The contentious relationship between the Oklahoma tribes and Governor Kevin Stitt got worse last week when the governor proposed online sports betting that would be run by non-tribal companies. The proposal comes during a time when the state Legislature is considering compact renewals with the tribes.
Stitt, who threatened to halt gaming when the tribal compacts expired—a bid that was overturned by the landmark decision McGirt v. Oklahoma—is now trying to renegotiate the deal with tribes over the sale of tobacco on tribal lands.
As he did with the gaming issue, Stitt is refusing the compromise with the tribes. The compacts were due to expire in December, but they were renewed for one year over the summer.
Yet, some tribes have gone along with the governor’s proposal, including the Cherokees, the state’s largest tribe. Bill Anoatubby, the governor of the Chickasaw Nation, said the compact was good for both the state and the tribes.
“It is important for us to continue our collaborative relationship and honor our intergovernmental agreements with the state as we work together to serve the interests of both Chickasaw citizens and our neighbors across Oklahoma,” Anoatubby, who was recently added to the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame, said.
But the plan to open up sports betting to non-tribal entities has ratcheted up tribal opposition. His plan would allow the tribes to offer in-person sports betting with a 15 percent tax, while the online operators would pay 20 percent.
Senator Bill Coleman, who has championed sports betting in the state Legislature, urged Stitt to talk to tribal leaders before offering a plan.
“When dealing with the tribes, compacting and the many nuances with exclusivity and future gaming negotiations, it’s imperative that Governor Stitt work in good faith with our tribal partners,” Coleman said. “I’m not sure he’ll garner much support given his plan, among other things, asks the tribes to give up their online share of sports gaming, which nationally accounts for 95 percent of total revenues.”
Gary Batton, the chief of the Choctaw Nation, said the plan is a non-starter for the tribes.
“Upon initial review, we do not believe the plan represents the best interests for the people of Oklahoma or the tribal nations that have done so much to support the state,” Batton said.
