Oklahoma tribal casinos contribute to record year in Indigenous gaming revenue

Tribal nations in Oklahoma made a record amount of gaming revenue last year.

In a 2023 report published by the National Indian Gaming Commission, the Oklahoma City region saw the second-highest revenue increase compared to seven other areas listed. This 2.1%increase was worth over $66 million.

Both markets added to the total gross revenue listed in the report of $41.9 billion, which set a record in the Indigenous gaming industry.

Both regions are home to more than 149 operations and a total of $6.8 billion in revenue; however, they also dip into other states.

The Oklahoma City region includes Texas, while the Tulsa region also has Kansas.

In an annual report released by the Oklahoma Gaming Compliance Unit, tribal gaming exclusivity fees amounted to more than $202 million in 2023, a 5.6% increase from 2022.

The exclusivity fees' funding is dispersed to the Education Reform Revolving Fund, the General Revenue Fund and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

This OGCU report also found that exclusivity payments made by the tribal nations with compacts have continually risen year over year since 2005, except for two exceptions in 2014 and 2020.

Currently, 35 tribal nations in the state have gaming compacts.

In accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the net revenues earned by tribal nations operating casinos must be used for specific purposes, such as tribal programs that promote the welfare of the community, charity organizations and local governmental agencies.