Latest news with #UnitedforOklahoma
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
United for Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Announce Tribes' Impact on State's Economy
BUSINESS WIRE)--First American tribal nations in Oklahoma contributed $23.4 billion to the state's economy in 2023, according to a new study released Wednesday. Tribal leaders announced the results of the study – commissioned by United for Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association – on Wednesday at the Oklahoma History Center. Compared to previous periods, the new report indicates the largest increase in economic activity between the years studied. From FY 2019 to FY 2023, economic activity rose $4.9 billion, nearly double the increase recorded between FY 2017 to FY 2019. The study found that the tribes directly employed more than 55,600 Oklahomans and supported a total of 139,860 jobs to tribal citizens and non-citizens, accounting for more than $7.8 billion in wages and benefits to Oklahoma workers in 2023. 'The contributions of tribal nations to the Oklahoma's success are substantial and enduring,' said Matt Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. 'Through our business enterprises and healthcare facilities, we support jobs in rural areas where economic opportunities are often limited. Tribal impact reaches far beyond employment. We invest in infrastructure, fund health care, champion public education and deliver programs that meet critical community needs. We honor the legacy that brought us here and remain focused on building a bright future for all Oklahomans.' The report highlights significant tribal contributions to health care, public education and workforce development in 2023: Tribes spent $582 million providing health services to Oklahomans with over 3.5 million unique patient visits. Through gaming compacts between tribal governments and the state, tribes submit a percentage of their Class III gaming revenues for the exclusive right to operate gaming in the state. In 2023, tribes sent $208 million in exclusivity fees to the state — a 36% increase since 2019. More than $177 million of the fees went to fund public education across Oklahoma. When combined with the education portion of exclusivity fees, tribes delivered $351 million for Oklahoma education programs in 2023. The economic impact study was conducted by Dr. Kyle Dean, professor of economics and director of the Center for Native American and Urban Studies at Oklahoma City University. Dr. Dean analyzed data from 19 tribal nations based in Oklahoma. 'Tribal nations serve as a significant economic force, consistently contributing to the state's economy with increasingly transformative impact,' said Dr. Dean. 'With over 100,000 jobs supported and an ever-expanding scope of investments, tribes help build sustainable economies and stronger communities across the state.' Learn more at United For Oklahoma is a public education initiative supported by a coalition of tribes that are committed to nurturing mutual respect, shared strength and productive partnerships. The mission of the initiative is to raise awareness of tribal impact across the state. Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA), established in 1986, is a non-profit organization of Indian Nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations, tribes and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around Oklahoma. The common commitment and purpose of OIGA is to advance the welfare of Indian peoples economically, socially and politically.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
United for Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Announce Tribes' Impact on State's Economy
Tribes' economic impact exceeded $23 billion in 2023 OKLAHOMA CITY, June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First American tribal nations in Oklahoma contributed $23.4 billion to the state's economy in 2023, according to a new study released Wednesday. Tribal leaders announced the results of the study – commissioned by United for Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association – on Wednesday at the Oklahoma History Center. Compared to previous periods, the new report indicates the largest increase in economic activity between the years studied. From FY 2019 to FY 2023, economic activity rose $4.9 billion, nearly double the increase recorded between FY 2017 to FY 2019. The study found that the tribes directly employed more than 55,600 Oklahomans and supported a total of 139,860 jobs to tribal citizens and non-citizens, accounting for more than $7.8 billion in wages and benefits to Oklahoma workers in 2023. "The contributions of tribal nations to the Oklahoma's success are substantial and enduring," said Matt Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. "Through our business enterprises and healthcare facilities, we support jobs in rural areas where economic opportunities are often limited. Tribal impact reaches far beyond employment. We invest in infrastructure, fund health care, champion public education and deliver programs that meet critical community needs. We honor the legacy that brought us here and remain focused on building a bright future for all Oklahomans." The report highlights significant tribal contributions to health care, public education and workforce development in 2023: Tribes spent $582 million providing health services to Oklahomans with over 3.5 million unique patient visits. Through gaming compacts between tribal governments and the state, tribes submit a percentage of their Class III gaming revenues for the exclusive right to operate gaming in the state. In 2023, tribes sent $208 million in exclusivity fees to the state — a 36% increase since 2019. More than $177 million of the fees went to fund public education across Oklahoma. When combined with the education portion of exclusivity fees, tribes delivered $351 million for Oklahoma education programs in 2023. The economic impact study was conducted by Dr. Kyle Dean, professor of economics and director of the Center for Native American and Urban Studies at Oklahoma City University. Dr. Dean analyzed data from 19 tribal nations based in Oklahoma. "Tribal nations serve as a significant economic force, consistently contributing to the state's economy with increasingly transformative impact," said Dr. Dean. "With over 100,000 jobs supported and an ever-expanding scope of investments, tribes help build sustainable economies and stronger communities across the state." Learn more at About United for Oklahoma United For Oklahoma is a public education initiative supported by a coalition of tribes that are committed to nurturing mutual respect, shared strength and productive partnerships. The mission of the initiative is to raise awareness of tribal impact across the state. About Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA), established in 1986, is a non-profit organization of Indian Nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations, tribes and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around Oklahoma. The common commitment and purpose of OIGA is to advance the welfare of Indian peoples economically, socially and politically. View source version on Contacts Media contact: Katy Gustafson, APR, (405) 200-5631, katy@ Sign in to access your portfolio
