Sheila Morago: Tribal casinos impact economy in Oklahoma

For 26 years, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association and its members have worked to advance the welfare of Oklahoma's Indian peoples economically, socially and politically. In that time, the tribal gaming industry has steadily expanded economic development and job growth by creating some of the largest job centers in rural Oklahoma.

While sectors like energy, agriculture, aerospace and bioscience form a foundation for Oklahoma's economy, the growth momentum and potential for the state's entertainment and tourism sector is being driven largely by OIGA members' gaming and resort facilities.

A 2011 survey by Casino City Press showed that in 2010, gaming across the state had grown to nearly 2.33 percent of Oklahoma's economy. Over the last few years, the tribes have steadily generated revenue for the state with $122.7 million for the state in 2010, $121.7 million in 2011, and $127.8 million last year, according to a 2013 report by the same group.