Muscogee Nation raises concerns regarding Oklahoma’s latest sports betting bill
Nation representative said detail must be worked out before moving forward with a proposal.
Oklahoma Representative Ken Luttrell has filed a bill aimed at legalizing sports betting throughout the state, according to a KOSU report. His bill proposed a “tiered fee structure” for the state’s tribes that would involve them “paying more of a percentage of their revenue based on how much money they take in.”
Oklahoma currently has similar stipulations in place through the model gaming compact. It was signed in 2004 and renewed in 2019.
Under the terms of the current compact, tribal nations pay the state “exclusivity fees” and use funds made from gaming to support their own education programs and elder care. Last year, tribal nations paid the state more than $166m in fees, according to the KOSU report.
State Governor Kevin Stitt has shown support for legalized sports betting in Oklahoma. However, Muscogee Nation spokesperson Jason Salsman told KOSU that some details need to be discussed and resolved regarding the current bill.
He commented: “And I think right now, as it is the language in the proposals, I don’t think it works for the Muscogee Nation.”
Despite his concerns, Salsman noted the proposed bill can “be built upon.”
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman Matt Morgan agreed and told KOSU that because tribes around the state have different levels of sports betting interest, working out specifics is key.
Morgan said: “Because of the uniqueness of their operations and their markets, and you know how those proposals are set forth, the fine details are going to be really important and whether they’re supportive of the idea or not.”
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