The Sac and Fox Nation recently joined other Oklahoma tribes in rejecting Governor Kevin Stitt’s statements that he wants to review the tribal-state gaming compact and possibly raise the exclusivity fee.
The tribe’s five-member leadership committee unanimously voted to approve a resolution declaring the tribe will not seek to renegotiate the terms of the tribal-state gaming compact. Furthermore, the tribe believes the compact’s evergreen provision clearly states it will be automatically renewed on January 1, 2020.
Principal Chief Justin F. Wood stated, “The Sac and Fox Nation remains dedicated to protecting the interests of our tribal members. Our gaming facilities provide much needed employment opportunities in central Oklahoma.
“In rural Oklahoma, the casinos are the cornerstone of economic growth. Increasing the exclusivity fees in the compact will negatively impact the Sac and Fox people, so I strongly oppose any proposed increase,” Wood said. “The compact will automatically renew on January 1st; any other interpretation is legally inadequate. The Sac and Fox Nation already contributes to Oklahoma’s economy, infrastructure and culture and will continue to do so.”
The 4,000-member Sac and Fox Nation is a federally recognized tribal nation. Its jurisdiction covers portions of Payne, Lincoln and Pottawatomie counties.
