Tribal economic impact in Oklahoma surges with $23.4B output, boosting local growth
TULSA, OKLA (KTUL) — Just how much impact do tribes have on the state’s economy?
Dr. Kyle Dean, the economist who was commissioned to conduct the economic impact study, says that the tribes’ contributions to the state are extraordinary.
"Total production or output of 23.4 billion dollars represents a 27% increase in real dollars from the last report, which was completed four years ago," said Dean.
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association commissioned this study with United for Oklahoma, a public education initiative that highlights the positive impact of Native American tribes in Oklahoma.
"This report shows us what we’ve always known, that tribal governments are not only cultural and community anchors, they’re economic engines," said Matthew Morgan with the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association.
According to their report, the dollars the tribes have brought in have provided support across sectors.
It says $582 million was spent on health care services in Oklahoma, they delivered $351 million for Oklahoma education programs, and spent $7.4 billion in tribal gaming and related business revenues.
The State Chamber sent us a statement saying in part that Oklahoma’s tribal nations are “essential partners in strengthening our education system, workforce, and healthcare infrastructure."
The study also shows gaming contributions have supported 24,900 jobs and have sent 208 million dollars in exclusivity fees to the state.
Dr. Kyle Dean says gaming is the largest contributor to tribal impact.
The state also released an Oklahoma Gaming Annual Report, which reveals that the State of Oklahoma collected 210 million dollars in exclusivity fees in fiscal year 2024 under state-tribal gaming compacts.
