All of Oklahoma’s tribal casinos are temporarily closed to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association confirmed Monday all of its tribal members have closed their casinos because of COVID-19. Oklahoma has around 130 tribal gaming operations that have paid more than $1.5 billion dollars in exclusivity fees to the state since 2005.
OIGA Chairman Matthew Morgan said the move will hopefully have a positive impact on the health of Oklahomans.
“Nothing is of greater importance to the Tribes than the health and well-being of the citizens of their Nations and the citizens of Oklahoma," Morgan said. "We always want to be good neighbors, and to lead by positive example.”
Each tribal nation has drafted their own COVID-19 response plans and protocols - which are compiled at OIGA's website.
