A new American Gaming Association study has shown that the Oklahoma casino gaming industry supports more than 75,000 jobs in the state and has an annual statewide economic impact of $9.8 billion.
The trade group announced its findings Thursday at a Get to Know Gaming roundtable event in Oklahoma City. The event followed an earlier reception for the gaming group and civic leaders in Tulsa.
The panel at the roundtable at the Petroleum Club Event Center included two members of Congress, Rep. Tom Cole and Rep. Kendra Horn; Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Bill Lance; Choctaw Nation Senior Executive Officer Janie Dillard; Cherokee Nation Dep. Attorney General Chrissi Nimmo; and AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell moderated.
“For nearly three decades, sovereign tribal nations and gaming companies have been engines of growth and opportunity in the state of Oklahoma, creating partnerships with local organizations, supporting small businesses and providing good jobs for workers of all backgrounds,” Miller said. “We’re pleased to spotlight how the relationships between Oklahoma’s tribal nations, elected officials, small business owners and community leaders serve as a model of success for states around the nation.”
The AGA’s Get to Know Gaming tour aims to engage local leaders about gaming’s role as a community partner in 40 states across the country. The event also marked the release of the AGA’s latest report, Casinos & Communities Oklahoma, an in-depth look at how the gaming industry supports local communities.
