In August, I released an op-ed that explained the facts of the Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Compact and its automatic renewal. It is now January, and my opinion on the matter still stands. Oklahoma tribes are rooted firmly in this great state, and we continue to help all Oklahomans every day. Tribal gaming continues to be a win-win for the state and tribal nations as it always has been. 

Going forward, any threat to exclusivity could jeopardize billions in future dollars to the state of Oklahoma. In 2019, Oklahoma tribes paid the state $148.2 million in gaming fees. However, the overall economic impact of tribal dollars on Oklahoma is one of the highest on any state in the country. Tribes funnel billions of dollars into this great state outside of gaming fees. 

We will continue to pay our fees to the state as agreed upon through the existing compact and continue to give back to the people of Oklahoma, exceeding what the fees require. 

As stated in the compact itself, “Following the effective date of this Compact, the Compact shall automatically renew for successive additional fifteen-year terms.”

Tribes across Oklahoma are united on the fact that the compact automatically renews, and we are all operating our casinos, “business as usual.” We remain positive and united in our stance, and we will continue to do what is right for our people. We are not taking this stance out of greed or pride. We are doing this to protect the future of our tribe, our members and our state. 

We have every right as a sovereign nation to take legal action, if necessary. It is our duty as tribal leaders to protect our sovereign rights and the well-being of our people.

Many of our people rely on tribal programs, which are funded through our gaming funds. Our ancestors fought to get our tribes to the position they are today. Tribal gaming is a way for us to earn dollars to put back into not only our tribes, but our communities as well. 

We help build and pave roads that benefit all Oklahomans and allow them to travel safer. We recently announced our partnership with local governments to help Antlers, Talihina and the Sardis Lake Water Authority to improve their water systems. This partnership will help Oklahomans have clean and safe drinking water. One of the key objectives of this grant is to ensure our region attracts new businesses and residents. These businesses will create jobs. 

The Choctaw Nation, in collaboration with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, provides vaccines for all who qualify for free. Tribal dollars helped fund over 18,000 flu shots across Oklahoma and North Texas to tribal members and non-tribal members alike. 

Oklahoma tribes are constantly and consistently helping others. It is a part of who we are as a people. Our roots run deep here are longstanding and deep, predating Oklahoma itself, which we have taken pride in helping build. We have worked hard for decades to create a great relationship with the state. We would love to continue that relationship; we are open to negations, but we want this done in a fair way, respecting the existing compact language agreed upon by the state, tribes and Oklahoma voters.