State officials to meet with tribes for gambling negotiations
The Associated Press and The Oklahoman - October 19, 2019 8:13 am
Image: MGN
(Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com)
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Native American tribes in Oklahoma will meet with state officials to discuss clashing views on the tribes’ gambling agreement.
Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt says that the tribes’ 15-year gambling compact will expire on January 1st unless a renewal is negotiated. Tribal officials have countered that stance, saying that the agreement should renew automatically.
The Oklahoman reports that the two sides are meeting on October 28th to iron out their differing interpretations of the agreement.
Oklahoma’s Native American tribes currently pay the state exclusivity fees ranging from 4% to 10% of revenues for the perk of operating certain types of casino games in the state.
Stitt says he believes the tribes should pay higher exclusivity fees.
Last year, the state collected more than $139 million in fees, which mostly went to support education.