Oklahoma Supreme Court rejects Kevin Stitt's gambling compacts

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Supreme Court has rejected gambling compacts that Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt negotiated with two Oklahoma-based tribes, delivering the first-term governor another setback in his attempt to renegotiate the deals that allow gambling at tribal casinos.

In its decision on Tuesday, the court ruled the compacts with the Kialegee Tribal Town and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians are invalid under Oklahoma law. The court determined that because Stitt negotiated different terms to those included in a model gaming compact approved by voters in 2004 and without approval of a joint legislative committee, the agreements disrupt "the proper balance between the executive and legislative branches."

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Speaker of the House Charles McCall and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, both fellow Republicans who argued the governor overstepped his legal authority in reaching the deals.

https://indiancountrytoday.com/news/oklahoma-supreme-court-rejects-kevin-stitt-s-gambling-compacts-GSJ-fPHnoEOHFHTL-r3oqg