by Matthew L. Morgan
Like so many of you, I look forward to the OIGA Conference and Trade Show each year. I have had the pleasure of working in the Oklahoma tribal gaming industry over the past 25 years – to see us go from paper bingo halls to operating some of the largest and most sophisticated resorts across the world. It’s been an honor to sit at the table with elected officials, operators, regulators, and our gaming vendor partners working to build something that works for our tribes, our industry, and our communities. Oklahoma’s tribal governmental gaming framework is one of the most consequential policy achievements in this state’s modern history, and some of the most beneficial to Oklahomans across the state.
In fiscal year (FY) 2025, the State of Oklahoma received approximately $221 million in tribal gaming exclusivity fees – up from $210 million in FY 2024, $202 million in FY 2023, and $192 million in FY 2022. That is a steady, compounding line of growth built on a legal framework that works, relationships that have been carefully tended, and tribal governments that take their obligations seriously.
Exclusivity fees, while significant, are only part of the story. The real value of this compact is measured in the government-to-government trust that has been built, the jobs that exist, in the rural healthcare that is still available, in the roads that got paved, in the kids who received scholarships and stayed in Oklahoma for their careers, the charitable organization that received financial support, in out-of-state tourists who come to enjoy our entertainment products, and in the communities that are thriving because a tribal government business was there to anchor the local economy.
The opportunity to build on our rich history of doing good things for Oklahoma is one of the reasons I look forward to our OIGA Conference and Trade Show each year, but there are many others. The opportunity to see so many valued colleagues and friends, who feel like family, is something I treasure. Learning from the best and brightest in our business holds immense value. Perhaps what means the most to me, though, is watching the tribal gaming industry grow and evolve year over year and decade over decade. Simply being in the same place together generates new connections and ideas. Together, we are doing remarkable things – innovating, creating new offerings, and driving positive change. If you are unable to join us this year, know you are missed.
Our week starts with the John Marley Golf Tournament, Monday, July 20, at Lincoln Park Golf Course. The tournament sold out again this year, thanks to our sponsors and golfers, and proceeds go toward OIGA’s scholarship program, which helps our students pursue their educational goals.
Conference registration opens at noon Monday for anyone who needs to register or update a reservation. Monday evening brings our welcome party, along with poker and blackjack tournaments, at Skydance Brewery. (Be sure to say hello to Jacob and Bobbi while you are there.)
Tuesday morning’s keynote will be “The State of Tribal Gaming: A National Update,” a conversation with James Siva, Chairman of CNIGA, and David Bean, Chairman of IGA. The rest of the morning will be filled with exceptional educational sessions. We have put in countless hours organizing hundreds of speakers to make sure our sessions are interesting, lively, and useful to our attendees, no matter where you are on your career path, or what sector of the tribal gaming business you work in. Whether you are working in F&B, cybersecurity, marketing, facilities, regulatory/government affairs, or anything else, we have something you will enjoy.
At noon, we will open the trade show floor and enjoy a walk-around buffet lunch. At 1 p.m., we will present scholarships and recognize some of the outstanding leaders in our industry. We are also honored to welcome the new Vice Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, who will release the 2025 Gross Gaming Revenue Report. The floor will stay open until 5 p.m., and we’ll close out the day with the Walk Around Happy Hour on the trade show floor from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday starts with three rounds of educational sessions at 9 a.m., wrapping up at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be served on the trade show floor from noon to 1 p.m., and the floor will stay open until 3 p.m.
All of this fun, fellowship, learning, and networking is in support of our exciting, ever-changing, and important industry – tribal gaming – a bedrock of the Oklahoma economy, as we continue to do our part to enhance the quality of life of all Oklahomans.
Matthew L. Morgan is Chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. He can be reached by email at [email protected].