Dave Palermo: Oklahoma tribes poised for more casino growth

It is justice that the only significant U.S. growth market for American Indian casinos is Oklahoma, which before achieving statehood in 1907 was a territory set aside for the torturous, forced removal of dozens of indigenous nations.

The Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek and Choctaw are among the state’s 39 federally recognized tribes, many of which were herded in the infamous Trail of Tears to the Sooner State from their ancestral homelands.

Today, 33 Oklahoma tribes own 115 gambling facilities ranging from upscale resorts to travel plazas, far more operations than any of the 27 other states with Indian casinos.

Oklahoma gambling in 2012 generated more than $3.7 billion, second only to California, where 60 casinos won $6.9 billion, according to economist Alan Meister, author of the annual Indian Gaming Industry Report, and other sources.

While the Indian casino market nationwide has plateaued—generating only 2 percent growth in 2012—Oklahoma has continued to thrive, its win climbing 5.8 percent to 7 percent over the previous year.

“We grew more than anybody in Indian Country,” says Sheila Morago, executive director of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA).

Oklahoma has, in fact, become a mecca of Indian gaming, drawing players from throughout an eight-state region.

“Oklahoma is an amazing case scenario. It’s so unique,” says Matthew Robinson, founder of hospitality consulting firm Klas Robinson. “There’s been bombastic growth. And it looks like it is going to continue for some time.”