The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, (OIGA) a non-profit created to promote the general welfare of Oklahoma tribal members, has recently released their annual impact report detailing the economic significance of the tribal gambling industry in the state. The findings are impressive.
Of the 23,277 ongoing tribal gaming operations jobs, 83.2 percent were full-time positions, with annual wages, salaries and tips near $910 million. Benefits including healthcare, dental, life insurance and retirement plans totaled an additional $255 million. The employees and operators paid in excess of $264 million in payroll taxes, and another $30 million in Oklahoma state income taxes.
There are 39 federally recognized tribes in the Oklahoma. 33 have signed compacts and created the current …