A letter from an outside law firm representing Gov. Kevin Stitt has reignited a firestorm of controversy within Oklahoma's gaming tribes.

The letter, authored by Steven K. Mullins of Lytle, Soule & Felty, reminds tribes that they are in "uncertain times" due to the coronavirus pandemic and urges them to "stand together" with the state and sign a proposed gaming compact that accompanied the letter.

The proposed gaming compact proposes a 5% flat fee on all Las Vegas-style Class III games, including table games, while allowing tribes for the first time to institute sports wagering by paying the state a fee of 2 percent of the amount wagered.

The letter was sent to gaming tribes who are not plaintiffs in a current federal lawsuit between tribes and the governor over whether their 15-year gaming compacts expired or automatically renewed on Jan. 1, according to the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association.