Gov. Stitt Won’t Appeal U.S. District Court’s Ruling On Gaming Compacts

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said he will not appeal a U.S. District Court ruling regarding the state-tribal gaming compacts, in a statement released Friday.

The Cherokee, Chickasaw, and the Choctaw Nations said the gaming compacts automatically renewed at the beginning of this year.

However, Stitt said they could be renegotiated.

A U.S. District Court ruled with the tribes on July 28.

Read: Federal Judge Rules In Tribes' Favor Concerning Gaming Compact Dispute

Stitt released the following statement Friday, October 23:

“The U.S. District Court has ruled the Model Tribal Gaming Compacts automatically renewed for another 15 years. While I have chosen not to appeal this decision, I believe that the people of Oklahoma will demand a fair deal that benefits all 4 million Oklahomans.

Our state is facing unprecedented uncertainty as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma. Therefore, it is essential for state and tribal leaders to join together to resolve the challenges this ruling presents for Oklahomans and their businesses.

For Oklahoma to become a Top Ten state, we must work together to find solutions that respect the unique relationship between the State of Oklahoma and its tribal citizens, and that provide certainty and fairness for all Oklahomans.

Our state agencies regularly cooperate with the tribes on matters involving public safety, health care, human services, transportation, education, the environment, energy, and many other areas. I hope this can continue, as together we are “One Oklahoma.”

I look forward to working with our Congressional delegation, state officials and Oklahoma’s tribal nations to create an environment of fairness, clarity and unity that serves all 4 million Oklahomans.”