agreement, the tribes will pay a percentage of their gaming revenue to the state. The percentage will vary depending on the amount of revenue generated by each individual tribe. The state will also receive other benefits, such as increased law enforcement presence at the gaming facilities and funding for problem gambling programs.
Overall, the new Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Compact represents a win-win for both the state and the tribes. The state will receive much-needed revenue, while the tribes will be able to continue operating their gaming activities and even expand into new areas, such as sports betting. The agreement also provides important protections for both the state and the tribes, ensuring that all parties involved are able to operate under fair and transparent conditions.
As with any agreement, there are likely to be some challenges and disagreements that arise over time. However, the fact that both the state and the tribes were able to come to a mutually beneficial agreement is a positive sign for the future of gaming in Oklahoma. With the new compact in place, the state and the tribes can continue to work together to ensure that gaming activities are conducted in a safe, fair, and responsible manner.