The gambling pact between the State of Oklahoma and the tribes is about to expire.

First, it’s gambling, not “gaming.” Gaming makes it sound like a harmless pastime while gambling is a more correct term. You walk into a casino, you most likely will lose money. That’s gambling.

When former Gov. Brad Henry and state Democrats convinced voters to approve casino gambling, Henry was in bed with the tribes and they got a sweetheart deal. Gov. Kevin Stitt, a businessman, knows that this a one-sided agreement. He is hiring experts to renegotiate the pact. He wants a better deal.

There’s an even better deal. Shut down the gambling operations in Oklahoma and restore traditional morality.

Gambling is not economic development. Oklahoma casinos siphon billions of dollars from customers – mostly Oklahomans – and they don’t produce anything. The only significant “service” is to take money away with nothing in return. The tribes want the same deal to be extended for 15 years with no changes. Stitt wants more accountability and more revenue. This will probably wind up in court if they can’t strike a compromise.

Oklahoma, once the “buckle of the Bible Belt,” is now home to 140 or so casinos, a state lottery, liberalized liquor laws and de facto legalization of recreational marijuana.

Getting rid of casino gambling would be a great benefit to the state.