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Casinos still open despite Gov. Stitt's warning

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Tribal casinos across the state are still open for business despite Governor Stitt's warning that gambling there is now illegal.

State leaders claim the gaming compact between Native American Tribes and the state expired at the start of the new year.

But the tribes disagree.

Governor Stitt says he wants re-negotiate with Oklahoma's Gaming Tribes to give the state a larger share of casino revenue.

But tribal leaders say their current compact is still in place..

Which is why Cherokee, Choctaw and Chickasaw nations filed a lawsuit against the state asking a federal judge to decide.

Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. with the Cherokee Nation said, "They expect us to talk reasonably about the compact. I'm ready willing to do that we just have to get passed this business about the compact coming to the end. Look it's 2020, the compact didn't go anywhere. It renewed tonight and we're going to move forward."

In a statement, Governor Stitt said he is disappointed the tribes did not accept his offer to resolve the dispute out of court.

Only two tribes have agreed to sign an eight month extension to keep negotiating.

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