After being ravaged by COVID-19, the state’s Native American-run gaming industry is on track to have one of its most profitable years in history.

State records show a key source of revenue for state coffers — exclusivity fees — have grown as the state’s economy continues to rebound from the pandemic.

Casino exclusivity fees were up nearly 6.5% from January through August 2021 compared with the same pre-pandemic period in 2019, according to an analysis of data provided by the Office of State Management and Enterprise Services. The fees were up nearly 35.4% compared to 2020, when COVID-19 forced tribal operators to shutter more than 120 licensed casinos around the state.

At the state’s two commercial race tracks and casinos — Remington Park and Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs — revenue is up about 1.4% from January through August compared with the same period in 2019, according to an analysis of data. Fees were up nearly 93% compared to 2020.