Seven months ago, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced his plans to negotiate a new tribal gaming compact through an op-ed in Tulsa World. Since then, despite being a widely unpopular move even with his Republican allies, Stitt has continued fighting for an increase in the fees that the tribes pay to operate their casinos. But tribal […]
casinos
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Chicken-Fried News: Gambling problem
Last year, the tribal nations operating Oklahoma’s more than 100 casinos paid $139 million to the state in “exclusivity fees,” according to Associated Press, but Gov. Kevin “Never Count Your Money When You’re Sitting at the Table” Stitt wants to raise the stakes. The fees — currently 4-10 percent of the casinos’ net revenue paid […]
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Big plays
While the prospect of legal sports betting in the state might be seen as a game changer for Oklahoma sports fans and wagerers, state-based tribal casinos are more interested in ensuring future arrangements are favorable to them than rushing to meet increased demand. In May, the United States Supreme Court cleared the way for states […]
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Native American gaming contributed $7.2 billion to Oklahoma’s economy in 2015.
Native American gaming contributed $7.2 billion to Oklahoma’s economy in 2015.
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Getting right with welfare
Credit: Brad Gregg Authored by Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, the measure prohibits the use of electronic welfare cards at liquor stores, casinos, strip clubs, smoke shops and the like. “This legislation helps guarantee welfare funds are directed to the support of families as they get back on their feet,” said Standridge. That’s all well and […]
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Don’t bet on it
However, if more money is needed, the solution is easy. The gaming venues in our state annually send nearly $200 million in direct tax revenues to the Capitol for legislators to spend. Most men and women serving in that hallowed and falling-down building are Republicans, members of the same party that voted almost unanimously against […]
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Losing bet
Credit: Shannon Cornman Twelve certified gambling treatment programs in the state receive that money from the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The amount was set when casino gambling in Oklahoma began in 2004. While such treatment programs receive additional funds from anonymous donors and grants from some American Indian tribes that […]
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An outrageous prosecution
I wonder how much money the Indians pay the federal government for protection services. I don’t know the answer to that, but I do know that the prosecution of Teddy Mitchell is the biggest protection scheme of our time. And who better to protect the Indian casino monopoly, but the federal government? Teddy Mitchell, his […]