The Cherokee Nation owns and operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo from Anadisgoi / Cherokee Nation
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association released a study this week that details the economic impact of an industry that has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. According to Statewide Economic Impacts from Oklahoma Tribal Government Gaming, tribal casinos generated $4.2 billion in revenue in 2014. That represents 2.5 percent of private production in Oklahoma. "We are very proud of the enormous contribution our Oklahoma tribes in gaming have been able to make to education and look forward to that number growing substantially in the coming years," OIGA Chairman Brian Foster said in a press release. "With our continued commitment to financially supporting education in Oklahoma, we want to become a driving force in making our state’s education system one others want to emulate.’’ Tribal casinos supported 23,277 jobs, the study said, with wages, salaries and tips totaling nearly $910 million. More than $264 million in payroll related taxes flowed to the state and federal government, the report said. Oklahoma is home to 124 gaming facilities, more than any other state, according to OIGA. Of the 39 tribes in the state, 30 are engaged in the gaming industry. “For the Cherokee Nation and other tribes in Oklahoma, gaming represents economic opportunities that improve the lives of our tribal citizens," Cherokee Nation Chief Bill John Baker said in a press release. "But secondary economic impacts from gaming revenues are equally important. The direct revenue we pay to the state of Oklahoma is significant, but the Cherokee Nation and other tribes also support thousands and thousands of jobs. That impact on Oklahoma families is immeasurable." The industry exploded after voters approved the Class III gaming compact through State Question 712 in 2004. Tribes have shared $1.1 billion with the state since then, according to the fiscal year 2015 report from the Gaming Compliance Unit of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. The agreement is due to expire in 2020. Get the Story:
State to review gaming compact if ‘sun rises in the east’ (NonDoc 11/19)
American Indian gaming contributed $1 billion to Oklahoma education over past decade, study shows (The Oklahoman 11/18)
Comprehensive list of Oklahoma casinos released (NonDoc 11/18)
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