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he Chickasaw Nation, stepping into the digital era, has introduced a pioneering mobile gaming app, a first in Oklahoma’s online gambling scene. This app, which allows real money transactions, is set to be launched at the Chickasaw’s largest entertainment venue, the Winstar World Casino and Resort, located near the Texas border in Thackerville.
Developed by Aristocrat Leisure Limited, the app will initially offer three electronic games in a mobile format. The tribe’s secretary, Bill Lance, became a member of Aristocrat’s board of directors, marking a significant step in the collaboration. Currently, the app is available to a select group of invitees, with a broader public launch expected in January. To ensure legal compliance, access will be limited to the Winstar location via geofencing technology.
The Chickasaw Nation’s venture into online gambling comes at a time when most gambling forms remain illegal in Oklahoma. Scott Emerson, an undersecretary in the tribe’s Department of Commerce, emphasizes the innovative aspect of this move for the tribe. This development gains additional relevance in the backdrop of Governor Kevin Stitt’s stance on online sports betting. While he supports its legalization in the state, his support is currently limited to licensed companies, not tribes. Despite this, the Chickasaw Nation holds an exclusive gaming agreement with the government, albeit Governor Stitt considers the fees paid under this agreement to be too low.
The legal framework for the app is unique. It operates under federal law that allows tribes to offer bingo games without additional permissions. Since the app’s games are essentially bingo-based, they are legally permissible. This understanding led to the Chickasaw Nation receiving preliminary approval for the app a year ago, a privilege later extended to the Muscogee and Choctaw nations. The Eastern Shawnee Tribe and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes are also considering similar mobile app developments.
Winstar’s popularity, especially among Texan players, is a crucial factor in the app’s potential success, as reported by The Oklahoman. Emerson indicates that the app’s success will be measured by the extent of repeat usage among players.
The issue of sports betting legalization in Oklahoma remains a key topic, with its discussion scheduled for the Legislature meeting in February. The specific question of tribal online sports betting is yet to be resolved, as even if sports betting is legalized in the state, tribes might be restricted to accepting only in-person bets.