The annual conference of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association recently was held in Oklahoma City. Topics discussed included human trafficking, cyber security, responsible gaming and tribal gaming compacts.
In addition, an economic impact report commissioned by the association was reviewed. It indicated Oklahoma’s 131 Indian gaming establishments directly employ more than 28,000 people, with two-thirds of those jobs in rural areas. Nearly 57 percent of employees at casinos and other gaming establishments are not members of tribes; another 22 percent are members of that casino’s tribe and the rest are members of other tribes.
The study, authored by Jim Klas and Matthew Robinson, was directed by Kyle Dean, director of the Center for Native American and Urban Studies at Oklahoma City University.
