In the latest setback for Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt over Native American gaming compacts, the Oklahoma Supreme Court recently rejected the compacts Stitt negotiated with Kialegee Tribal Town and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. The court determined the compacts are invalid under Oklahoma law because: 1) Stitt negotiated different terms from those included in a model gaming compact approved by voters in 2004 and 2) the agreements disrupt “the proper balance between the executive and legislative branches” because they were not approved by a joint legislative committee.
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman Matthew Morgan said he appreciates the “clarity and succinct wisdom” of the high court’s ruling.
Fellow Republicans, House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, filed the lawsuit, claiming the governor overstepped his legal authority to reach the deals.
Last July, the Supreme Court ruled similar compacts Stitt negotiated with the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribes also were invalid.
Earlier, Stitt proposed renegotiating gambling compacts with all Oklahoma-based tribes in order for the state to take in higher exclusivity fees. He claimed the compacts voters approved in 2004 expired on January 1, 2020 but last year a federal judge sided with the tribes, ruling the compacts automatically renewed.
In a statement, Stitt said he looks forward to working with the joint legislative committee to review “the many compacts negotiated to benefit all 4 million Oklahomans.”
Since voters approved expanded gambling in 2004, Oklahoma now offers 130 casinos. Last year, exclusivity fees paid by tribes totaled nearly $150 million; it’s primarily directed to supporting public schools.
