The economic contributions of Oklahoma’s tribal nations have reached unprecedented heights, with a study revealing that these nations contributed $23.4 billion to the state’s economy in 2023. This significant figure represents the largest increase in economic activity over a four-year period, marking a $4.9 billion rise from the previous period. The findings, announced at the Oklahoma History Center, show a dramatic expansion in the state’s tribal economy from FY 2019 to FY 2023, nearly doubling the increase recorded between FY 2017 and FY 2019. The study was commissioned by United for Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA).

The study, conducted by Dr. Kyle Dean, an economist and director of the Center for Native American & Urban Studies at Oklahoma City University, analyzed data from 19 tribal nations across Oklahoma. Dr. Dean noted the growing economic significance of tribal nations, stating that their contributions to Oklahoma’s economy have become “increasingly transformative.”

Employment and wages:

In 2023, tribes directly employed more than 55,600 Oklahomans. The broader impact was even more substantial, supporting a total of 139,860 jobs across both tribal citizens and non-citizens. These positions contributed over $7.8 billion in wages and benefits to Oklahoma workers. This level of employment and compensation is part of the broader economic ecosystem that tribes support through their gaming and business operations.

According to Business Wire, citing OIGA, Matt Morgan, Chairman of the OIGA, praised the enduring impact of tribal nations in Oklahoma. He emphasized that the contributions extend far beyond employment, noting that tribes invest in critical areas like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Morgan added that these investments benefit not only tribal members but the wider community, particularly in rural areas where economic opportunities can be limited.

The report highlights notable investments in healthcare, with tribes spending $582 million on medical services in Oklahoma. This funding supported over 3.5 million unique patient visits, reflecting the essential role that tribal healthcare facilities play in the state. Additionally, tribes contributed $351 million to Oklahoma’s education programs in 2023, a combination of gaming revenues and exclusivity fees sent to the state. More than $177 million of the exclusivity fees went directly to fund public education.

The tribes’ involvement in education and healthcare is not limited to financial support but also includes the development of community programs, scholarships, and healthcare facilities. These investments are part of a broader effort to improve the quality of life in Oklahoma and provide critical services in underserved areas.

Gaming contributions and the growth of Oklahoma’s economy:

Gaming remains the primary driver of tribal economic impact in Oklahoma. Through gaming compacts with the state, tribes have the exclusive right to operate Class III gaming in Oklahoma, and in 2023, tribes paid $208 million in exclusivity fees. This represents a 36% increase since 2019. These funds are crucial for supporting the state’s education system and other public services.

In total, tribal gaming and related businesses generated approximately $7.4 billion in revenue. According to Dr. Dean, the expansion of tribal gaming operations has created thousands of jobs and continues to support the state’s economy by attracting tourism and generating tax revenues. “Gaming is the largest contributor to tribal economic impact,” Dean explained.

The presence of tribal gaming properties also has a significant effect on local communities. According to the report, over a third of the visits to tribal gaming properties are made by out-of-state visitors, bringing in tourism revenue that benefits local economies. Additionally, tribes continue to invest in infrastructure projects, such as the Choctaw Nation’s drone research and development center in rural southeast Oklahoma, which has created new opportunities in an otherwise underserved area.

Tribal leaders across Oklahoma emphasized that the economic benefits generated by gaming and other tribal ventures reach far beyond direct contributions. These investments create a ripple effect, supporting numerous industries and improving the standard of living for Oklahomans statewide. “Gaming revenue for us is just a vehicle that gets us to do all of the things that we want to do for our people and for the surrounding community,” said Jacob Keyes, Chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma.

Matthew Morgan concluded by highlighting the significance of the study’s findings, stating that they provide tangible, objective data that underscores the vital role tribal nations play in Oklahoma’s economic success. He noted that tribal governments are committed to uplifting their communities and working alongside other state and local governments to ensure that the benefits of their contributions are felt across the state.