Tribal nations reject casino compact arbitration

Oklahoma’s 35 tribal nations with casinos have rejected arbitration in a dispute with the state over whether existing gaming compacts automatically renew at the end of the year.

The tribes say in a letter to state Attorney General Mike Hunter that they remain unified in the belief the compacts renew.

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt has said the 15-year-old compacts expire at the end of the year and wants to renegotiate them to give the state a larger share of casino revenue.

The tribes pay fees of between 4% and 10% of a casino’s net revenue and receive exclusive rights to operate casinos in the state. The fees generated nearly $139 million for the state last year.

Stitt spokeswoman Baylee Lakey said the governor is disappointed the tribes declined arbitration. Hunter’s office declined comment.