For the State of Oklahoma to sanction Las Vegas-style gambling at more than 140 tribal casinos is a public disgrace.

Gambling denigrates any of the good things that the tribes have done in the state. The casinos siphon off billions of dollars each year and gambling ruins the lives of many, many Oklahomans – especially the poor who flock to the casinos for a chance at wealth.

While Gov. Kevin Stitt works to renegotiate the expiring 15-year gambling compact, the tribes are spending perhaps billions with the state media to improve their image and make their case for no changes in the compact. The media, not wanting “to kill the goose that laid the golden egg,” are backing the tribes and casino gambling almost universally.

The tribes continue that continuation of the gambling compact is automatic every 15 years. Stitt says the tribes aren’t paying enough in taxes. This could wind up in court.

The tribes are sovereign nations and they can do whatever they want.

Fifteen years ago, former Gov. Brad Henry gave them a blank check while crowding out the possibility of any other gambling operations. What a sweet deal for the tribes.

Now, some Oklahoma citizens are in prison for stealing money to pay their gambling debts. The proliferation of the casinos and the compliant news media have to share some of the blame for facilitating gambling addiction.

Now, Stitt is being vilified in the bought-and-paid-for media for wanting an honest deal from a questionable industry.

And Oklahoma lives are being ruined by gambling.