By Damian Martinez, journalist at G&M News.
What novelties will be seen in this new edition of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Conference & Trade show?
As much as I’d love to spill the beans, I’m not going to spoil it! We are so fortunate that many of our vendors choose to debut exciting new games and technology, and this year is no exception. Some very exciting stuff, you’ll have to see for yourself!
A month ago, the National Indian Gaming Commission released fiscal year 2023 Gross Gaming Revenue numbers totaling USD 41.9 billion for the sector. How have these indicators impacted the Oklahoma gaming industry?
The tribal gaming industry in Oklahoma is strong, and its strength benefits all Oklahomans. In Oklahoma, of the 39 federally recognized tribes, 35 hold Tribal-State compacts for Class III gaming, in accordance with the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). That framework requires that any revenues from gaming operations be used for five core purposes: funding tribal operations, providing for the general welfare of the tribe and its members or citizens, promoting tribal economic development, donating to charitable organizations, and helping to fund operations of local government agencies. It has been a huge number of actions that good Oklahoma’s gaming tribes have done -and continue to do- within those parameters in the decades since has changed our state, improving the lives of all Oklahomans. Here’s one great example: rural and city-dwelling Oklahomans, tribal and non-tribal, benefit from job creation. Tribal nations have put more than 113,000 Oklahomans to work, in good-paying positions in industries and initiatives made possible by revenues generated by gaming. Of course, the gaming industry itself employs many thousands of people, but so do tourism, transportation, healthcare, technology, government services, and more. Altogether, these jobs make tribes -if they were a single industry- the 11th largest in the state. The benefits go far beyond jobs. As Anadarko Mayor Klye Eastwood puts it: “It’s the only way that we grow rural Oklahoma.” Another example: community support from tribes keeps Oklahoma’s nonprofits thriving. All Oklahomans benefit from tribal philanthropy. Our state’s nonprofits have received more than USD 61 million in support from tribal donations and sponsorships. Whether a nonprofit is focused on arts and culture, education and scholarships, food insecurity, medical technology, programs for preschoolers or the elderly, tribes are making our state better, and our people safer, healthier and happier.
After working for more than 20 years in different positions in the sector, you have a deep understanding of the main concerns of the Tribes. What are the most urgent demands of Tribal gaming operators in Oklahoma?
Tribal gaming operators on Oklahoma face similar challenges to tribal gaming operators across the United States. It’s always about offering the best hospitality, new and exciting entertainment and making sure our guests have a wonderful time. On the flip side, in order to accomplish those goals, we’ve got to take good care of our workforce, ensuring that they feel valued and have opportunities to learn and advance in their careers. My decades of experience make one thing very clear to me: if you take good care of your people, much of the rest will take care of itself.
Which economic or regulatory challenges the Indian gaming sector is facing right now? How are they dealing with sports betting and online gaming regulations?
Economic and regulatory challenges vary from state to state and facility to facility. Tribal leadership evaluates new opportunities and challenges as they come, each on its own merits. Any proposed new or modified gaming offering must make sound economic sense for everyone involved. Tribes are considering all the possibilities of these verticals and will see if they are interested in including them, adapting to all the necessary regulatory requirements.