Dept. of Interior approves new Oklahoma gaming compacts
The Department of Interior approved new gaming compacts between the state of Oklahoma and two tribes, while the state’s other tribes remain in a legal standstill with the governor.
Gaming compacts between the state and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and the Comanche Nation were deemed approved by the Department of Interior by way of the expiration of a 45-day review period.
“I am extremely pleased to learn that these new compacts have been deemed approved by the federal government,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. “With these new gaming compacts, Oklahoma is ushering in a new era of prosperity, opportunity, and partnership for the state and the Tribes.”
The compacts allow the two tribes to offer sports betting and build new casinos. In return the tribes agree to pay the state higher fees.
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter, who has previously criticized Stitt’s effort to enforce new gaming compacts, expressed disappointment in the Department of Interior’s inaction.
“The tribes cannot begin operating under the terms of these compacts until the many questions that remain pending before the Oklahoma Supreme Court are resolved,” Hunter said according to the Associated Press. “I am deeply disappointed in Interior Secretary (David) Bernhardt’s abdication of his responsibility to all of Oklahoma’s Native American sovereigns, not just two.”
Ten tribes sued Stitt in federal court late last year for refusing to accept a 15-year old gaming compact, which they believed automatically renewed on January 1.
Stitt has argued that the compact expired at the end of 2019 and wants tribes to agree to a new compact with raised fees.
The dispute is ongoing.
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