Stitt Accuses Tribes of Waiting Him Out
The Governor shared with reporters that he believes tribal leaders are trying to wait out his second term. The state’s term limits mean he can’t run for re-election and will leave office early in 2027. He believes that the tribes have this date circled and are choosing to wait instead of seeking a deal that is agreeable to both sides.
Stitt’s relationship with tribal leaders soured in 2020 after his failed gaming compact. The group accused the governor of trying to exclude many tribes from the industry, instead allowing commercial operators to take their place.
The tribes led an effort that ultimately defeated Stitt’s proposal, and relations have been frayed ever since.
Support for Industry Remains Strong
While tribal leaders have not confirmed Stitt’s claim that they are waiting him out, it seems to be a sound strategy. That’s due to the strong support tribal-run sports betting has been getting in the state legislature, which came close to passing bills to legalize it in the 2025 legislative session.
Stitt’s veto threat seems to be the final obstacle standing in the way of a legal sports betting market. Some lawmakers have rejected bills based on the threat, believing it is a waste of time and resources. That would likely change when a new Governor takes over in 2027.
Given the public support for the industry, expect to see the topic featured during the 2026 campaign.
Tribes Control Oklahoma Gambling Market
Oklahoma tribes have an exclusive gambling deal with the state. This requires their approval for any expansion of gambling in the state, which helped defeat Stitt’s 2020 and 2023 sports betting proposals.
The exclusivity deal has led industry proponents to propose bills to legalize tribal-run sports betting. However, the Governor has continued to assist commercial operators in splitting the market with tribes, which is at the center of the rift between the two sides.
