The legal battle continues in Oklahoma, as attorneys for Governor Kevin Stitt and for nine Oklahoma tribes filed new court documents. Both sides presented their case why a federal judge should rule in their favor in the gaming-compacts dispute between the governor and the tribes.
Stitt contends 15-year-old tribal gaming compacts expired January 1 and must be renegotiated before Class III gambling in the state’s tribal casinos can once again be legal. Stitt said he wants tribes to pay higher revenue sharing payments in exchange for exclusivity.
The tribes suing the governor claim the gaming compacts automatically renewed January 1 for an additional 15-year term. Tribal officials said they would be willing to discuss paying higher rates if the state would make additional concessions, including allowing tribes to offer sports betting.
