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Governor Stitt’s administration secured another major victory for the state of Oklahoma yesterday with the announcement that the State’s two new gaming compacts with the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and Comanche Nation have been approved by the U.S. Department of Interior. 

These new compacts level the playing field for the Tribes to compete in Oklahoma’s gaming market and expands their access to the latest gaming technologies and practices seen in other states, all while strengthening the State’s auditing provisions and delivering certainty for gaming revenue that supports our public schools. 

“Today’s approval of our compact with the state of Oklahoma will allow us to welcome in a new, modern era of tribal gaming to the benefit of both our people and the state of Oklahoma,” said Otoe-Missouria Tribe Chairman John R. Shotton. “This compact will help us further diversify our economy, bring in new revenue for services for our people and will allow us to double down on our community engagement in both our existing rural communities and future expansion opportunities. This compact is what is best for our tribal members and we appreciate the Department of the Interior for approving the compact today.”

“This compact represents the best of the Comanche people - being a good neighbor, reciprocating back to our people and the communities in which we live; honoring the past while looking ahead to a brighter future for all,” said Comanche Nation Chairman William Nelson, Sr. “We have known since we reached this agreement with the governor of Oklahoma that our compact is legal and are pleased that the U.S. Department of the Interior has agreed.

“I am extremely pleased to learn that these new compacts have been deemed approved by the federal government,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “I appreciate and respect the thoughtful leadership of Chairman Shotton and Chairman Nelson who worked hard to secure fair terms for their citizens, and whose contributions throughout the negotiations ensured a more level playing field and modernized gaming market in Oklahoma. With these new gaming compacts, Oklahoma is ushering in a new era of prosperity, opportunity, and partnership for the state and the Tribes.”

These two new gaming compacts: 

• Deliver clarity and certainty for each sovereign party
• Expand gaming opportunities for the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribe
• Deliver meaningful consideration for the State’s fee structure for class III games and table games for new locations
• Strengthen compact transparency with clear auditing guidance and new dispute resolution provisions.

These new compacts will soon go into effect and will play a significant role in delivering healthier and stronger relationships between the State and Tribes for generations to come! 

- Team Stitt