With the state legislature set to convene next month, sports betting bills have been filed, some incorporating Tribal gaming operations in mind. OIGA member Tribes have repeatedly expressed their openness to constructive conversations with policy makers, but with a baseline understanding that any agreement must protect its Tribal exclusivity provisions. Matthew L. Morgan, Chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association issued this statement to the media on the heels of the legislative term beginning:

“When the First Session of the 60th Legislature begins on Feb. 3, 2025, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) will, as always, monitor the progress of any bills whose proposed actions pertain to Tribal gaming on behalf of our Tribal Nation members. In order not to breach the current state-Tribal gaming compacts, any bill purporting to change gaming offerings available in Oklahoma would require a supplemental offer from the State to modify the existing gaming compact between Tribal Nations and the State, and each tribal leader would evaluate the bill on its own merits. Any proposed new or modified gaming offering must make sound economic sense for everyone involved. Tribal Nations have always been willing to sit down and talk, in a respectful manner, about what is best for Oklahoma. That has not changed.

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