You can make a wager now, but will it pay off later?
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is hoping that question will be answered in his favor — 10 years from now when he will no longer be governor and when potential automatic renewal of the state’s Model Tribal Gaming Compact might otherwise lie beyond his control.
By proposing that the Horse Racing Commission approve a non-binding resolution well ahead of a 2034 deadline, Stitt has reminded onlookers about one major source of his disagreements with Oklahoma’s most influential tribal nations: the gaming compact fight from 2019 and 2020 that still lingers today.
The whole situation comprises a complicated web to untangle, but it’s one that bears watching. With Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s counsel requested by the Horse Racing Commission to examine how such a proposal is even handled, the proverbial pot could be sweetened into a full saga sooner than later.
Of course, exactly what types of gambling are allowed in our state — and Major League Baseball? — remains a source of much consternation. Many people would like a legalized and regulated sportsbook in Oklahoma, but the historical dynamics of horse racing and Class III gaming make the commission an unusual place to start negotiations.
While Stitt’s proposed resolution says he is trying to put Oklahoma “in the best position to negotiate” the compacts in 2034, the initial reactions of some commission members might have been enough to irk the executive up on his high horse.
Past Sundaze comics
Improper merging? Drummond gives Gatz a citation
Electric election: Norman’s shocking powerline politics
HB 1955 carveouts? Say hello to the beer and pizza tax
Boardwalk at Bricktown serves up hot pie in the sky
Pass the pizza rolls? Special session a lame pre-party
Will Edmond NIMBYs unite against the earthquakes?
Just the sip: ABLE Commission mixes a bitter beverage
Hello, 2024: Cheers to another year of art imitating life
Ooops, Santa left his tax exempt certificate at home
Despite OKC restaurants closing, keep a positive palate
Personal fowl: Switzer blitzes Stitt on rooster rumbles
Sen. Markwayne Mullin takes his fight and bite national
Stitt antes up for February fight on sports betting
Bad luck Halloween: The rainy trick spoiling your treats
New OKC Thunder arena election may not be a layup
The water meter spins at the Edmond aquatic center
Ryan Walters explores new math with budget request
Endless consumption: Pac-Man popular in Oklahoma
Cheers to 8 years of (sometimes political) cartoons
What to do when there’s no room at the Edmond inn?
Behold, OU students: Lindsey Street tailgating returns
PAC 12 implosion continues conference realignment
The Earth must be quite a pothole for UFOs
American Heartland Theme Park raises some eyebrows
Sick of Stitt hammering the machine, Drummond seeks a spin
Introducing a Razr-thin margin of plausible deniability
Bright future: OKC Thunder rookies ready to get to work
Blockbuster: Oklahoma weather presents DVD-size hail
Uncommon ground in Edmond: No art of compromise?
Stitt knows how to get, how to get to Override Street
Former Justice Steven Taylor broke open a tie ballgame
Welcome to the whirlwind of graduation season
All aboard? Coordinating an Edmond, Norman, OKC commuter rail vote
