WASHINGTON – The Oklahoma casino gaming industry supports more than 75,000 jobs statewide and has an annual economic impact of $9.8 billion, the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced today at a Get to Know Gaming event hosted in Oklahoma City, OK, following a reception yesterday in Tulsa, OK.

AGA’s Get to Know Gaming tour aims to engage local leaders about gaming’s role as a community partner in 40 states across the country. Thursday’s roundtable panel at the Petroleum Club Event Center included members of Congress, Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) and Rep. Kendra Horn (OK-05); Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Bill Lance; Choctaw Nation Senior Executive Officer Janie Dillard; Cherokee Nation Dep. Attorney General Chrissi Nimmo; and AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell moderated the discussion.

Today’s event also marked the release of AGA’s latest report, Casinos & Communities Oklahoma, an in-depth look at how the gaming industry supports local communities. According to the research, Oklahoma’s gaming industry supports 75,885 jobs and $4.3 billion in wages in the state. The full report can be viewed here.

“For nearly three decades, sovereign tribal nations and gaming companies have been engines of growth and opportunity in the state of Oklahoma, creating partnerships with local organizations, supporting small businesses and providing good jobs for workers of all backgrounds,” said Bill Miller, President and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association. “Today, we’re pleased to spotlight how the relationships between Oklahoma’s tribal nations, elected officials, small business owners and community leaders serve as a model of success for states around the nation.”

About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.

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