Oklahoma tribes take credit for stopping fantasy sports measure

Monday, March 21, 2016

Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear addresses Oklahoma legislators and tribal leaders about Osage successes, goals, and gaming concerns at the Oklahoma Caucus of Native American Legislators. Photo from Osage Nation

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Oklahoma tribes are taking credit for stopping the legalization of fantasy sports in the state.

Tribal leaders believe the Oklahoma Fantasy Contests Act (HB 2278 and SB 1396) would have violated the exclusivity provisions of their Class III gaming compacts. They would no longer be required to share revenues with the state if that happens.

"Substantial money is played during these games and the proposed legislation of the state of Oklahoma would bring money to Oklahoma state government and exclude the tribes," Osage Nation Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear said in a press release.

According to the Oklahoma Gaming Compliance Unit's 2015 report, tribes have shared $1.1 billion with the state since 2004.