The economic footprint of First American tribal nations in Oklahoma is nothing short of substantial, with a recent report highlighting their multi-billion-dollar contribution to the state's economy. According to a study released by United for Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, these tribal nations injected $23.4 billion in 2023 alone. Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, the House Leader of Tribal and External Affairs and a member of the Choctaw Nation, didn't hesitate to underline the importance of the tribes, acknowledging their extensive positive impact across various sectors in Oklahoma.
The report, devised by Dr. Kyle Dean, an economics professor and director at Oklahoma City University, observed a staggering growth to nearly double the economic activity over four years. Since Fiscal Year 2019, there has been an increase in contributions of $4.9 billion. In his comments, obtained by the Oklahoma House, Fetgatter stated, "The positive impact of our tribal nations has long been known in Oklahoma." He went on to specifically to also state how their contributions extend "through stable and secure housing, good-paying jobs, education, health care services, contributions to our state's infrastructure or much more."
Jobs and healthcare were front and center in the report's findings, revealing that tribal nations directly employed over 55,600 Oklahoma citizens and indirectly supported an additional 139,860 jobs. More than $7.8 billion in wages and benefits were as a result infused into the local economy. In the domain of healthcare, tribes spent $582 million with over 3.5 million unique patient visits recorded—a testament to their commitment to the well-being of the state's residents.
Educational contributions were equally impactful, with $351 million directed toward Oklahoma education programs in 2023. Tribal governments, through gaming compacts, have the exclusive right to operate gaming in the state, and this is not without financial returns to the community. In 2023, for example, the tribes paid $208 million in exclusivity fees, a 36% uptick since 2019. More than $177 million of these funds were explicitly funneled to support public education. "That's not even accounting for the cultural enrichment the tribes bring to our state," Fetgatter pointed out, according to the Oklahoma House.
United for Oklahoma stands as a public education initiative promoting the awareness of tribal impact, while the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association has been representing tribal gaming interests since 1986.
