Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, who took office in 2018, has faced challenges in his dealings with tribal nations. His efforts to shape legal wagering rules have led to lawsuits from lawmakers and increased tensions with tribes over issues of sovereignty and exclusivity. In the US, Oklahoma ranks as the second-largest tribal gaming market after California, featuring a notable land-based casino sector with over 125 gaming establishments operated by 39 tribes, some of which attract patrons from Texas. However, legal sports betting has not yet been achieved in the state.
The tribes hold exclusive rights to gaming in Oklahoma, but last year, Stitt proposed a legal wagering framework that encompassed both tribal and commercial entities. This framework aimed to enable tribes to engage in retail sports betting while allowing commercial operators to provide digital wagering options. Notably, around 90% of revenues generated from legal betting in the US come from digital channels.
The governor's proposal faced significant opposition. Morgan, a spokesperson for the tribes, criticized Stitt for failing to engage in genuine, respectful dialogue with tribal leaders. In February, Senator Casey Murdock introduced legislation based on Stitt's proposal, which ultimately failed to progress through committee hearings.
Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation expressed skepticism in a statement, indicating that the proposal did not serve the best interests of Oklahoma residents or the tribes which have significantly contributed to the state's welfare. In a prior attempt to expand legal gaming, Stitt signed compacts with two smaller tribes, but these moves were met with widespread disapproval. Subsequently, a state court ruled the compacts invalid, resulting in the expulsion of the tribes from the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA).
Stitt's relations with Oklahoma's tribes have attracted attention on a national scale. Susan Jenson of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association recommended in August, during the OIGA conference, that Stitt should prioritize partnerships with tribes rather than opposition.
Looking ahead, Senator Bill Coleman announced in September his intention to introduce a bill in 2025 to address public demand for sports betting, suggesting that the state is missing out on tax revenues to jurisdictions with more favorable rules. Morgan reiterated that Oklahoma's tribes are willing to engage in discussions but proceed with caution, emphasizing their unified goal to advance their industry and communities. As Stitt approaches the end of his tenure in 2026, the tribes will see whether his priorities align with theirs and those of the newly elected members of the state legislature.
