According to the recently released study, “Statewide Economic Impact from Oklahoma Tribal Governmental Gaming,” by the Steven C. Agee Economic Research and Policy Institute at Oklahoma City University and KlasRobinson QED Inc., tribal gaming contributed .2 billion to the Oklahoma economy in 2014 with a total estimated impact from gaming of nearly .2 billion.
The study also indicated tribal gaming has contributed $1 billion to education in the state over the past decade. Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman Brian Foster said, “I think a lot of Oklahomans don’t know what kind of economic impact we have in the state. We are thrilled to share the results of this important study, and happy to have such a great story to tell about our vital and growing industry.”
The study also found that in 2014, tribes paid out more than $1.16 billion in wages and benefits, supporting 23,277 jobs including 19,523 full-time positions. Gaming workers paid more than $264 million in state and federal payroll taxes. Tribal gaming now is Oklahoma’s 19th largest employment sector.
Under the state-tribal compact, Oklahoma collected $122 million in tribal gaming exclusivity fees in fiscal year 2014, according to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Those funds go to the state’s general fund as well as the state Education Reform Revolving Fund and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
