Tribal casinos in Oklahoma had existed long before the formation of OIGA, for instance, Creek Nation Tulsa Bingo was opened in 1984. The state's tradition of tribal gaming dates back decades ago, to simple bingo halls first retrofitted into buildings.
Ronald Reagan signed into law the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988 which established the National Indian Gaming Commision.This government body regulates tribal gaming to this day.
In 1992, the first tribal-state compact was signed which allowed pari-mutuel horse race wagers at tribal casinos. Through the 90s, Oklahoma tribes focused on developing electronic aids for Class II games; these games include bingo, poker, pull tabs and punchboards.
The Oklahoma State-Tribal Gaming Act was passed into law by 59% of voters in 2004. This allowed tribes to use new gaming machines and card games which were seen as an enhancement to the autonomy of tribal operators.
2004 was also the year that the Cherokee Nation of OIGA opened a $80m casino in Catoosa.
In 2009 Oklahoma led the nation in growth rate of tribal gaming. At present, the 35 tribal nations of Oklahoma operate more than 143 casinos and amenities which include 72, 850 electronic games, 5,300 games bingo seats and other games.
In more recent times, tribal casinos from OIGA have partnered with US commercial casinos to open new venues. For instance, in 2009 Cherokee Casino and Resort teamed up with Hard Rock to rebrand as the Hard Rock & Casino Tulsa.
Key Employees:
Absentee Shawnee Tribe rep.: Sam Caruso
Cherokee Nation rep.: Adam McCreary
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes rep.: Rhonda Watson
Chickasaw Nation rep.: Sherry Mayo
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma rep.: Christian Fenner
Citizen Potawatomi Nation rep.: Tedda Hogan
Delaware Nation of Oklahoma rep.: Paul Tate
Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma rep.: Jalene Wells
Fort Sill Apache Tribe rep.: James Johnson
Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma rep.: Callie Carr
Company size:
Approx. 50 employees
