The Lucas Oil Live venue at Winstar looks impressive and the acts being promoted from now thru spring ‘24 should get a lot of attendance.

https://www.winstar.com/entertainment/events

If Texas allows gambling, will the tribes that use to live there be allowed to open casinos?

If Texas allows gambling, will the tribes that use to live there be allowed to open casinos?

They will go with the corporate style. Think Vegas-style mega resorts. They might have some tribal casinos, but they want to have those mega resorts. 100%.

Just imagine if Winstar had been built on Lake Texoma .....

Obviously not Winstar but the Chickasaw's built West Bay Casino in the middle of the Point Vista Development.

I think the main issue with that is that Winstar's location on I-35 is way more accessible to Dallas/Fort Worth than anything on Texoma would be. Would be way cooler though.

The Lucas Oil Live venue at Winstar looks impressive and the acts being promoted from now thru spring ‘24 should get a lot of attendance.

https://www.winstar.com/entertainment/events

Saw Miranda Lambert. It was really nice. Sound was great not really a bad seat in the house unless maybe way way up top. Would see a show there again problem is being a casino and small venue ticket prices seem higher. Food was resealable. Water $4 Pizza slice $7 Pretzel $7 pop $5 beer I think was $9

If Texas allows gambling, will the tribes that use to live there be allowed to open casinos?

They don't have to wait for legalization--they can start the process now. However, there is a high hurdle for a tribe to get land into trust (which would enable them to conduct casino gambling). The process usually takes 5-10 years.

I believe only 2 tribes have tried, and it was only recently that they were finally allowed to. The Tigua tribe in El Paso finally prevailed in federal court against the state. If there are any tribes that had any ideas of having casino gambling, that case should clear the way for them.

They don't have to wait for legalization--they can start the process now. However, there is a high hurdle for a tribe to get land into trust (which would enable them to conduct casino gambling). The process usually takes 5-10 years.

I believe only 2 tribes have tried, and it was only recently that they were finally allowed to. The Tigua tribe in El Paso finally prevailed in federal court against the state. If there are any tribes that had any ideas of having casino gambling, that case should clear the way for them.

not quite this simple

they can only operate "bingo games" because those are already legal in the rest of texas .. (which are class 2 slot machines) if the state of Texas banned bingo state wide (they won't do that ) they would also not be allowed to do that their casino .
https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/2022/06/15/tigua-indians-us-supreme-court-casino-bingo/7635148001/


also keep in mind generally for land to be put in trust status in needs to be very near reservation lands .. or on reservation lands ..

and that massively limits where tribes could open casinos in texas ..

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/entrepreneurs/2023/11/03/mark-cuban-id-like-to-see-resort-casino-gambling-plans-for-making-texas-a-destination/

I know, blocked by pay wall. But the headline gives you the idea of what Texas will do with casinos. No tribal casinos. Mega, Vegas-style ones. And I'd bet there will be tons of them.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/entrepreneurs/2023/11/03/mark-cuban-id-like-to-see-resort-casino-gambling-plans-for-making-texas-a-destination/

I know, blocked by pay wall. But the headline gives you the idea of what Texas will do with casinos. No tribal casinos. Mega, Vegas-style ones. And I'd bet there will be tons of them.


“My goal, and we’d partner with Las Vegas Sands, is when we build a new arena it’ll be in the middle of a resort and casino,” Cuban told The News. “That’s the mission.”

What he’s not good at, he said, is trying to take a guess at what a politician might do.


In May, the Texas House essentially killed legislation backed by casino company Las Vegas Sands that would have allowed a pathway for the kinds of resorts Cuban is interested in.

While a new stadium might not be underway yet, Cuban hopes it’s in the future for the Mavericks. In April, $18.5 million was put into the American Airlines Center for new video boards and seats, a product of the stadium’s staff, Cuban and Dallas Stars owner, Tom Gaglardi.

“It’s a great sports town,” Cuban said. “People get excited about sports here, and it’s a good thing.”

more like what cuban wants with 0 indication that the texas legislature would ever let it happen

more like what cuban wants with 0 indication that the texas legislature would ever let it happen

It will happen in the next 10 years, bank on it. So the tribes here need to plan for it, and adjust their casino strategies accordingly.

It will happen in the next 10 years, bank on it. So the tribes here need to plan for it, and adjust their casino strategies accordingly.
I wish they’d build a mega resort theme park, deepest artificial dive park, F1 racing track, and tons of other stuff to make this area a destination.

It will happen in the next 10 years, bank on it. So the tribes here need to plan for it, and adjust their casino strategies accordingly.

It seems like the Chickasaw Nation has been diversifying their economic investments for years, but it's hard to see how casinos in Texas wouldn't immediately kill Winstar, no?

It seems like the Chickasaw Nation has been diversifying their economic investments for years, but it's hard to see how casinos in Texas wouldn't immediately kill Winstar, no?

Calling it immediately seems overblown, more likely would be end of expansion and over time scaling back staff/services, with plausibly dying at least a couple to few decades down the road when the decision is major renovation or closure. It also seems like few would prioritize investing money in a casino between Oklahoma border and those likely built in/near Dallas, since there will be plenty of other areas of Texas with less competition for years, so while shrinks their base of regulars, there are plenty of casinos that continue on in regions with less people.

I recall there is very little tribal land in Texas. Seems like it is almost all near El Paso. A tribal casino needs to be in a documented tribal area IIRC. Although it is "possible" a tribe could do a land swap outside of their tribal area, it is very complex and politically unpopular for all parties other than the tribe attempting to pull it off.

I think the Chickasaw still operate the horse track in Dallas under the same corporate entity that owns Remington Park, so they already have a foothold in the Metroplex.

I think WinStar and Choctaw casinos have both been built with the intent to gradually expand them into a more resort focus. A chance to get away from the big city for the weekend and have access to lakes, golf and traditional casino entertainment.

Las Vegas Sands has been spending millions lobbying the Texas legislature for the last 10 years. Texas is seen as the last big gambling opportunity in the US, and Sands is pretty much (if not all the way) out of the US gambling business at this time.

I recall the only thing gaining any traction in Texas is a plan for a limited number of massive casino-resorts in designated areas. Something like $10 billion plus developments. It doesn't look like Texas is going to be as "wide open" as Oklahoma's restricted casino population.

It will be interesting to see how many other big private gaming companies pair up and move into OK. Most of tribes have seemed to operate without any partnerships. We will be more likely to go to casinos partnered with Vegas gambling groups if we can earn pints and status for rewards and comps

https://www.500nations.com/casinos/ok-harrahs.asp

It will be interesting to see how many other big private gaming companies pair up and move into OK. Most of tribes have seemed to operate without any partnerships. We will be more likely to go to casinos partnered with Vegas gambling groups if we can earn pints and status for rewards and comps

https://www.500nations.com/casinos/ok-harrahs.asp

Well…that’s a deep subject….. I think the Indian Gaming Act was passed about 35 years ago, and casino growth overall exploded along this same timeline. The industry overall has matured, and almost all tribes tribes have done a great job of building and owning their businesses. Not much of the “Casino Jack” stuff going on anymore.

So, most of the United States now have mature markets with capitalized and competent operators. This will probably mean some cross promotions, but not many full on partnerships, at least in Oklahoma.

This reminds me, about 10-15 years ago, while the company was still called Harrah’s and Gary Loveman was CEO, they were in a partnership with a tribe that went sour. Notable was that the tribe claimed all litigation had to go through their tribal court system. Don’t remember the outcome, but it gave pause to some of the non-tribal companies.

It seems like the Chickasaw Nation has been diversifying their economic investments for years, but it's hard to see how casinos in Texas wouldn't immediately kill Winstar, no?

There will not be a casino ? on the Texas ballot this year. Which means earliest is 2025.
Dan Patrick is against it and it needs 2/3 of legislative approval to get on the ballot.
I wouldn't hold your breath

I recall the only thing gaining any traction in Texas is a plan for a limited number of massive casino-resorts in designated areas. Something like $10 billion plus developments. It doesn't look like Texas is going to be as "wide open" as Oklahoma's restricted casino population.

that is the model that Massachusetts did

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-mavericks-new-owner-miriam-adelson-las-vegas-sands-corp-land-purchase-irving-texas/287-4db45b5a-86b5-42ed-9405-cd675738f00b

Only the first step. Once gambling is legalized in Texas, it will truly, truly hurt Oklahoma gambling. It won't kill it, but Winstar and Choctaw Grand will have a lot of hotel rooms that will not be used any longer.

Super-casino resorts will bring Vegas to 1.5 hours south of Durant and Thackerville.

I would suggest Jerry Jones and "Mr. Houston" Tilman Fertitta (Golden Nugget casinos, Landry's Seafood, Houston Rockets, University of Houston, etc.) have been working harder and longer to get casino gambling legalized in Texas. Las Vegas Sands buys some land close to where the Dallas Cowboys have been for over 50 years. Not sure how that changes anything?

I think the Texas legislature sees D/FW as Texoma and not a part of the "true" Texas. And, so far as casino gambling is concerned, their main question is..."How close do you want the whorehouse to your church?"

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-mavericks-new-owner-miriam-adelson-las-vegas-sands-corp-land-purchase-irving-texas/287-4db45b5a-86b5-42ed-9405-cd675738f00b

Only the first step. Once gambling is legalized in Texas, it will truly, truly hurt Oklahoma gambling. It won't kill it, but Winstar and Choctaw Grand will have a lot of hotel rooms that will not be used any longer.

Super-casino resorts will bring Vegas to 1.5 hours south of Durant and Thackerville.

A "super-casino resort"? You mean like Winstar? It is already the largest casino in the world.

A "super-casino resort"? You mean like Winstar? It is already the largest casino in the world.

But it is different than a Vegas-stye resort, and you know it.

And it was VERY largely built on the dollars of Texans. But if they don't have to cross the border to gamble, and then not have to pay income tax on winnings, yeah. Oklahoma gambling income will go down probably 50% or more.

But it is different than a Vegas-stye resort, and you know it.

And it was VERY largely built on the dollars of Texans. But if they don't have to cross the border to gamble, and then not have to pay income tax on winnings, yeah. Oklahoma gambling income will go down probably 50% or more.

Yes. If a Venetian/Wynn style resort is built IN DFW, then WinStar's appeal really goes down with distance. Tulsa is fortunate to have two nice resorts in RiverSpirit and Hard Rock, but even they can't match what Vegas offers in size and scale, but far enough away from DFW they may not be impacted too much. However, as much advertising and naming rights as Choctaw Casino Resort and WinStar do in DFW, I can't imagine they wouldn't try to compete with a physical location (if that is possible?).

Yes. If a Venetian/Wynn style resort is built IN DFW, then WinStar's appeal really goes down with distance. Tulsa is fortunate to have two nice resorts in RiverSpirit and Hard Rock, but even they can't match what Vegas offers in size and scale, but far enough away from DFW they may not be impacted too much. However, as much advertising and naming rights as Choctaw Casino Resort and WinStar do in DFW, I can't imagine they wouldn't try to compete with a physical location (if that is possible?).

The biggest thing Oklahoma casinos are missing is retail. None have more than a couple glorified gift shops. I think a true retail component could help them, in the case of a Sands-type resort in DFW.

The biggest thing Oklahoma casinos are missing is retail. None have more than a couple glorified gift shops. I think a true retail component could help them, in the case of a Sands-type resort in DFW.

I thought the Sands was demolished years ago, and the Venetian built on the site.

I thought the Sands was demolished years ago, and the Venetian built on the site.

The Sands hotel was demolished, but there is still a Sands Corporation. They own the Venetian and several big casinos in Asia.

The Sands hotel was demolished, but there is still a Sands Corporation. They own the Venetian and several big casinos in Asia.
Sure.. I worked on the Venetians and others.

But to the earlier point, there is limited retail. The high end retail is possible mostly by high roller spending and others who have just won a bundle. Does the fact that this is so close to Dallas with its shopping, and the fact that the overwhelming percent of visitors at this time are commuters change the shopping calculus?

The Sands hotel was demolished, but there is still a Sands Corporation. They own the Venetian and several big casinos in Asia.

Sands sold off Venetian and Palazzo in 2021.

https://lasvegassun.com/news/2021/mar/03/las-vegas-sands-sells-the-venetian-sands-expo-for/

Sands sold off Venetian and Palazzo in 2021.

https://lasvegassun.com/news/2021/mar/03/las-vegas-sands-sells-the-venetian-sands-expo-for/

They still have a bunch in Macau. If one of those gets built in DFW, it may be over for Winstar and Choctaw Grand.

They still have a bunch in Macau. If one of those gets built in DFW, it may be over for Winstar and Choctaw Grand.

It is interesting that the Adelson family (Sands Corp) purchased the Mavericks from Mark Cuban. That can’t be a coincidence. They have to feel pretty confident of in the future of gambling in Texas.

It is interesting that the Adelson family (Sands Corp) purchased the Mavericks from Mark Cuban. That can’t be a coincidence. They have to feel pretty confident of in the future of gambling in Texas.

I think there is a grand plan to put an arena there, as well.

I think it’s only a matter of time. Oklahoma has had chance after chance to do things like legalize recreational marijuana and benefit from the massive taxes produced by Texas flooding across the border and people here voted against it. Oklahomans get what they deserve. It pains me to say it because it’s my home state and I love it but if a full scale casino resort gets built the Indians will have to do something BIG to continue to draw visitors in the area.

Legalizing gambling much like marijuana is inevitable. It’s progress. You can delay it but you can’t stop it. It’s coming. With the right ideas and people behind it it doesn’t have to be a doomsday scenario.

I’ve always thought about things like building the world’s largest roller coaster park, a massive theme park, a huge artificial diving facility like Dubai’s, an artificial indoor ski resort, etc. Let’s start off with a Bucee’s.

Better Hurry because Mark Cuban is lobbying to make DFW the next Vegas.

Yes. If a Venetian/Wynn style resort is built IN DFW, then WinStar's appeal really goes down with distance. Tulsa is fortunate to have two nice resorts in RiverSpirit and Hard Rock, but even they can't match what Vegas offers in size and scale, but far enough away from DFW they may not be impacted too much. However, as much advertising and naming rights as Choctaw Casino Resort and WinStar do in DFW, I can't imagine they wouldn't try to compete with a physical location (if that is possible?).

Choctaw isn't quite Venetian or Wynn level yet but it's very nice and about the closest to a Vegas style resort/casino that I've been to outside of Vegas (Mohegan Sun in CT was probably the next closest). Winstar is making an effort to reach that level with the new additions they're making. If approved DFW could obviously out do them but they would have a lot of catching up to do.

For the life of me, I don't understand why the Chickasaw tribe has not built a large hotel resort, like Choctaw, as close to OKC limits as possible. Newcastle could build a resort/casino (non-smoking) in their current parking lot and capture most of the OKC market. Plus it is fairly close to the airport. There has to be some reason there.

For the life of me, I don't understand why the Chickasaw tribe has not built a large hotel resort, like Choctaw, as close to OKC limits as possible. Newcastle could build a resort/casino (non-smoking) in their current parking lot and capture most of the OKC market. Plus it is fairly close to the airport. There has to be some reason there.

It may have changed since the 6 years I worked there, but my experience was that Newcastle management is generally penny wise, pound foolish, which explains a lot about the state of the facility. "You have to spend money to make money" is totally lost on them. Any push for reimagining it as a resort would have to come from someone in Ada, and Ada never really seemed to care all that much about the Northern Region gaming facilities from what I could tell. (It's not just Newcastle; other than the addition of the hotel and skybridge, Riverwind has never had an expansion of any sort.)

I would think they would want OKC people to continue to go down to Winstar when they feel the need for that level of experience. Why create competition for yourself and have to maintain 2 resorts (and 3 after Okana opens) when you can just get the daily/casual gambling into the smaller metro casinos?

I would think they would want OKC people to continue to go down to Winstar when they feel the need for that level of experience. Why create competition for yourself and have to maintain 2 resorts (and 3 after Okana opens) when you can just get the daily/casual gambling into the smaller metro casinos?
I agree with you. I thought I read somewhere that the Chickasaw were waiting to expand Newcastle casino until after their Indian health complex is up and running.

I would think they would want OKC people to continue to go down to Winstar when they feel the need for that level of experience. Why create competition for yourself and have to maintain 2 resorts (and 3 after Okana opens) when you can just get the daily/casual gambling into the smaller metro casinos?

I would be surprised if more than 20% of Winstar overnight stay business comes from OKC, aside from a concert. Personally, I’d rather travel north to the hotel/casino outside of Wichita, where you can legally bet on sports. Maybe Newcastle doesn’t need to build a resort, but they should start work on at least a casino similar to Riverwind. The prefab buildings are just cheap, awkward and pretty gross. Plus they have one “restaurant” and you can leave that place without smelling like an ashtray. At least Riverwind put in a non smoking area and upgraded their air circulation system.
I guess I’m just puzzled on why they haven’t done anything with Newcastle.

I would be surprised if more than 20% of Winstar overnight stay business comes from OKC, aside from a concert. Personally, I’d rather travel north to the hotel/casino outside of Wichita, where you can legally bet on sports. Maybe Newcastle doesn’t need to build a resort, but they should start work on at least a casino similar to Riverwind. The prefab buildings are just cheap, awkward and pretty gross. Plus they have one “restaurant” and you can leave that place without smelling like an ashtray. At least Riverwind put in a non smoking area and upgraded their air circulation system.
I guess I’m just puzzled on why they haven’t done anything with Newcastle.

Even 10% would be a huge number to then have to create a similar experience in another area.

The Chickasaw nation has it's hands full for sure with several big projects and they just completed a huge expansion to Winstar. Adding a major OKC casino resort does make sense, but you can only do so much at once. The Newcastle casino will eventually get there - I'm sure that's why they built that huge parking garage.

My understanding is that one of the main values in having a large hotel at a casino is that they comp rooms to the bigger gamblers so they stay and lose more money. It's not really about the actual demand for a hotel, lol. One has to wonder how much the gambling market is growing however. I know it's getting bigger every year, but since the vast majority of gamblers lose over time, how sustainable is the growth?

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/2024/07/29/sands-casino-begins-pulling-together-north-texas-city-leaders-in-gambling-push/

The numbers that Texas is throwing out there are insane! But, it just shows how much Oklahoma stands to lose if they do legalize gambling in Texas. Texas will allow corporate casinos, which will blow most casinos in Oklahoma away, and force them to shut down (near the border, that is).

Even Winstar and Choctaw Grand can't really compete with Vegas-style resorts, for the most part.

Time will tell. 2026 could be a big year.

Yup, the writing is on the wall. The conservative forces that have kept gambling out of TX this long are weakening, and regardless - money talks. Gambling has unfortunately been growing at a rapid pace throughout America for the past decade. I actually just got back from a quick trip to Vegas myself. The casinos there are far superior to what we have in Tulsa. Most of the slot machines are the same everywhere, but they have a better variety in Vegas - plus better food, better entertainment, better things going on around the casinos in general so you aren't stuck in one place. Hard to compete with that.

One thing is for sure: when TX legalizes we can finally get rid of the 50c ante for table games. That is one of the primary things holding OK casinos back.

Yup, the writing is on the wall. The conservative forces that have kept gambling out of TX this long are weakening, and regardless - money talks. Gambling has unfortunately been growing at a rapid pace throughout America for the past decade. I actually just got back from a quick trip to Vegas myself. The casinos there are far superior to what we have in Tulsa. Most of the slot machines are the same everywhere, but they have a better variety in Vegas - plus better food, better entertainment, better things going on around the casinos in general so you aren't stuck in one place. Hard to compete with that.

One thing is for sure: when TX legalizes we can finally get rid of the 50c ante for table games. That is one of the primary things holding OK casinos back.

The Oklahoma legislature hates that there is legal gambling here. Unfortunately, there is not a weakening of the hatred of gambling withing the legislature, either. We will never have corporate, Vegas-style gambling here. Heck, getting sports betting to pass has been like pulling teeth, since the legislature and governor dislike the tribes so much.

I bet if Texas passes more comprehensive gambling permissions, Oklahoma will quickly follow suit and we'll be in a way better position with our existing facilities to quickly implement and beat them to the punch. Plus, the bigger tribes have tons of casino earnings to reinvest.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/2024/07/29/sands-casino-begins-pulling-together-north-texas-city-leaders-in-gambling-push/

The numbers that Texas is throwing out there are insane! But, it just shows how much Oklahoma stands to lose if they do legalize gambling in Texas. Texas will allow corporate casinos, which will blow most casinos in Oklahoma away, and force them to shut down (near the border, that is).

Even Winstar and Choctaw Grand can't really compete with Vegas-style resorts, for the most part.

Time will tell. 2026 could be a big year.

even if it passed in 25 or 26 in texas (which is very very unlikely) it won't have any impact on winstar until well into the next decade ..

The Oklahoma legislature hates that there is legal gambling here. Unfortunately, there is not a weakening of the hatred of gambling withing the legislature, either. We will never have corporate, Vegas-style gambling here. Heck, getting sports betting to pass has been like pulling teeth, since the legislature and governor dislike the tribes so much.

things that are not true for 100 .. alex

things that are not true for 100 .. alex

Tell me what progress or changes have come in the gambling world in Oklahoma in the past few years?

I bet if Texas passes more comprehensive gambling permissions, Oklahoma will quickly follow suit and we'll be in a way better position with our existing facilities to quickly implement and beat them to the punch. Plus, the bigger tribes have tons of casino earnings to reinvest.

I hope so. I just know from auditing entities at the Capitol that the love for gambling in this state at that level is very low. But I hope you are right, Pete.

I hope so. I just know from auditing entities at the Capitol that the love for gambling in this state at that level is very low. But I hope you are right, Pete.

I dont doubt thats the case. Gambling does very little for our state, brings a small amount in for education, not a lot of other positives from it. The tribes have maybe the best deal of any state and pay super low percentage of their revenues to the state. Thats why sports gambling is going nowhere. Stitt wants to use legalization of it as a carrot to renegotiate the compacts. However, the tribes of course want to keep the sweet deal and sports gambling doesnt move the needle enough for the tribes. Sports betting brings in a fraction of what slots bring the tribes.

I have been reading the same story for over 10 years, IIRC. The late Sheldon Adelson from Las Vegas Sands was chasing Texas practically since the day he got the license for Bethlehem Pennsylvania, and he decided that Texas was the last, largest State without gaming. Sands has spent over $200 million lobbying the Texas legislature and nothing has changed.

I think Texas is much like Oklahoma, in that the big cities are not loved by the power structure that allows the rural interests to have outsized control.

I will admit I don't follow Houston politics, and gambling interests, anywhere near as much as north Texas. But, I never hear anything about Galveston native son Tilman Fertitta working the Texas lege for casinos in the Houston area.

the oklahoma governor hates that there is legal gambling here. Unfortunately, there is not a weakening of the hatred of gambling withing the legislature(?), either. We will never have corporate, vegas-style gambling here. Heck, getting sports betting to pass has been like pulling teeth, since the governor dislike the tribes so much.

fify

I dont doubt thats the case. Gambling does very little for our state, brings a small amount in for education, not a lot of other positives from it. The tribes have maybe the best deal of any state and pay super low percentage of their revenues to the state. Thats why sports gambling is going nowhere. Stitt wants to use legalization of it as a carrot to renegotiate the compacts. However, the tribes of course want to keep the sweet deal and sports gambling doesnt move the needle enough for the tribes. Sports betting brings in a fraction of what slots bring the tribes.

https://www.unitedforoklahoma.com/economic-impact/

This is malarky. The nations contribute to roads, education and in other numerous and substantial ways. Educate yourself.

even if it passed in 25 or 26 in texas (which is very very unlikely) it won't have any impact on winstar until well into the next decade ..

This is accurate and true. Too many sky is falling worries.

I'm typing without googling, but, I think the tribal gambling tax rate is 6% or so. And it is equal, or very close, to the Nevada rate. If you are a low taxes stimulate economic growth type, then I would suggest that both Nevada and Oklahoma casinos are prime examples of that.

I'm typing without googling, but, I think the tribal gambling tax rate is 6% or so. And it is equal, or very close, to the Nevada rate. If you are a low taxes stimulate economic growth type, then I would suggest that both Nevada and Oklahoma casinos are prime examples of that.

The rate on gabling winnings specifically may be similar, but Nevada does not have a state income tax, so winning similar amounts in either state plausibly does result in a noticeable difference for someone from Texas.

The rate on gabling winnings specifically may be similar, but Nevada does not have a state income tax, so winning similar amounts in either state plausibly does result in a noticeable difference for someone from Texas.

Can you expand on this? Assume you are discussing the IRS gaming winnings reporting amount? And if Indian casinos in Oklahoma are reporting those numbers to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, then there could be the Oklahoma tax rate of about 5% due at tax time?

The next question I would have is how much would a Texas gaming tax rate be? I find it hard to believe Texas would legalize casino gambling at a tax rate less than 15%, which would make the net tax amount on Oklahoma winnings less than in Texas.

I understand the difference is personal versus casino tax. But the tribal casinos can have a field day with the “Low overhead Indian casinos in Oklahoma” marketing.

Keep in mind that the casino only has to report at a certain level. For example, you have a high winning amount like a jackpot, they'll have you fill out the form. But for the average Joe with small winnings, there's no way for them to even know who you are unless you register with the player's club. You could win oodles and the casino would only report that they distributed winnings, but wouldn't say it was to Joe. That's up to you later to report it (cause you're such a nice guy) on your taxes.

The better casinos can trace your transaction if you ATM out cash to track the ticket history in each machine/etc. But honestly, a lot of them aren't that sophisticated....or care. Unless you work only in cash, there can be some sort of trace to some extent, but they don't do it for everyone because it's not cost effective to use all those resources to trace the data. That's why there's a floor on when you have to report winnings (or at least where they're impactful from an income perspective).