Oklahoma Casinos | 2024 Updates

Most Indian Casinos in the Nation

Oklahoma has more Indian casinos than any other state in the nation.

143 Indian Casinos and Indian Gaming Centers

Oklahoma has 33 tribes operating 143 Indian casinos and gaming centers located across 50 Oklahmoa counties.

These 143 gambling locations include Class III casinos with vegas-style gambling, Class II casinos with no-banker electronic gaming, travel plazas with slot machines, and smoke shops with Indian gaming.

Oklahoma Indian gaming is the state's second largest industry. It is also the largest Indian gaming revenue in the country after California. Revenues from Indian gaming and casino construction in 2017 was $7.2 billion.

Oklahoma casinos are ranked 1 through 10 based on total number of slot machines, table games, and square footage of the gaming floor.

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News Headlines

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Oklahoma Minimum Gambling Age

Minimum gambling ages are 21 years old for casinos, 18 years at tribal casinos without alcohol license, 21 for poker, 18 poker at tribal casinos without alcohol license, 16 for bingo, 18 for horse racing, 18 for the lottery.

Oklahoma Casino Games

All Indian gaming is governed by the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), an agency of the U.S. Department of Interior.

Casinos are built on tribal land or off-reservation land that has been placed in trust with the federal government. Prior to construction each tribe must negotiate a gaming compact with the state defining the games played at the casino, operating hours, and the share the revenue paid to the state.

OKLAHOMA ALLOWED GAMES

• SLOT MACHINES - Oklahoma allows two types: Class II which is player-banked, and Class III which is house banked. Class III is referred to as Vegas-style slots.
  
  
• CARD GAMES - Blackjack, Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Let It Ride and Three Card Poker.
  
  
• CRAPS & ROULETTE - Authorized in April 2018. Effective in late 2018.
  
  
• OTHER - Bingo, Off-Track Betting

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Oklahoma Casino Map

Click on any of the Oklahoma counties on the map below to find local casino information, or scroll below the map to search an alphabetical listing of counties and their casinos.

County List of Oklahoma Casinos

ATOKA COUNTY

BLAINE COUNTY

BRYAN COUNTY

CADDO COUNTY

CANADIAN COUNTY

CARTER COUNTY

CHEROKEE COUNTY

CHOCTAW COUNTY

CLEVELAND COUNTY

COMANCHE COUNTY

COTTON COUNTY

CREEK COUNTY

CUSTER COUNTY

DELAWARE COUNTY

GARFIELD COUNTY

GARVIN COUNTY

GRADY COUNTY

HASKELL COUNTY

HUGHES COUNTY

JEFFERSON COUNTY

JOHNSTON COUNTY

KAY COUNTY

KIOWA COUNTY

LE FLORE COUNTY

LATIMER COUNTY

LINCOLN COUNTY

LOGAN COUNTY

LOVE COUNTY

MARSHALL COUNTY

McCLAIN COUNTY

McCURTAIN COUNTY

McINTOSH COUNTY

MURRAY COUNTY

Muscogee COUNTY

NOWATA COUNTY

NOBLE COUNTY

OKFUSKEE COUNTY

OKMULGEE COUNTY

OSAGE COUNTY

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OTTAWA COUNTY

PAWNEE COUNTY

PAYNE COUNTY

PITTSBURG COUNTY

PONTOTOC COUNTY

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

PUSHMATAHA COUNTY

SEMINOLE COUNTY

SEQUOYAH COUNTY

STEPHENS COUNTY

TEXAS COUNTY

TULSA COUNTY

WAGONER COUNTY

WASHINGTON COUNTY

News Articles

Oklahoma Received $202M from Tribal Gaming in FY2023

September 3, 2024

Oklahoma tribes paid $202 million to the State of Oklahoma for tribal gaming exclusivity fees in fiscal year 2023. Exclusivity fees are taxes paid by tribes on casino revenues from Class III slot machines and table games in compliance with tribal-state gaming compacts. Casino revenues were $3.34 billion.

The state redistributes the funds received from the tribes. In FY 2023, $177.8 million was paid to the Education Reform Revolving Fund (1017 Fund), $24 million was paid to the General Revenue Fund, and a fixed amount of $250,000 was paid to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Class III Gaming
At the end of fiscal year 2023, there were 33 tribes operating Class III gaming at 136 Indian-gaming facilities. The total number of Class III machines was 45,757.

Tribes That Paid the Most Fees

Chickasaw - $74,909,690.00
Choctaw - $45,140,683.46
Muscogee (Creek) - $13,628,451.00
Cherokee - $18,565,056.90
Osage - $8,303,407.92
Quapaw - $7,034,575.88

Tribes with most Casinos

Chickasaw - 23
Choctaw - 22
Cherokee - 12
Muscogee (Creek) - 9
Comanche - 7
Osage - 7

Exclusivity Fee Schedule
Tribes pay the exclusivity fees for slot machines on a sliding scale:

First $10 million in revenue, the payment is 4%.
Next $10 million, the payment is 5%
Over $20 million, the payment is 6%.

Tribes pay 10% of the monthly net win from table games.

Source: "Oklahoma Gaming Compliance Unit Annual Report Fiscal Year 2023", published August 6, 2024

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Oklahoma Casinos | Independence Day Events

July 1, 2024

Several Oklahoma casinos are planning July Fourth celebrations beginning now through July 6th. Fireworks shows are scheduled at the following casinos:

Choctaw Landing
Choctaw Landing, 272 OK-259A, Hochatown, OK 74728

Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant
4216 US-69, Durant, OK 74701

Choctaw Casino & Resort Grant
1516 US-271, Grant, OK 74738

Choctaw Casino Stringtown
Choctaw Casino, 893 US-69, Stringtown, OK 74569

Downstream Casino
69300 East Nee Road, Quapaw, OK 74363

FireLake Casino
41207 Hardesty Rd., Shawnee, OK 74804

Grand Casino Hotel & Resort
777 Grand Casino Blvd., Shawnee, OK 74804

Hard Rock Casino Tuls
777 West Cherokee Street, Catoosa, OK 74015

Kickapoo Casino Shawnee
38900 W MacArthur, Shawnee, OK 74804

Kickapoo Casino Harrah
25230 E Hwy 62, Harrah, OK 73045

River Spirit Casino
8330 Riverside Pkwy, Tulsa, OK 7413

Riverwind Casino
1544 West Hwy 9, Norman, OK 73071

Thunderbird Casino
15700 OK-9, Norman, OK 73026

Winstar World Casino
777 Casino Ave, Thackerville, OK 73459

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Oklahoma Governor announces sports betting plan

November 12, 2023

Governor Kevin Stitt has announced a controversial sports betting plan that would authorize in-person betting inside tribal casinos and statewide mobile wagering through licensed operators.

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Gov. Stitt unveils plan for sports betting in Oklahoma - Courtesy of KFOR Oklahoma's News 4, Nov 5, 2023. Available from YouTube

The Governor issued a statement following the release of his plan:

"I promised Oklahomans if we pursued sports betting, we would do it right - and this plan does just that. Thirty-five states have already legalized sports betting, and it'll be a great revenue stream for the state. Tribes will be able to add it onto their existing infrastructure, and Oklahomans can access it right from their phone."

- Gov. Kevin Stitt

SUMMARY OF GOV. STITT'S PLAN:

RETAIL

• Retail betting would only be conducted inside casinos owned by federally recognized tribes.

• Tribes would pay a 15% tax on in-person wager revenues.

MOBILE

• Mobile sportsbook operators would pay an initial licensing fee of $500,000 and annual renewal fees of $100,000.

• Mobile wagering would be taxed 20%.

• The number of state-issued licenses was not defined in the plan.

The reaction to Gov. Stitt's plan has been controversial. Most state lawmakers and tribal leaders have reacted with surprise and skepticism.

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Chickasaw Nation bids to build NYC Coney Island casino

March 10, 2023

The Chickasaw Nation is a partner in the $3 billion casino and entertainment proposal for New York City. The project is named "The Coney" and would be built at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York.

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Chickasaw Nation making bid to build casino at Coney Island
Courtesy of KOCO 5 News, Mar 6, 2023. Available from YouTube

The Coney plan is a 175,000 square-foot entertainment complex with a casino, indoor water park, hotels, and a museum. The casino will feature 2,100 slot machines, table games, poker rooms and restaurants.

The Chickasaw Nation, along with its partners Thor Equities and Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC, have proposed The Coney has a candidate for one of the new casino licenses recently authorized by the state in the greater New York City area.

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Oklahoma sports betting in '23?

January 12, 2023

Will 2023 be the year that Oklahoma joins 32 other states and legalizes sports betting? A new 2023 legislative proposal to establish in-person and online sports betting in Oklahoma has been entered in the legislature. At the same time, Gov. Stitt has expressed his openness to sports betting under reasonable conditions.

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Legalizing Sports Betting in Oklahoma
Courtesy of The Oklahoma News Report, Dec 20 2022. Available from YouTube

2023 legislation to legalize sports betting was pre-filed in the Oklahoma legislature by State Rep. Ken Lutrel. The bill is similar to last year and includes these features:

• In-person and online sports betting would be legalized at tribal casinos and racetracks.

• The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission would regulate all sports betting and license sportsbook operators.

• Sportsbook revenues would be taxed by the state as follows:

  4% will be paid on the first $5 million of annual gross revenues

  5% on the next $5 million of annual gross revenue

  6% of revenue above $10 million

Earlier this month Gov Kevin Stitt announced his support for sports betting with conditions:

"Let me be clear: I support sports betting in Oklahoma- provided that it's fair, transparent, and the state can maximize revenue potential to invest in top priorities, like education. More to come."

- Gov. Kevin Stitt, Jan. 3, 2023

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Chickasaw Nation approved for online gaming on reservation lands

October 25, 2022

Last week the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGC) approved Class II mobile gaming on all Chickasaw Nation lands. Although Oklahoma law restricts online gaming, the state has no jurisdiction over Class II gaming on tribal lands.

The mobile gaming app will use geo-location to only accept players that are physically on the tribe's 1,230 square miles of reservation. The app will feature casino games but no sports betting. The Chickasaw Gaming Commission has not released any information regarding the introduction date.

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Mobile Gaming
Courtesy of KOCO 5 News, . Available from YouTube

If the NIGC grants similar authorization to the other Oklahoma gaming tribes, mobile gaming on tribal lands could operate across 43% of the entire state including Oklahoma City. That area includes a population of about 1.8 million residents. Oklahoma's total population is 4 million.

Class II gaming is regulated federal government rather than the state. Player bets enter a pool against other players. This is "bingo-style" gaming as opposed to Class III, or Vegas-style gaming, where bets are placed against the "house".

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Oklahoma sportsbook bill dies in legislature

April 9, 2022

House Bill HB 3008 to legalize in-person sports betting at Oklahoma tribal casinos is dead for this session of the legislature. The bill was passed by the House Appropriations and Budget Committee but did not make the House floor by the March 24 deadline.

The sports betting bill was introduced by Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, to add sports wagering to the tribal gaming compacts. Luttrell expects to reintroduce the bill next January.

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Oklahoma sports betting bill advances in legislature

February 25, 2022

An Oklahoma legislative bill to legalize sports betting at tribal casinos was passed and moved out of a House committee this week.

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Oklahoma takes another step toward sports betting at casinos - Courtesy of KOCO 5 News, Feb 21, 2022. Available from YouTube

House Bill 3008 passed the committee with a 6-4 vote. The bill is promoted as an financial boost for tribes and the state. The state would receive 10%. It is expected that Gov. Kevin Stitt would have to negotiate with tribes and revise gaming compacts before the legislation can be passed and signed into law.

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Oklahoma takes step towards sports betting

January 15, 2022

State Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, filed House Bill 3008 last Monday to amend tribal gaming compacts and allow sports betting inside Oklahoma casinos. Luttrell cites a report from the Oxford Economics Group that estimates sports betting will generate $240 million in new state tax revenues and create 3,000 jobs.

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Oklahoma Moves One Step Closer To Legal Sports Betting In Casinos - Courtesy of News On 6/KOTV, Jan 12, 2022. Available from YouTube

Matthew Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, is pleased with the introduction of the bill. Morgan and Luttrell both acknowledge the final details of the bill need to be negotiated.

Governor Kevin Stitt's office released this statement, "Governor Stitt is open to any compact as long as it is a fair deal, enforceable, and provides the transparency and accountability all 4 million Oklahomans deserve."

If passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, Oklahoma sports betting could begin later this year.

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Chickasaw Nation plans $300M resort destination in OKC

October 25, 2021

The Chickasaw Nation announced plans this week to build a $300 million resort destination named OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark along the Oklahoma River and adjacent to the new First Americans Museum. The property will not have a casino.

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New $300 million resort - with beaches - coming to OKC! - Courtesy of KFOR Oklahoma's News 4, . Available from YouTube

OKANA RESORT KEY FEATURES

• A 5-acre lagoon will feature sandy beaches and a pedestrian bridge across the main water.

• Indoor water park with 100,000 square feet.

• Family entertainment center with 33,000 square feet.

• An 11-story hotel will feature 404 guest rooms, views of the Oklahoma River and the lagoon, and a spa.

• Conference center with 39,000 square feet.

• Restaurants

• Retail stores

The Okana Resort & Indoor Waterpark will open to the public in the late spring of 2024.

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Oklahoma tribes set record gaming profits

September 15, 2021

Oklahoma's Indian gaming industry paid the state a record $167 million dollars for gaming revenues earned during the last fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. The record earnings were achieved despite the temporary shutdowns for COVID-19.

Oklahoma receives a percentage of gaming revenues from 33 tribes operating 143 Indian casinos and gaming centers across 50 counties. The total amount paid each year by the Indian gaming industry covers a relatively small percentage of the state's budget. However, the gaming industry plays an important role in the state's economy with major expenditures in employment, education and social services. This financial impact is especially true in rural areas.

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Cherokee and Choctaw close all casinos to conserve energy amid killer cold weather

February 17, 2021

As the energy supply ran low in Oklahoma caused by crippling cold weather, Cherokee Nation temporarily closed all casinos Tuesday to conserve energy.

CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses Chuck Garrett said, "... we hope we can inspire other businesses throughout the region to join us as we plan, prepare and proceed through the next few days of inclement weather."

All ten Cherokee Casinos including Hard Rock Tulsa are closed as of 5 PM Tuesday. They will tentatively reopen at 1 PM on Friday Feb. 19.. The Roland Travel Plaza remains open to serve the community needs and the Tahlequah Outpost remains open 8AM to 5PM.

The Cherokee Casinos that are closed are in Fort Gibson, Grove, Ramona, Roland, Sallisaw, South Coffeyville, Tahlequah, West Siloam Springs, and the Hard Rock Casino Tulsa

Choctaw Nation has also closed casinos to conserve energy. All Choctaw casinos and travel plaza gaming locations closed at midnight last night. These include Durant, Grant, Idabel, McAlester, Pocola, Stigler and Stringtown.

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Oklahoma Supreme Court rejects Stitt's remaining gambling compacts

January 29, 2021

This the the Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected the casino gaming compacts negotiated last year by Gov. Kevin Stitt with the Kialegee Tribal Town and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. The court ruled both compacts are invalid under Oklahoma law because their terms differed from the 2004 model gaming compact approved by voters and were not approved by a joint legislative committee.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled the same way last July against compacts negotiated by Gov. Stitt with the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribes.

Stitt claimed all Oklahoma gambling compacts approved by voters in 2004 had expired on Jan 1, 2020 and sought to renegotiate new terms. The court disagreed the premise and invalidated his efforts.

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Oklahoma Gov. Stitt concedes fight over Indian gaming compacts

October 31, 2020

This week Gov. Kevin Stitt abandoned his fight with Oklahoma tribes over renewal of gaming compacts after a federal judge ruled the compacts had automatically renewed January 1, 2020.

Last July 28th Chief Judge Timothy DeGiusti of the Western District of Oklahoma ruled against Stitt's arguments in a lawsuit filed by the tribes. The judge declared that all compacts had renewed automatically at the first of the year.

The compacts are revenue-sharing agreements between the State and 35 tribes that operate Vegas-style (Class III) slots and table games. Gov. Stitt believed the existing compacts expired at the end of last year and required renegotiation.

On October 23 Gov. Stitt announced he will not appeal the ruling. In a statement Stitt said:

"The U.S. District Court has ruled the Model Tribal Gaming Compacts automatically renewed for another 15 years. While I have chosen not to appeal this decision, I believe that the people of Oklahoma will demand a fair deal that benefits all 4 million Oklahomans

"I look forward to working with our Congressional delegation, state officials and Oklahoma's tribal nations to create an environment of fairness, clarity and unity that serves all 4 million Oklahomans."

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Oklahoma Supreme Court denies rehearing on two tribal compacts

September 20, 2020

On Sep. 15 the Oklahoma Supreme Court voted 5-1 to deny a rehearing requested by Gov. Kevin Stitt regarding the gaming compacts with the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouri Tribe. The same court ruled July 21 the two compacts were "invalid under Oklahoma law."

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) responded immediately to the court's decision:

"The Oklahoma Supreme Court denied Gov. Stitt's request for a rehearing of the petition filed by the pro tem and speaker, after declaring the agreements Gov. Kevin Stitt entered into with the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and Comanche Nation were invalid and unlawful. This denial of a rehearing further underscores that Gov. Stitt's go-it-alone approach is not legal nor helpful in moving state-tribal relationships forward."

- Chairman Matthew L. Morgan, OIGA Chairman

The governor's office also responded quickly with a reference to federal court:

"The validity of these compacts is now before the federal district court in Washington, D.C.," said. "The ruling in that case will determine the validity of the compacts under federal law."

- Baylee Lakey, Communication Director for Stitt

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U.S. Department of Interior approves KTT and UKB compacts

August 22, 2020

This week the U.S. Interior Department approved two state-tribe gaming compacts recently signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt with the Kialegee Tribal Town (KTT) and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB).

A state-level decision on the validity of the two compacts is currently pending in the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The new compacts increase the fee rate paid to the state by the casinos on Class III gaming revenues from 6% to a high of 13%. Neither compact includes sports betting.

Official statement from Brian Givens, Kialegee Mekko:

"The Kialegee Tribal Town would like to thank Governor Kevin Stitt, his administration, the Great State of Oklahoma and the U.S. Department of Interior for the good faith in producing our new gaming compact. This compact, which was approved by operation of law, will allow the Kialegee Tribal Town the same opportunities others have had and could improve the economic landscape for the Tribal Town and tribal members. As an agreement between two sovereign entities, I see this act of good faith in continuing our relationship with the State of Oklahoma and look forward to future dialogue to improve our local communities."

Official statement from Chief Joe Bunch, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians:

"It is a great day as we prepare to partner with the State of Oklahoma in this Class III gaming compact that will be good for Logan County, the State and the United Keetoowah Band. Our compact will help provide much needed resources to our tribe and surrounding communities as we continue to develop a robust economy and exercise our tribal sovereignty."

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Gov. Stitt's four recent tribal compacts in final peril

August 10, 2020

Comanche Nation and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe Compacts

Four Oklahoma tribes filed a lawsuit Aug 7 in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Department of Interior and Gov. Stitt alleging the April 2020 gaming compacts signed with the Comanche Nation and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe are a violation of federal law and therefore invalid under state law.

This lawsuit follows last month's ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court that these two compacts are invalid. It was filed by the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Citizen Potawatomi Nations.

The lawsuit reads:

"This lawsuit seeks reversal of the Defendant Secretary's arbitrary, capricious, and unlawful 'no action' approval under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act."

In a news release, the attorneys for the plantiff tribes explained the purpose:

"While the Oklahoma Supreme Court has declared those agreements invalid under Oklahoma law, their validity under Federal law must also be addressed to avoid damage to the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act."

United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and Kialegee Tribal Town Compacts

Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat had asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to declare the UKB and Kialegee compacts invalid along with the Comanche and Otoe-Missouria compacts.

Last week attorneys for Gov. Stitt filed new documents with the Oklahoma Supreme Court contending the compacts signed with the UKB and Kialegee tribes should remain valid since they do not include the same provisions that the court objected to in the Comanche and the Otoe-Missouria compacts.

The new document filings say:

"(These gaming compacts) do not include sports betting or house-banked card and table games. The governor is vested with the authority to enter compacts which do not conflict with the STGA (State Tribal Gaming Act) and/or state criminal laws."

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Oklahoma Tribes win compact fight against Gov. Stitt in federal court

July 29, 2020

Yesterday a federal judge ruled in favor of the Oklahoma gaming tribes in their fight against Gov. Stitt over gaming compacts. The fundamental issue was whether or not the existing gaming compacts signed in 2004 renewed automatically last January 1st.

U.S. District Court Judge Timothy DeGiusti determined the compacts have automatically renewed and rejected Gov. Stitt's argument that the compacts were expired and required new gaming revenuesto be negotiated.

Both parties in the lawsuit released statements shortly after the court ruling.

Matthew Morgan, chair of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association said:

"We appreciated that the court moved quickly to confirm - the plain language of our intergovernmental agreements mean what they mean, and here, those words mean our gaming compacts automatically renewed January 1, 2020."

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. added:

"Everything in our compact now remains the same, and we hope we can move forward and build a relationship built on respect with Gov. Stitt in the future."

Governor Kevin Stitt that confirmed his disappointment:

"It confirms my fears, and the fears of many fellow Oklahomans, that the State entered into a poorly negotiated deal and now we must bear the cost of this mistake. The federal court determined that the 2004 Gaming Compact auto renewed for 15 years because of an action taken by an agency's unelected board to reissue licenses for gaming at horse racing tracks."

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Oklahoma Supreme Court invalidates gaming compacts negotiated by Gov. Stitt

July 25, 2020

In a ruling this week the Oklahoma Supreme Court declared the gaming compacts that were recently signed by Gov. Stitt with the Otoe-Missouri Tribe and Comanche Nation are "invalid under Oklahoma law."

The court acknowledged that the Governor has legal authority to negotiate gaming compacts with federally-recognized tribes in Oklahoma; however, his authority has limitations.

In a 7-1 decision, the high court ruled that the Gov. Stitt overstepped his authority by granting new forms of gambling in both compacts that are not approved by the state legislature. The compacts include unauthorized sports betting and unauthorized house-banked table and card games. Without legislative approval, the state is prohibited from any revenues from these games.

"The tribal gaming compacts Gov. Stitt entered into with the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribes are invalid under Oklahoma law."

"The State of Oklahoma is not and cannot be legally bound by those compacts until such time as the Legislature enacts laws to allow the specific Class III gaming at issue, and in turn, allowing the governor to negotiate additional revenue."

- Oklahoma Supreme Court, July 21, 2020

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Oklahoma gaming compacts signed by UKB, Kialegee tribes

July 16, 2020

Two Oklahoma tribes have signed new gaming compacts with Gov. Stitt this month. United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) signed July 1 and Kialegee Tribal Town (KTT) signed July 2. Both gaming agreements must next be approved by the U.S. Department of Interior.

At this time neither tribe owns a casino, and neither is a member of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA).

UKB Gaming Compact Summary

• This is a 15-year gaming agreement between the State of Oklahoma and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) ending December 31, 2035.

• The UKB is authorized to operate a casino in Logan County at a site within one mile of a state or federal highway or turnpike.

• The UKB casino can operate Class II and Class III gaming. Sports betting is excluded.

• The UKB will pay taxes to the State of Oklahoma based on gross gaming revenues. (See below)

Kialegee Gaming Compact Summary

• This is a 15-year gaming agreement between the State of Oklahoma and the Kialegee Tribal Town ending December 31, 2035.

• The Kialegee are authorized to open a casino in Oklahoma County at a site east of Choctaw Road and within one mile of a state or federal highway or turnpike.

• The Kialegee casino can operate Class II and Class III gaming. Sports betting is excluded.

• The Kialegee will pay taxes to the State of Oklahoma based on gross gaming revenues. (See below)

Taxes

Both tribes will pay the state a percentage of its gross gaming revenues (GRR).

The tribes will pay 12% of its GRR from slot machines during the first two years after opening their casinos. At the beginning of the third year the rate on slot machines increases to 13% GGR under $300M, 14% GGR for $300M and $500M, and 15% GGR above $500M.

Both tribes will pay an 18% exclusivity fee on revenue from nonhouse-banked blackjack, poker, roulette, craps and other card and table games.

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Supreme Court rules that about half of Oklahoma land is Native American

July 10, 2020

In a landmark decision yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that about half of Oklahoma lies on Native American land. The Court sided with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation which claimed its reservation was not officially terminated when Oklahoma became a state on November 16, 1907.

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US Supreme Court rules against Oklahoma in Creek Nation case
Courtesy of The Oklahoman, . Available from YouTube

Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in the majority opinion stating:

"Today we are asked whether the land these treaties promised remains an Indian reservation for purposes of federal criminal law. Because Congress has not said otherwise, we hold the government to its word."

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation responded in a statement: "The Supreme Court today kept the United States' sacred promise to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of a protected reservation. Today's decision will allow the Nation to honor our ancestors by maintaining our established sovereignty and territorial boundaries."

This Supreme Court decision will have major consequences for past, present and future court cases in eastern Oklahoma including Tulsa.

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Sac and Fox casinos shut down again for COVID-19

June 23, 2020

Yesterday two Sac and Fox Nation casinos temporarily closed again for COVID-19 after an employee tested positive.

The twi Sac & Fox casinos are Black Hawk Casino in Shawnee, OK and Sac and Fox Casino in Stroud, OK.

Sac and Fox Nation made a brief statement that a comprehensive COVID-19 protection program exists at both casinos and the closures will allow time for performing deep cleaning and sanitization. Reopening dates hve not been announced.

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Comanche Nation reopens casinos

June 12, 2020

The Comanche Nation reopened both the Comanche Nation Casino in Lawton and the Comanche Red River Casino in Devol today after months of closure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On Monday June 15 the Comanche Spur Casino in Elgin will reopen at 10am and the Comanche Star Casino in Walters will reopen at 11am.

Special health protocols will be practiced at all locations. All guests and workers must pass a temperature scan on entry and wear face masks. Smoking inside the buildings is prohibited.

For social distancing, every other gaming machine will be turned off and table games will be closed. Bars will be open without seating, and beverage service will be available. Restaurants will be temporarily closed.

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Cherokee Nation casinos reopen next week

June 4, 2020

After shutting down its ten casinos three months ago, the Cherokee Nation announced today the reopening dates for all locations. Three Cherokee casinos opened this week and the remainder wil be open next week.

The Cherokee casinos that reopened this week are:

June 1 Cherokee Casino Tahlequah
June 1 Cherokee Casino Fort Gibson
June 2 Cherokee Casino Sallisaw

Three more Cherokee Nation casinos will reopen:

June 10 Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs
June 10 Cherokee Casino Grove
June 10 Cherokee Casino Roland

These casinos will be open by the end of next week:

June 12 Hard Rock Casino Tulsa
June 12 Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs
June 12 Cherokee Casino South Coffeyville
June 12 Cherokee Casino Ramona

CASINO GAMING AREAS
Guests visiting a reopened Cherokee casino will find significant changes designed for safety and protection against the spread of COVID-19. The number of gaming machines and number of seats will be reduced to provide social distancing. Sanitizing wipes will be readily available for guests to wipe their machine and chair before playing.

RESTAURANTS
Seating capacity and group sizes will be reduced to provide social distancing. Tables and chairs will be sanitized after each use. Venue workers will wear gloves. Each guest will receive a new menu which will be disposed after use. All buffets and self-serve drink stations will be temporarily suspended.

ENTERTAINMENT
Live entertainment will be limited with no dancing with reduced seating for safe distancing.

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Oklahoma tribes reopened 43 casinos in May 2020

June 1, 2020

Several of the largest Oklahoma casinos reopened last month including Winstar World Casino, Riverwind Casino, Grand Casino Hotel Resort, Newcastle Casino and Osage Casino Hotel Tulsa.

The Oklahoma tribes that reopened their casinos in May are the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma , Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma, Osage Nation, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, Peoria Tribe of Indians in Miami, Sac & Fox Nation and Tonkawa Tribe.

The Oklahoma casinos that reopened in May 2020 are listed by date.

May 01 Tonkawa Casino and Hotel
May 02 7 Clans First Council Casino
May 07 7 Clans Chilocco Casino
May 08 Osage Casino Ponca City
May 11 Thunderbird Casinos Norman
May 11 Thunderbird Casinos Shawnee
May 14 7 Clans Perry Casino
May 14 7 Clans Red Rock Gasino
May 15 Black Hawk Casino
May 15 Buffalo Run Casino and Resort
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Canton
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Clinton
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Concho
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Concho Travel Center
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Hammon
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Watonga
May 15 Osage Casino Hotel
May 15 Osage Casino Bartlesville
May 15 Osage Casino Hominy
May 15 Osage Casino Pawhuska
May 15 Osage Casino Sand Springs
May 15 Osage Casino Skiatook
May 15 Sac and Fox Nation Casino - Stroud
May 15 StoneWolf Casino
May 27 WinStar World Casino
May 27 Riverwind Casino
May 27 Border Casino
May 27 Ada Gaming Center
May 27 Artesian Hotel, Casino, Spa
May 27 Black Gold Casino
May 27 Chisholm Trail Casino
May 27 Gold Mountain Casino
May 27 Goldsby Gaming Center
May 27 Jet Stream Casino
May 27 West Bay Casino & Resort
May 27 Madill Gaming Center
May 27 Newcastle Casino
May 27 Riverstar Casino
May 27 Saltcreek Casino
May 27 Texoma Casino
May 27 Tishomingo Tobacco and Gaming
May 27 Treasure Valley CasinoMay 27 Washita Casino

The Choctaw Nation will reopen these casinos today June 1:

June 1 Choctaw Casino Resort Durant
June 1 Choctaw Casino Pocola
June 1 Choctaw Casino Grant
June 1 Choctaw Casino Broken Bow
June 1 Choctaw Casino Idabel
June 1 Choctaw Casino McAlester
June 1 Choctaw Casino Stringtown
June 1 Choctaw Travel Plaza Casinos Too! - Antlers, Atoka, Broken Bow, Durant, Grant, Heavener, Hugo, Idabel, McAlester, Pocola, Poteau, Stigler, Stringtown, and Wilburton

The Cherokee Nation has not yet announced opening dates, however the tribe has announced plans for health and safety practices in preparation for reopening.

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All Chickasaw Casinos reopen May 27

May 24, 2020

All Chickasaw Nation gaming facilities will reopen on Wednesday May 27 at 8 AM. Each facility will implement health policies and procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include:

The Chickasaw casinos include WinStar World Casino, Riverwind Casino, Border Casino, Ada Gaming Center, Artesian Hotel, Casino, Spa, Black Gold Casino, Chisholm Trail Casino, Gold Mountain Casino, Goldsby Gaming Center, Jet Stream Casino, West Bay Casino & Resort, Madill Gaming Center, Newcastle Casino, Riverstar Casino, Saltcreek Casino, Texoma Casino, Tishomingo Tobacco and Gaming, Treasure Valley Casino and Washita Casino,

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24 Oklahoma Casinos reopen May 1-15

May 16, 2020

Twenty four Indian gaming casinos in Oklahoma have reopened after weeks of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The list includes:

May 01 Tonkawa Casino and Hotel
May 02 7 Clans First Council Casino
May 07 7 Clans Chilocco Casino
May 08 Osage Casino Ponca City
May 11 Thunderbird Casinos Norman
May 11 Thunderbird Casinos Shawnee
May 14 7 Clans Perry Casino
May 14 7 Clans Red Rock Gasino

May 15 Black Hawk Casino
May 15 Buffalo Run Casino and Resort
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Canton
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Clinton
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Concho
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Concho Travel Center
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Hammon
May 15 Lucky Star Casino Watonga
May 15 Osage Casino Hotel
May 15 Osage Casino Bartlesville
May 15 Osage Casino Hominy
May 15 Osage Casino Pawhuska
May 15 Osage Casino Sand Springs
May 15 Osage Casino Skiatook
May 15 Sac and Fox Nation Casino - Stroud
May 15 StoneWolf Casino

Nearly 120 other Oklahoma Indian gaming locations have not reopened as of this date date.

More reopenings are expected this month, however, three major tribes, Chickasaw Nation, Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Cherokee Nation, do not plan to open before June 1. Choctaw Nation has announced all Choctaw Casino and Resorts should be open starting June 1, 2020.

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Oklahoma's legislative leaders say new tribal gaming compacts are "unauthorized and void"

April 24, 2020

On Tuesday, Gov. Stitt signed new gaming compacts with the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribe which drew immediate rebuke from the top two legislative leaders in Oklahoma.

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat and House Speaker Charles McCall responded to the governor's actions in a letter Wednesday describing the two tribal gaming compacts as "unauthorized by law and void" without the approval of the Legislature.

Leaders Treat and McCall acknowledged the right of the governor to negotiate compacts, however any change in the types of casino gambling requires legislative approval. This includes sports betting. Their letter reminded the governor of the separation of powers, the Oklahoma Constitution and the state's Indian gaming statutes.

In separate statements both Treat and McCall agreed with Attorney General Hunter analysis that the compacts are not legally authorized under Oklahoma' Indian gaming laws because the governor.

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Oklahoma's Attorney General says new tribal gaming compacts are not legally authorized

April 23, 2020

Oklahoma AG Mike Hunter said in a written statement yesterday the new tribal gaming compacts signed between Gov. Stitt and the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribe are 'not authorized' under the state Tribal Gaming Act.

"The governor has the authority to negotiate compacts with the tribes on behalf of the state. However, only gaming activities authorized by the act may be the subject of a tribal gaming compact. Sports betting is not a prescribed 'covered game' under the act."

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Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribe agree to new compacts

April 22, 2020

The Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribe have signed new gaming compacts with Gov. Stitt and the State of Oklahoma.

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Under terms of the new compacts, both tribes can each build one new off-reservation casino. The Comanche Nation can build their casino within a mile of a state or federal highway running through Cleveland County, and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe can build their casino within a mile of a state of federal highway running through Payne County.

In addition both tribes can now offer additional casino games and sports betting.

Gov. Stitt said, "Each gaming compact has unique elements to include individual flat-rate gaming fees on Class III games and covered games. This new fee structure recognizes the dynamic nature of each tribe's market share, recognizing their geographic location and access to population centers."

The new compacts can be read online here: Comanche Nation Compact (PDF) and Otoe-Missouria Tribe Compact (PDF). Both compacts require final approval from the federal government.

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Oklahoma Tribes Reject Governor's New Offer

March 28, 2020

Oklahoma Tribes Reject Governor's New Offer

OIGA chairman Matthew Morgan said the governor was using the coronavirus casino closures to leverage his position against the tribes. He said

"The [offer] letter confirms the real intent of Governor Stitt is to destroy the tribal interest outlined in the existing compacts. The tribal leaders who received the letter reject the proposal as disrespectful and disingenuous."

"Now more than ever is the time for us to stand together."

Gov. Stitt's proposal calls for new compacts with a flat 5 percent tax on gambling revenues instead of the current 4-10 percent sliding scale. It also would authorize both the state and the tribes to offer sports gambling.

March 31st marks the end of three months since the dispute began between the governor and the tribes as to whether or not the compacts expired Jan. 1 or were automatically renewed.

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'All Oklahoma Indian Casinos are closed' says OIGA

March 23, 2020

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association announced today that all casinos owned by its member tribes have been temporarily closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement OIGA Chairman Matthew L. Morgan said:

"Nothing is of greater importance to the Tribes than the health and well-being of the citizens of their Nations and the citizens of Oklahoma. We always want to be good neighbors, and to lead by positive example. In making the decision to temporarily suspend our gaming operations, we are hopeful that we will have a positive impact on the health of Oklahomans."

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Oklahoma casinos respond to coronavirus

March 18, 2020

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association says all of its affiliated tribes have enacted special cleaning and disinfection programs to combat the spread of coronavirus.

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Courtesy of KFOR.COM NEWS 4

FOR INFORMATION
The member tribes of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association are the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Cherokee Nation, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Comanche Natiob, Delaware Nation of Oklahoma, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Fort Sill Apache Tribe, Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Kaw Nation, Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Osage Nation of Oklahoma, Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, Shawnee Tribe, Wichita & Affiliated Tribes and Wyandotte Nation.

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Oklahoma gaming compacts were unknowingly renewed by Gov. Stitt, says Tribes

February 22, 2020

In a federal court filing to join the lawsuit against Gov. Stitt over gaming compacts, the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes claim the Governor unintentionally triggered the automatic renewal of Oklahoma's gaming compacts when he signed extension agreements with two tribes last December.

The extension agreements were "purported" to extend the compact "expiration date(s)" from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31 for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and the Kialegee Tribal Town.

Under the terms of the compacts, the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes contend all compacts automatically renewed Jan. 1 if any "organization licensees or others are authorized to conduct electronic gaming in any form" at the time the compacts come up for renewal.

In their court filing Feb. 14 the tribes argued, "Gov. Stitt authorized the operation of electronic gaming in Oklahoma in any form on and after Jan. 1, 2020, nullifying any assertion against renewal for all compacting tribes".

The governor's communications director, Baylee Lakey, responded the next day. "All procedures concerning the two 8-month extensions were followed. We remain confident that the State has taken no action that triggers automatic renewal.

The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes are a federally recognized tribe made up of Wichita, Keechi, Waco, and Tawakoni members.

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More Oklahoma tribes join gaming lawsuit

February 19, 2020

A federal judge has allowed more tribes to join the lawsuit against Gov. Stitt over renewal of the gaming compacts. The suit was originally filed Dec. 31 by the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes. They were joined by the Citizen Potawatomi and Muscogee (Creek) Nation in recent weeks bringing the total tribes to five. On Friday Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti of the Western District of Oklahoma approved seven more tribes to join the lawsuit.

The list of tribes now participating in the lawsuit against Gov. Stitt are the following:

1. Cherokee Nation
2. Chickasaw Nation
3. Choctaw Nation
4. Citizen Potawatomi Nation
5. Muscogee (Creek) Nation
6. Quapaw Nation
7. Delaware
8. Comanche
9. Otoe-Missouria
10. Ponca Tribe of Indians
11. Seminole
12. United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees

Another motion to join has been filed by the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and is pending a decision by the court.

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Quapaw Nation asks to join tribes in lawsuit over gambling compacts

February 18, 2020

After a federal judge last week ordered Gov. Stitt into mediation with five tribes suing over the renewal of gaming compacts, the Quapaw Nation has asked the judge for permission to join as the sixth tribe in the lawsuit.

"We were asked by the other tribes to intervene," said Chairman John l. Berrey of the Quapaw Nation. "Our expectation is that we'll get that motion at the first part of next week. The judge seems like he's trying to expedite this case, and we're ready to help out any way we can."

If the motion by the Quapaw Nation is accepted, the list of suing tribes entering mediation against the governor will be:

1. Cherokee
2. Chickasaw
3. Choctaw
4. Citizen Potawatomi
5. Muscogee (Creek) Nation
6. Quapaw Nation

The tribes are seeking a judicial declaration that the gaming compacts with the state automatically renewed on Jan. 1 for another 15 years. Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti of the Western District of Oklahoma ordered the Governor and the Tribes into mediation last week and set March 31 as the deadline for consensus.

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Oklahoma tribes backed by National Congress of American Indians in gaming compact dispute

February 12, 2020

The National Congress of American Indians, which is the nation's largest Native American organization, has announced its strong support for the Oklahoma tribes fighting Gov. Stitt over renewal of gaming compacts.

In the 18th annual State of Indian Nations address, President Fawn Sharp warned of a "direct threat to the sovereignty" of the Oklahoma tribes.

"The National Congress of American Indians, our delegates and members, we stand with those tribes that are facing a direct threat and annihilation to their sovereignty through this compact dispute," she said. "When the tribal nations succeed in putting the state of Oklahoma in its place, we will be standing right there with them."

NCAI Chief Executive Officer Kevin Allis added: "This is nothing new to Indian County, right? When the other side wants to breach their duty and responsibility in a contractual agreement? This is nothing new to the tribes in Oklahoma, and they're handling this just right."

This year's State of Indian Nations address was hosted by George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

For more information about the National Congress of American Indians, visit its website at www.ncai.org

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Oklahoma Tribes and Governor ordered to mediation over gaming compacts dispute

February 10, 2020

A federal judge issued a mediation order Friday to Gov. Stitt and the five Oklahoma tribes filing the lawsuit over their gaming compacts dispute.

The order by Chief Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma was issued to the Governor, Cherokee, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations, Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

The tribes originally filed the suit Dec. 31 seeking affirmation that the gaming compacts automatically renewed for another 15 years on Jan. 1.

The court order specifies the following:

• Both parties must submit a list of three potential mediators for quick selection by the court.

• Within 21 days after the appointment of the mediator, both parties must submit a status report to the court.

• Mediation should be completed by March 31.

• The court-appointed mediator will have "the powers necessary to facilitate the parties' negotiation of a resolution to the issues raised in the lawsuit."

• All parties are barred from disclosing details of the mediation without court approval.

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Muscogee (Creek) Nation becomes fifth tribe in lawsuit against Gov. Stitt

February 3, 2020

Last week the Muscogee (Creek) Nation became the fifth Oklahoma Tribes to join in the lawsuit against Gov. Kevin Stitt over renewal of tribal gaming compacts. The lawsuit was originally filed by the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation joined last week followed by the Creeks.

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill reiterated his tribe's position:

"We will continue to work with the state of Oklahoma, but the Muscogee (Creek) Nation will not be controlled or intimidated by the state. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation stands firm in our position on the gaming compact.?"

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is the fourth largest tribe in the country with 87,000 members. It owns eleven casinos in Oklahoma and generates nearly $900 million to the Oklahoma economy.

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Oklahoma House Speaker says tribal gaming compacts renewed - Senate Leader sidesteps issue

February 4, 2020

During a Capitol forum last Thursday, state leaders were asked about the tribal gaming compacts by The Associated Press.

HOUSE SPEAKER CHARLES McCALL

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, believes the tribal gaming compacts automatically renewed on Jan. 1. He said, "In my opinion, the compact has renewed for another 15 years."

Last December, Speaker McCall showed a 2004 document that said the compacts would automatically renew. "In review of the documentation, what we have to look at, I think it very much supports the auto-renew and that threshold has been met," McCall said.

SENATE PPRESIDENT PRO TEM GREG TREAT

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, idoes not take a stand on whether the tribal gaming compacts automatically renew. He said, "I don't know if they do or don't. That is out of the hands of the Legislature."

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Oklahoma Gov. Stitt sues tribes to shut down Class III gaming

January 29, 2020

Gov. Stitt filed a lawsuit in federal court for an injunction against Class III Indian gaming, AKA Vegas-style gambling. The governor claims that tribal gaming compacts expired Jan.1 and continued gambling is illegal until the compacts are renegotiated.

Tribes disagree with the governor and insist the gaming compacts automatically renewed Jan. 1. The Chickasaw, Choctaw and Cherokee tribes filed a federal lawsuit Dec. 31 seeking confirmation of this position.

In response, Gov. Stitt filed his suit with these comments:

"Continuing to conduct class III electronic gaming in the absence of valid Gaming Compacts with Oklahoma has resulted, is resulting, and will continue to result, in unjust enrichment to the Tribes. Unjust enrichment will continue unless and until a new gaming compact is entered into by and between the Tribes and Oklahoma."

"Without an injunction, Oklahoma, as a State of the United States of America, will suffer irreparable harm because its sovereignty is not being recognized by the Tribes, who continue to unlawfully conduct class III gaming in the absence of valid and existing gaming compacts."

Mike McBride III, an attorney representing the tribes, feels the governor's lawsuit is a pressure tactic because he has no authority to shut down the casinos. The casinos will continue to operate as before and continue their payments to the state.

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Oklahoma Indian Gaming Compacts Enter Limbo Today Jan 1

January 1, 2020

Today is the critical date in the compact dispute and both sides are holding firm to their positions.

All Oklahoma Indian gaming compacts expired today. Did they automatically renew as the tribes believe? None were renegotiated with Gov. Stitt, and at the same time all tribal casinos are open and operating today.

Three Tribes File Federal Lawsuit

The Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Nations filed a federal lawsuit New Year's Eve Day seeking a court declaration that the compacts automatically renew. The suit seeks "to bring an end to the uncertainty Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt has attempted to cast over Tribal gaming operations."

The tribes cite Part 15 B. in their compacts, which states:

"This Compact shall have a term which will expire on January 1, 2020, and at that time, if organization licensees or others are authorized to conduct electronic gaming in any form other than pari-mutuel wagering on live horse racing pursuant to any governmental action of the state or court order following the effective date of this Compact, the Compact shall automatically renew for successive additional fifteen-year terms."

Other tribal leaders, such as Muscogee (Creek) Nation Chief James Floyd, have expressed full support for the lawsuit.

Two Tribes Sign Compact Extensions

At the same time as the three tribes filed their lawsuit on New Year's Eve Day, two other tribes signed eight-month compact extensions with Governor Stitt. These were the Kialegee Tribal Town and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians.

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Oklahoma Secretary of Native American Affairs resigns over Gov Stitt's compact position

December 27, 2019

Gov. Stitt and Oklahoma tribes completely disagree on the status of the current gaming compacts. The governor says they will expire Jan 1 and must be renegotiated, while the tribes insist they will automatically renew.

On Monday Gov. Stitt's top cabinet adviser on Native American issues resigned as a result of the compact conflict. Lisa J. Billy, Secretary of Native American Affairs, announced that she could no longer serve as the result of the governor's actions.

Lisa Billy's resignation letter stated:

"It has become increasingly clear you are committed to an unnecessary conflict that poses a real risk of lasting damage to the State-Tribal relationship and to our economy. You have dismissed advice and facts that show the peril of your chosen approach and have remained intent on breaking faith with the Tribes, both by refusing to engage with the compact's language and, more recently, by suggesting you would displace our Tribal partners with private, out-of-state commercial gaming operators".

Lisa Billy previously served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for District 42 from 2004 to 2016.

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Oklahoma orders tax audit on tribes during compact dispute

December 23, 2019

While Gov Stitt and Oklahoma tribes continue their dispute over gaming compacts, the state has notified tribes that tax audits will begin as early as Jan 2.

The office of Gov. Stitt released this statement today:

"The State is resuming audits of all casino operations in Oklahoma, a right provided in the gaming compacts. As stated in the letters to tribes, the scope of work will be for business activity between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. This reflects a period of time when the State had stopped conducting audits on casinos."

Can the timing of this audit be considered harassment? Matthew Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, responded:

"I don't know if it is harassment. I don't know if it is a new administration trying to determine its own path on how to accomplish duties and is unsure of the prior process. It seems like an odd time to come to a facility when the head of the executive department said the authority which they operate on expires Jan. 1."

Stephen Greetham, a senior counsel with the Chickasaw Nation, added:

"On first review, it seems to provide more proof the state does not understand the compact. Based on past practice, it marks an ill-advised departure from our previously good working relationship, but perhaps that isn't surprising, given the state of things."

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Oklahoma Tribes reject Gov. Stitt's call for extension

UPDATED Dec 19, 2019

WE STAND UNITED: OKLAHOM'S GAMING TRIBES
News video courtesy of TULSA WORLD TV<

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December 18, 2019

Yesterday Gov. Stitt proposed extending the term of the current gaming compacts from Dec 31 to August 31, 2020. He said this will allow the Oklahoma Indian casino to legally continue operating Class III gaming while adding time to renegotiate the terms of revenues paid to the state.

Tribal leaders responded by disputing the govenor's position that the gaming compacts must be renegotiated by Jan 1.

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby replied this way:

"Unlike contracts, compacts are solemn agreements between two sovereigns that remain in force until both parties agree otherwise," Anoatubby said in the prepared comments, noting that the tribes had received a legal opinion from a former solicitor general "that reinforces our confidence that the compacts automatically renew on January 1."

"We have honored the terms of the compact and intend to continue operating under that renewing agreement, and we expect the State to do the same".

Additional comments by Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd, Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., and Seminole Nation Chief Greg Chilcoat reiterated that the governor's insistance on renegotiations is totally unfounded.

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Oklahoma gaming compacts will be unresolved on Jan 1

December 17, 2019

Gov. Stitt and the Oklahoma Indian tribes have reached an impasse just 18 days before the tribal gaming compacts expire on Jan 1, 2020. The governor asserts the compacts will end Jan 1 and wants to renegotiate the revenue terms of the compacts, while the tribes insist the compacts automatically renew and any renegotiation is optional and must be mutually agreed to.

Today Gov. Stitt held a Capitol press conference and said:

"The state cannot reach an agreement that addresses the needs of every single tribe in the state in the next 18 days. That is obvious to me. But if we do not take action, all Class III gaming activity will be illegal on Jan. 1, 2020. This creates tremendous uncertainty".

The governor announced Attorney General Mike Hunter has withdrawn from the compact negotiations and the governor is now taking the single role as negotiator. He plans to hire and outside legal group to assist him.

The governor also proposed an eight-month extension to renegotiate the compacts. He said:

"To protect all the hard-working Oklahomans and the tribal members who are employed at more than 100 casinos across our great state, I am announcing today that the state of Oklahoma will be requesting tribal leaders to join me in signing an extension to the gaming compact," Stitt said at a Capitol news conference. "The language in this extension will allow each side who signs the extension to retain their legal position."

"I want business to continue as usual as we resolve this dispute," Stitt said at a Capitol press conference. "I want the banks, the alcohol vendors and the workers to have surety. [...] I also want to ensure that the revenues of the state that the state receives continue to be available to fund the state services that we provide to all Oklahomans".

"We do not want gaming to be illegal, and we do not want vendors to be operating illegally".

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Oklahoma gaming compacts will automatically renew says 2004 report

December 16, 2019

The 2004 Session Highlights Report prepared by the Oklahoma House of Representatives Research Division contains this statement:

"The compact[s] will expire Jan. 1, 2020, but will automatically renew for 15 years. The fees and penalties may be renegotiated at that time."

This statement targets the core issue in the dispute between Gov. Stitt and the 31 Oklahoma tribes operating Class III casinos under terms of these gaming compacts. The governor asserts the compacts expire Jan. 1, 2020 and must be renegotiated. The tribes disagree and say the compacts renew automatically whether they are renegotiated or not.

The 2004 report, a copy of the bill, and a bill summary were sent to members of the Republican House caucus by Speaker Charles McCall on Friday in response to member requests for more information.

Baylee Lakey, the Communications Director for Gov. Stitt made these comments regarding the 2004 report:

"Why would you have a termination date and then in the same breath say 'never-mind,' without any mention of events that would trigger a renewal? The only reasonable legal conclusion is no triggering events have occurred and therefore the compacts expire on Jan. 1, 2020."

The state legislature has no involvement in compact negotiations, however, members are watching in case there becomes a need for legislation or ratification of a deal.

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Oklahoma residents rank second in gambling

December 7, 2019

Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for the average amount spent annually on gambling by each resident. This finding is based on new data published by the American Gaming Association that includes all commercial and tribal gaming in the U.S.

Top Five States - Average Annual Gambling per Resident:

1. Nevada: $3,928

2. Oklahoma: $1,141

3. Mississippi: $717

4. Louisiana: $674

5. Rhode Island: $620

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Gov. Stitt says commercial casinos interested if gaming compacts not renewed - Tribes respond

December 5, 2019

In what appears to be a new negotiating tact with casino tribes, Gov. Kevin Stitt mentioned earlier this week that some commercial casino operators are very interested in opening casinos in Oklahoma if a new deal is not reached on tribal gaming compacts.

Gov. Stitt says he has talked with commercial operators willing to sign an immediate deal to open casinos and pay a state tax of 18%. The governor said, "Let's open it to everybody. What is operating a casino worth to have exclusive right to do that?"

Tribes Respond

Oklahoma tribes disagree with the governor's view that gaming compacts expire Jan 1, 2020. They believe the compacts automatically renew.

Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said Tuesday that Gov. Kevin Stitt's suggestion of a commercial casino alternative would put $150 million per year in tribal exclusivity fees at risk. More than 130 tribal gaming operations in the state pay these exclusivity fees to the state. Hoskin added that tribes have spent billions of dollars building gaming facilities making the market highly competitive and saturated.

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd said:

"For the state to actively recruit for-profit gaming corporations to compete with Oklahoma's tribal nations, it would require significant changes to our laws by members of the state Legislature".

"Furthermore, removing the exclusivity agreement with our tribes also effectively removes the constraints of a nation's boundaries on where a gaming facility may be constructed," Floyd said. "Gov. Stitt is potentially opening up all of Oklahoma for gaming on every corner of every neighborhood in any part of the state".

Matthew Morgan, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Chairman and Executive Officer for policy development and gaming for the Chickasaw Nation, is disappointed in the governor's comments. He said:

"Any commercial operator that is out of state isn't living here, isn't investing here, isn't working together hand in hand with local communities to better Oklahoma".

Stephen Greetham, senior counsel for the Chickasaw Nation, said:

"If commercial gaming were allowed, it would breach the compacts and result in a $150 million annual loss for the state in exclusivity fees".

"I don't know what to make of Gov. Stitt's public comments. They are all over the map".

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby commented:

"Tribes have invested millions of dollars in facilities and infrastructure, helping tribal gaming become an increasingly important engine for economic development across Oklahoma, and particularly in rural Oklahoma".

"Growth in tribal economic development has been a win-win for the state and tribes. It's a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together".

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Cherokee Nation drives $2.17B of Oklahoma's economy

November 26, 2019

Cherokee Nation has a major impact in the Oklahoma economy. The tribe added $2.17 billion to the state's economy last year according to a new study by Dr. Russell Evans, of the Economic Impact Group and Oklahoma City University.

While presenting the report, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said:

"A vibrant and strong Cherokee Nation is essential for northeast Oklahoma's long-term success. As our businesses grow more prosperous and create more jobs, our role in the state's economy expands as well. Our profits and the dollars we generate go directly to our people. We're now helping more Cherokees improve their lives, as well as the lives of their children and their grandchildren."

Summary of Key Findings (Last Fiscal Year)

Economic Impact by County
The study compiled data for each of the 14 counties where Cherokee Nation has economic activities.

Cherokee Nation has published a website presenting this economic impact data. Visit www.cherokeenationimpact.com.

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Oklahoma tribes unanimously reject arbitration proposal

November 11, 2019

The dispute over casino gaming compacts continues between Gov. Kevin Stitt and 35 Oklahoma casino tribes. The governor says the existing compacts expire at the end of 2019, and the tribes say the compacts will automatically renew Jan. 1, 2020.

On Oct. 28 the Attorney General Mike Hunter met with 200 tribal leaders and representatives of the tribes. He proposed arbitration to resolve the dispute, however, the tribes unanimously objected. In a letter replying to AG Hunter and his proposal, the tribes reiterated their belief the compacts renew automatically and do not expire.

The current gaming compacts give the tribes exclusive rights to operate casinos in exchange for 4% and 10% of a casino's net revenue. The governor wants to negotiate a greater share of these gaming revenues for the state, and the tribes want to preserve their income for existing education, health and welfare programs for their members.

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Bordertown Casino will close down Dec 15

September 30, 2019

The Eastern Shawnee will close the doors of their Bordertown Casino and Arena in Wyandotte, Oklahoma on December 15. The tribe annouonced its decision after an extensive reassessment of its overall business plans. The high-stakes bingo operation will be relocated to Indigo Sky Casino & Resort on December 18.

PRESS RELEASE
Issued by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
September 25, 2019

The tribe has reassessed Bordertown's place in its broader business plans and it has been decided to bring this chapter to a close and at this time there has been no future plans released for the facility.

Bordertown will continue to host bull events and great live entertainment through the end of November, after which guests can continue to enjoy free live music at ECHO Bar Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays. Bingo is slated to close on December 15 after the second session and will resume high stakes play on December 18th at Indigo Sky Casino.

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29 Tribal Nations Unite Against OK Gov

August 21, 2019

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association sent a letter July 26 to Governor J. Kevin Stitt and signed by leaders of 29 Oklahoma tribes. The letter unanimously opposed the governor's call to renegotiate the 2004 gaming compacts that expire Jan 1, 2020.

The letter reads, "We, the undersigned Tribal leaders, respectfully represent that we intend to stand united in response to your recent statement that the Gaming Compact will expire at the end of this year."

The letter continues to read as a statement of unity with emphasis on these points:

1. The gaming compacts automatically renew on Jan 1, 2020.

   The letter reads, "They represent promises made by the State of Oklahoma and the Tribes. Promises we intend to fulfill now and in the future, and we expect the State to do the same."

2. The current gaming rates paid to the state should not change.

3. The Governor can call for renegotiation of rates, but without mutual agreement the rates remain unchanged and automatically renew.

4. The governor should address his proposals to this group rather than to individual tribes.

   The letter reads, "We would ask that you send your proposal to each and every Tribe together so that we may consider any proposal as a unified body of tribal leaders."

The following are member tribes of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association as listed on the organization's website (www.oiga.org).

Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Shawnee, OK 73026
Cherokee Nation, Catoosa, OK 74015
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Concho, OK 73022
Chickasaw Nation, Ada, OK 74820
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Durant, OK 74702
Citizen Potawatomi Nation,Shawnee, OK 74804
Comanche Nation, Lawton, OK 73501
Delaware Nation of Oklahoma, Anadarko, OK 73005
Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Wyandotte, OK 74370
Fort Sill Apache Tribe, Lawton, OK 73502
Kaw Nation, Newkirk, OK 74647
Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, McLoud, OK 74851
Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Chickasha, OK 73018
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Miami, OK 74354
Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Okmulgee, OK 74447
Osage Nation of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK 74127
Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Miami, OK 74355
Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, Pawnee, OK 74058
Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Miami, OK 74354
Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, Quapaw, OK 74363
Sac & Fox Nation, Shawnee, OK 74804
Shawnee Tribe, Miami, OK 74354
Wichita & Affiliated Tribes, Hinton, OK 73047
Wyandotte Nation, Wyandotte, OK 74370

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Five Civilized Tribes Reject OK Gov's Demand to Renegotiate Compacts

July 12, 2019

The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes today rejected Gov. Kevin Stitt's position that existing gaming compacts expire Jan 1, 2020 and must be renegotiated prior to that date.

The Five Tribes passed a resolution of unity affirming their position that gaming compacts automatically renew unless the state and tribes mutually agree to changes.

The leaders signing the resolution are (left to right) Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James R. Floyd, Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton, Seminole Nation Chief Greg. P. Chilcoat, Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

A joint statement was also issued following the meeting of the Inter-Tribal Council. A portion of the statement says:

"The recent action of Governor Stitt puts into question his sincerity to work with us in a cooperative manner moving ahead. We are resolute in our position, and it is our hope Governor Stitt and his advisors will not attempt any bad faith interference on the compact which could set back the progress we have achieved by working together."

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OK Gov and Tribes Clash Over Compact Renewals

July 11. 2019

[No Ads]

Courtesy of KFOR News 4, July 11, 2019

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has announced his intention to negotiate new gaming compacts with Oklahoma tribes, a move that surprised most tribal leaders. The current gaming compacts are scheduled to renew on January 1, 2020.

Gaming compacts are agreements with the state government granting exclusive gambling rights to individual Oklahoma tribes, and in return, the tribes pay the state between 4% and 10% of their net gambling revenues.

There is a basic disagreement between the governor and the tribes regarding the "renewal" terms of the compacts

The governor feels the compacts are 15 years old and deserve a "fresh look" based on today's gaming industry. He believes Vegas-style Class III gaming will end automatically on Jan 1 without renegotiation or court action.

The tribes disagree. They believe the compacts will automatically renew if both sides do not come to a new agreement.

Any compact changes require final approval from the federal government.

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Comanche case against Chickasaw casino is rejected by U.S. Supreme Court

May 28, 2019

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case filed by the Comanche Nation seeking to block the Chickasaw Nation from building its Riverstar Casino at Terral in Jefferson County, OK.

The Comanche Nation case claimed the casino site was part of the Comanche's original reservation and was wrongfully taken into federal trust by the Secretary of Interior. The lies within 45 miles of the Comanche Red River Hotel and Casino at Devol.

The Supreme Court declined without comment to let stand a previous decision by U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Judge Heaton ruled the Terral land is now within the Chickasaw reservation and the Comanche Nation shouldhave filed a case within the six-year statute of limitations for challenging the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1986.

The Chickasaw Nation began construction on the Riverstar Casino in May 2017. It opened March 1, 2018.

The Riverstar Casino is located on U.S. Highway 81 about two miles north of the Texas border.

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Will Creek Nation build a hotel in downtown Tulsa?

May 14, 2019

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of building a 400-600 room hotel.

The hotel would be built near the BOK Center. The current location under consideration is two acres across Denver Ave from the BOK Center. The address is 200 W. First St. which lies between First and Second streets.

The tribe's hotel project plan with conceptual drawings has been favorably received by city and county officials. If the project seems feasible, it will continue to develop it will eventually engage an architectural firm to prepare a conceptual design.

In recent years the Creek Nation has made significant investments in south Tulsa. These include the River Spirit Casino Resort, retail development on Riverside Parkway, and the revitalization of RiverWalk.

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Keetoowah Cherokee propose casino in Enid OK

September 17, 2018

There is a new casino project being proposed for Enid. The casino would be owned by the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. However, the controversy is already starting due to gaming not being allowed in the city limits.

A meeting was held on Tuesday with representatives from the tribe and the Enid City Commission. During this meeting the city was told that the project will move forward regardless of having support or not from the city.

The property that the tribe wants to use will need to be taken into federal trust before the tribe can conduct any gaming. One of the steps needed for this to have approval for the project by the Oklahoma governor.

The tribe has expressed interest in obtaining support from the city on the casino project. Step one in the approval process will be getting support from the city commission. An application asking for land to be placed into trust also needs to be submitted to the Department of Interior. An environmental impact report will need have a study conducted to ensure that the project will be in compliance with the Environmental Policy Act.

The proposed casino would offer slot machines, blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette. The building would be 20,000 square feet.

Since tribal land is considered sovereign, the tribe can agree to pay the city a fee instead of paying taxes. Over ten years a monthly payment would be made to the city based on the revenue that was made from the casino. The city will also be given $12 million for infrastructure improvements. These agreements would be done as a way to show the city that the tribe is interested in being a good neighbor.

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Oklahoma craps and roulette by October 2018

July 26, 2018

The annual Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association was held this week in Oklahoma City. One of the topics of discussion was the future of gaming in the state.

Recently a law was approved that will allow for casinos to operate roulette and craps. It is estimated that tribal owned casinos will begin offering these games in October.

Supporters of the new gaming opportunities believe that it will help generate more revenue at the casinos. As well as attract more visitors to the area. The popularity of the games and not able to operate them in the state are believed to have kept many casino visitors away.

Compacts between the state and the tribes have been amended with nearly half of the tribes that own casinos. The Department of Interior will send final approval and then the games will be allowed to begin operation.

Many of the casinos have their preparations in place to start offering the games. They are only waiting the for final approval that everything is legally in place.

They are hopeful it could take place by Labor Day. However, that may be unlikely.

Another popular topic at the annual event was sports betting.

Recently the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a law that prevented sports betting in states outside of Nevada. Individual states have been given the power to decide if it will be allowed at their casinos. Oklahoma would still need to pass its own law before sports betting would be allowed.

Adding the new games of blackjack and roulette will earn an estimated $20 million for Oklahoma as soon as the games are implemented.

10 percent of the money earned from these games will be paid in taxes to the state.

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Gov. Fallin signs law allowing craps and roulette in Indian casinos

April 11, 2018

Casinos owned by Native Americans in Oklahoma will now be able to offer additional games, such as craps and roulette, as a result of a new measure, H.B. 3375, that was signed on Tuesday by Governor Mary Fallin.

This is the first time ever in the state's history. The measure will allow tribal casinos to operate dice games and roulette. Tax revenue made from the games will fund education programs and salaries for teachers.

The governor also signed a bill that would remove the hotel and motel room tax of $5. Tax will also be added to purchases made online from retailers.

Taxes collected from these measures will total in the millions. It will cover an average of $6,100 pay raise for teachers. The largest in history.

There will be $353.5 million allocated for teacher salaries. Support staff will receive $52 million. Benefit flex health care will have $24.7 million. State education aid will receive $17 million. Teaching supplies and text books will be funded with a projected $50 million.

The education funding package will total $2.9 billion for the 2019 fiscal year. The plan is expected to be fulfilled. The current fiscal year ends in June of this year.

State legislators and the governor are trying to show residents in Oklahoma and educators that investing more into education is important. They want people in the state to know that investing in the education of Oklahoma will help better their lives and their futures.

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News Headlines Continued

2024

Coweta Casino Hotel | Groundbreaking Nov. 2024 October 24, 2024 - The Muscogee Nation will celebrate the groundbreaking for the new $100 million Coweta Casino Hotel during the first week of November, 2024. The exact time and date ... Read more Oklahoma Received $202M from Tribal Gaming in FY2023 September 3, 2024 - Oklahoma tribes paid $202 million to the State of Oklahoma for tribal gaming exclusivity fees in fiscal year 2023. Exclusivity fees are taxes on casino revenues ... Read more Coweta Casino Hotel is both welcomed and opposed August 13, 2024 - The Muscogee Nation plan to build a $100 million casino and hotel in the City of Coweta, OK, is supported by city officials, but opposed by some local residents. ... Read more Choctaw Casino Pocola | All-month 30 Years Celebration August 6, 2024 - Choctaw Casino & Resort in Pocola is celebrating its 30th anniversary with month-long promotions, which include $350,000 in cash and cars, meal deals, live enter ... Read more New Coweta Casino Hotel is coming in 2026 July 28, 2024 - A new casino hotel is coming to the greater Tulsa area in 2026. On July 25 the Muscogee Nation announced plans to build the Coweta Casino Hotel in Coweta, OK ... Read more Cherokee Nation plans new Bartlesville casino July 27, 2024 - On June 1, 2024 the Cherokee Nation filed an application with the U.S. Bureau of Indian affairs for approval to build an Indian-gaming casino on a 15,000-acre site ... Read more Golden Mesa Casino Expansion | July 2024 Update July 19, 2024 - Several weather delays at Golden Mesa Casino have pushed the expected completion date for the $70 million expansion project from Spring to Summer 2025 ... Read more Eufaula Casino Hotel & Resort | Groundbreaking Held June 13, 2024 June 15, 2024 - The Muscogee (Creek) Nation broke ground on a new casino yesterday named Eufaula Casino & Hotel. The casino location is about 35 miles south of Muskogee ... Read more Choctaw Landing's Grand Opening | Today May 23, 2024 May 23, 2024 - The new Choctaw Landing celebrated its official grand opening today! The $238 million luxury casino resort previously held a soft opening of its casino on April 3, 2024, and ... Read more Lakecrest Casino Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening Spectacular May 12, 2024 - Lakecrest Casino Hotel will hold its official grand opening on May 23 and celebrate May 1-25 with a Grand Opening Spectacular event. There was also a ribbon-cutting ... Read more Oklahoma Casinos | Independence Day Events July 1, 2024 - Several Oklahoma casinos are planning July Fourth celebrations beginning now through July 6th. Fireworks shows are scheduled at the following casinos: ... Read more Apache Lonestar Casino opens in Devol April 26, 2024 - The new Apache Lonestar Casino in Devol held a soft opening on Monday for tribal members and their invited guests. The soft opening was extended to the general public on Wednesday ... Read more Lake Murray Casino Opens Today! - April 24, 2024 April 24, 2024 - The new LakeCrest Casino Hotel near Lake Murray opened today. The new Chickasaw casino is located off State Highway 70 exit 29 about two miles east of I-35, and features . ... Read more Kiowa Casino will open 'The Showcase Lounge' in July 2024 April 23, 2024 - Kiowa Casino celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Showcase Lounge gaming room last month. The event was actually a wall-breaking ceremony to renovate old ... Read more Enid OK Casino Project | April 2024 Update April 16, 2024 - The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians has applied to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for approval to build an Indian gaming casino in Garfield County near Enid, Oklahoma ... Read more Choctaw Landing Opens Casino in Hochatown, OK April 7, 2024 - The Choctaw Nation opened its newest casino resort, named 'Choctaw Landing', on Wednesday. The new $230 million resort destination is located near Broken Bow Lake in ... Read more Lake Murray Casino Opens April 24, 2024 April 15, 2024 - LakeCrest Casino Hotel is scheduled to open on April 24 according to the casino's Facebook page. The new casino is located off State Highway 70 exit 29 about two miles east of I-35. ... Read more Choctaw Landing Opens April 1, 2024 | Book Now March 16, 2024 - The new Choctaw Landing Resort Casino will have a soft opening in April. The new destination casino lies in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, and is expected to draw many Texans ... Read more River Spirit Casino is building largest sports bar January 26, 2024 - River Spirit Casino is building the largest sports bar and lounge in Oklahoma. Construction is underway inside the 14,000-square-foot space of the former buffet area, which was closed in 2020 ... Read more Choctaw Casinos Partners with Academy of Country Music April 4, 2024 - Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has partnered with the Academy of Country Music (ACM) as its official casino sponsor for the 59th Annual ACM Awards show. This year the ... Read more Choctaw Landing | February 2024 Update February 19, 2024 - Choctaw Landing will open this Spring in Hochatown, OK. The new casino resort with 600 slot machines, a 100-room hotel, and outdoor entertainment is expected to have a major impact on ... Read more

2023

Harrah's Oklahoma construction delayed over gaming compact November 22, 2023 - The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma's plan to build a new Harrah's hotel and casino between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is delayed due to issues with Gov. Stitt over a new gaming ... Read more Choctaw Nation's Gaming History November 20, 2023 - November is Native American Heritage Month and KXII-TV News 12 in Texoma has been featuring the history of the Choctaw Nation. This video follows the explosive growth of Choctaw gaming from 1987 to today. ... Read more New Bartlesville Osage Casino & Hotel opens today Nov. 16 November 16, 2023 - The grand opening of the new Osage Casino & Hotel in Bartlesville will be held at 10 am this morning. The festivities began last night when Osage tribal members were invited to a ... Read more Choctaw Landing in Hochatown opens this Spring February 2, 2024 - The Choctaw Nation is preparing to open a new $165 million resort casino this Spring in Hochatown, McCurtain County, Oklahoma. Construction of this 200,000 square-foot complex began ... Read more Oklahoma Governor announces sports betting plan November 12, 2023 - Governor Kevin Stitt has announced a controversial sports betting plan that would authorize in-person betting inside tribal casinos and statewide mobile wagering through licensed operators ... Read more Lake Murray Casino Construction Update - Oct 2023 October 4, 2023 - The Chickasaw Nation has passed the mid-point in construction of the Lakecrest Hotel and Casino at Lake Murray near Ardmore. The opening date is on-schedule for the second quarter of 2024. ... Read more Golden Mesa Casino begins $70 million expansion September 23, 2023 - A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Golden Mesa Casino yesterday to launch a $70 million construction project that will expand the casino and add an upscale, 100-room hotel ... Read more Pawhuska Osage Casino Opens October 5, 2023 September 17, 2023 - The all-new Osage Casino & Hotel in Pawhuska will hold its grand opening on October 5th. A soft opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held October 4th for Osage tribal members. ... Read more Bartlesville's Osage Casino will open in November October 15, 2023 - The opening date for the new Osage Hotel and Casino in Bartlesville will be in November. The casino is hiring additional workers in preparation for the grand opening. ... Read more Choctaw Casinos launch 'Where the Players Play' campaign with Texas sports legends September 8, 2023 - Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has signed four-year partnerships with three sports fan favorites for a new ad campaign in North Texas ... Read more Harrah's Oklahoma construction 'begins soon' September 1, 2023 - The Iowa Tribe announced this week that construction of its Harrah's Oklahoma Casino Resort "will begin soon". The new casino will be located on I-44 between Chandler and Wellston. ... Read more New Osage Casino & Hotel in Pawhuska: 'First Look' Video Tour August 23, 2023 - The new Osage Casino in Pawhuska is nearing completion. The grand opening will be this Fall. This video from Osage News shows the finishing stages of construction ... Read more Creek Nation Plans Travel Plaza in Coweta July 29, 2023 - The Muscogee Creek Nation (MCN) plans to build a travel plaza and casino in Coweta, Oklahoma. The location will be on the southeast corner of 131st and Highway 51. The construction timeframe has not ... Read more Comanche Nation Celebrates 40 Years Anniversary on July 22 July 17, 2023 - Comanche Nation Entertainment will host its 40th anniversary celebration at Comanche Nation Casino on Saturday July 22nd. Forty years ago on July 22, 1983, the Comanche Nation ... Read more Choctaw Durant Voted #1 Best Dining & #1 Best Entertainment in Oklahoma July 4, 2023 - Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant was voted #1 Best Overall Dining and #1 Best Overall Entertainment in Oklahoma for 2023 by readers of Casino Players Mag ... Read more Choctaw Casinos win 2023 SBC Silver Award as Tribal Gaming Operator May 23, 2023 - The SBC Awards North America annually recognizes the top tribal gaming organizations that have achieved exceptional expansion and growth in the U.S. and Canada. ... Read more Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma announces Harrah's casino partnership May 13, 2023 - The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma announced Wednesday it plans to build a Harrah's-brand casino resort off I-44 between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The Tribe has partnered with ... Read more West Bay Casino & Resort opens at Lake Texoma May 6, 2023 - The Chickasaw Nation celebrated the grand opening Tuesday afternoon of its new Wet Bay Casino & Resort overlooking Lake Texoma. The new 61-acre casino resort is located near the Texas border ... Read more Cherokee celebrate acquisition of Mississippi casino March 30, 2023 - Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE) held a celebration and a gold ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday for its acquisition of the Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi. The tribe purchased the ... Read more Winstar will open 'Lucas Oil Live' this Fall March 18, 2023 - WinStar will open a new live concert center this Fall replacing the former the Global Event Center. The new 250,000-square-foot venue is a partnership with Lucas Oil and will be branded 'Lucas Oil Live'. ... Read more Osage Casino Hotel Pawhuska - Construction Update - March 2023 March 11, 2023 - This video tour of the construction site of the new Osage Casino and Hotel in Pawhuska was released last week by Osage News. The video shows the progress made in ... Read more Chickasaw Nation bids to build NYC Coney Island casino March 10, 2023 - The Chickasaw Nation is a partner in the $3 billion casino and entertainment proposal for New York City. The project is named "The Coney" and would be built at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY ... Read more Osage Casino Pawhuska: Construction Update - Feb 2023 February 27, 2023 - The existing Osage Casino in Pawhuska will be replaced by a new casino and hotel by the end of this year. Construction of the new casino is underway on a 60-acre site at 1421 John Dahl Ave ... Read more New Osage Casino Bartlesville Construction Update January 6, 2023 - A new Osage casino is under construction at 1803 U.S. 60 in Bartlesville to replace the existing casino at 222 Allen Road. Construction began in June 2021 but has been delayed by ... Read more Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland: $1.29 million jackpot winner! February 16, 2023 - A 71-year-old truck driver from Florida stopped on his route at the Cherokee Casino in Roland Jan. 20, placed a $3 bet on a Buffalo Grand progressive slot game, and won $1.29M ... Read more Oklahoma sports betting in '23? January 12, 2023 - Will 2023 be the year that Oklahoma joins 32 other states and legalizes sports betting? A new 2023 legislative proposal to establish in-person and online sports betting in Oklahoma has been entered in the legislature. ... Read more Choctaw Casino & Resort - Durant receives "Best Overall Casino" Award January 11, 2023 - Every year Strictly Slots Magazine surveys its readers for the best casinos across Oklahoma. In December the magazine announced Choctaw Casino Durant ... Read more

2022

Chickasaw Nation approved for online gaming on reservation lands October 25, 2022 - Last week the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGC) approved Class II mobile gaming on all Chickasaw Nation lands. Although Oklahoma law restricts online gaming, the state ... Read more Hard Rock Tulsa hosts Cherokee Art Market Oct. 8-9 UPDATED October 8, 2022 - The 17th annual Cherokee Art Market was held Oct. 8-9 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. The event featured over 150 Native American artists representing 40 tribes from across the ... Read more Choctaw Durant will host Freedom Choctaw Collectors Car Auction Oct. 1 September 29, 2022 - The inaugural Freedom Choctaw Collector Car Auction will be held at the Choctaw Casino & Resort Center in Durant, OK on Saturday Oct. 1. The auction is a partnership with ... Read more New Osage Casino Bartlesville opening delayed to Oct. 2023 August 18, 2022 - Construction of the new Osage Casino in Bartlesville is encountering supply chain delays in deliveries of building materials. The casino broke ground in June 2021 and was expected to open ... Read more New Osage Casino Pawhuska opening delayed to Nov. 2023 August 18, 2022 - The new Osage Casino in Pawhuska was expected to open this Fall. However, delays in building materials have slowed construction and a new opening date been postponed until late 2023. ... Read more Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant will celebrate 35th anniversary July 29, 2022 - Choctaw Casino & Resort will celebrate its 35th anniversary in August with $2 million in giveaways. Players can win a share of $1 million over the first weekend and win another million ... Read more Cherokee Nation buys Mississippi Casino June 18, 2022 - Cherokee Nation Businesses announced the purchase of Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, MS this week. The tribe will pay $450 million in cash to MGM Resorts for the property subject to regulatory ... Read more New Choctaw Landing breaks ground in Hochatown, OK June 15, 2022 - Choctaw Nation broke ground yesterday on the new Choctaw Landing, a $165 million casino hotel and entertainment center in Hochatown, OK. Construction will take 15-18 months with the grand opening ... Read more New Osage Casino & Hotels in Bartlesville and Pawhuska are opening in late 2022 June 13, 2022 - New Osage Casino & Hotels are currently under construction in Pawhuska and Bartlesville. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held at each location last June ... Read more New Warm Springs Casino may be blocked from opening June 12, 2022 - The newly constructed Warm Springs Casino in Anadarko may be blocked from opening by a lawsuit filed by two tribes with nearby casinos. The Warm Springs casino is located 10 miles from Kiowa Casino in ... Read more Rock & Brews Casino opened in Braman May 10 May 13, 2022 - Kaw Nation and the band KISS celebrated the grand opening Tuesday of the new Rock & Brews Casino in Braman. The rock 'n' roll-themed casino replaces the tribe's Southwind Casino with a larger gaming ... Read more Two Tribal Casinos in Top 5 Largest in the World May 10, 2022 - Two Native American casino rank in the Top 5 Casinos in the World. WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma is the number one largest casino worldwide. The other Native American casino in the Top 5 is Foxwoods ... Read more Oklahoma sportsbook bill dies in legislature April 9, 2022 - House Bill HB 3008 to legalize in-person sports betting at Oklahoma tribal casinos is dead for this session of the legislature. The bill was passed by the House Appropriations and Budget Committee but did not make ... Read more 2022 Osage Nation Sovereignty Day at Osage Casino & Hotel Tulsa March 28, 2022 - The 2022 Osage Nation Sovereignty Day Celebration and Dance was held March 19 in the Skyline Event Center at the Osage Casino & Hotel in Tulsa. The annual event celebrates ... Read more Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa is raising new welcome sign March 25, 2022 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa is replacing its original 2003 welcome sign with a new double-sided video board sign. The structure will be 135 feet tall by 55 feet wide and feature video boards on ... Read more Comanche War Pony Casino in Devol opened TODAY Mar 19, 2022! March 19, 2022 - The new Comanche War Pony Casino in Devol, Oklahoma officially opened its doors to the public today! The grand opening celebration included the following events: 10:00 AM - Cedar ... Read more Choctaw Nation plans $165M casino & entertainment resort in Hochatown, OK January 19, 2022 - The Choctaw Nation announced plans this week to build a $165 million casino and entertainment resort in Hochatown, OK. The project includes a four-story, 202,000-sq-ft ... Read more Hard Rock introduces new "Messi Burger" March 9, 2022 - Hard Rock Cafe has partnered with soccer legend Lionel Messi to introduce a new burger to all Hard Rock Cafe menus worldwide. The new "Messi Burger" is the latest addition to Hard Rock International's "LIVE ... Read more Comanche War Pony Casino in Devol is openiing March 19 March 5, 2022 - Comanche War Pony Casino will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday March 19. The festivities will begin with a Cedar ceremony, prayer and blessing at 10 AM. After remarks from Mia ... Read more Oklahoma sports betting bill advances in legislature February 25, 2022 - An Oklahoma legislative bill to legalize sports betting at tribal casinos was passed and moved out of a House committee this week. House Bill 3008 passed the committee with a 6-4 vote. ... Read more Choctaw Casinos & Resort partners with PGA Tour Champions January 31, 2022 - Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has signed a four-year partnership with the PGA to be the presenting sponsor of the new ClubCorp Classics. The inaugural tournament is April 19-24 at ... Read more Oklahoma takes step towards sports betting January 15, 2022 - State Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, filed House Bill 3008 last Monday to amend tribal gaming compacts and allow sports betting inside Oklahoma casinos. Luttrell cites a report from that estimates sports betting will ... Read more

2021

Kiowa Tribe breaks ground on Kiowa County casino November 13, 2021 - The Kiowa Tribe broke ground on a new casino yesterday in Hobart, Oklahoma. All Kiowa members were invited to the 11 AM ceremony at the casino site off Highway 183 near 5th Street downtown. ... Read more Osage Nation plans Missouri casino hotel at Lake of the Ozarks November 7, 2021 - The Osage Nation announced plans in a press release last week to build a hotel with a casino, restaurants and entertainmnent on a site near Lake Ozark in Miller County, Missouri. ... Read more Chickasaw Nation plans $300M resort destination in OKC October 25, 2021 - The Chickasaw Nation announced plans this week to build a $300 million resort destination named OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark adjacent to the new First Americans Museum. ... Read more Hard Rock Tulsa will ring in 2022 with huge party! December 30, 2021 - Hard Rock Casino will celebrate New Years Eve with a big party, cash drawings, free concerts and a midnight 12,000-balloon drop. Admission is free for everyone 21 or older. ... Read more Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa donates thousands of Christmas toys December 24, 2021 - Hard Rock in Tulsa donated over 3,000 christmas toys for children at the local Saint Francis Children's Hospital Toy Closet and through the Marine Corps Toys for Tots of Broken Arrow ... Read more Comanche casinos offering gas credits to attract and retain employees December 10, 2021 - Comanche casino employees at the Comanche Red River Hotel Casino and Comanche War Pony Casino will soon receive a weekly $25 gas credit to the Comanche Travel Plaza ... Read more Lucky Star Casino Watonga opens new hotel September 28, 2021 - The new hotel and conference center at Lucky Star Casino in Watonga opened earlier this month after several construction delays and a ransomware attack in June. The new five-story hotel features ... Read more Oklahoma tribes set record gaming profits September 15, 2021 - Oklahoma's Indian gaming industry paid the state a record $167 million dollars for gaming revenues earned during the last fiscal year. The record earnings were achieved despite shutdowns for COVID-19. The previous record paid was $148 million. ... Read more Choctaw Casinos partners with Texas Rangers to name 'Choctaw Stadium' September 5, 2021 - Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has signed a 25-year partnership with the Texas Rangers for the naming rights to Globe Life Park in Arlington. Globe Life Park was the home stadium of ... Read more New $600M Choctaw Casino Durant is targeting North Texans August 25, 2021 - Native American casinos in South Oklahoma draw heavily from cities in North Texas. Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant is only 14 miles from the Texas border and 90 miles from Dallas. ... Read more Choctaw Casinos & Resorts partners with professional rodeo association August 12, 2021 - This week the Choctaw Casinos & Resorts announced a three-year promotional partnership with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association^® (PRCA). ... Read more Choctaw Casino Durant opens $600M expansion tonight! August 6, 2021 - Choctaw Casino Durant will officially open its $600 million casino and hotel expansion at 6 PM tonight. The event will be celebrated with a $1 Million Grand Opening Giveaway Weekend. ... Read more Hard Rock Casino Tulsa adds 65-foot Gibson guitar landmark July 31, 2021 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa has added an iconic Gibson guitar as a new landmark near Route 66. The 65-foot guitar is a replica of Gibson's Les Paul model of the 1950s rendered with the ... Read more Buffalo Run Casino & Resort completes $3.3M renovation July 19, 2021 - Buffalo Run Casino & Resort held a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 15th to open its newly completed $3.3M renovation. The project began last March to enhance the guest experience at the ... Read more Choctaw Casino Durant nears completion of $600M expansion July 10, 2021 - The $600 million expansion of the Choctaw Casino in Durant began construction in April 2019 and is now nearing completion. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Aug 5 with the public ... Read more Lucky Star Casino rejects ransom demand and reopens all locations July 8, 2021 - All Lucky Star Casino locations were closed two weeks ago after a ransomware attack disabled their computer data systems. Details of the ransom demands have not been disclosed, however ... Read more Lucky Star Casinos shut down by ransomware attack June 24, 2021 - All Lucky Star Casino locations are closed due to a ransomware attack over the weekend. No reopening date is announced. The FBI is investigating the case but will not comment nor issue a statement ... Read more Osage Nation breaks ground on Bartlesville replacement casino June 18, 2021 - The Osage Nation broke ground Tuesday on a new casino and hotel located two miles west of downtown Bartlesville on US Hwy 60. When completed in the Fall of 2022, the casino will replace the ... Read more Osage Nation breaks ground on Pawhuska replacement casino June 17, 2021 - The Osage Nation broke ground Tuesday on a new casino and hotel located across the street from the tribe's current Pawhuska casino. When completed in the Fall of 2022, the new casino will ... Read more Choctaw Casino Durant's $600M expansion opens Aug 6, 2021 June 4, 2021 - After months of delays for material shortages, Choctaw Casian Durant is preparing to open its $600 million expansion on August 6th. The new additions will include an expanded gaming floor with ... Read more Masks now optional at Cherokee Casinos May 23, 2021 - Masks are now optional for guests at Cherokee Casinos; however, casino workers will continue to wear them. Guest can make their own mask decision whether or not they have been vaccinated. ... Read more Comanche Nation breaks ground for new casino in Cache, OK April 10, 2021 - Comanche Nation broke ground for a new casino last week in the City of Cache, Oklahoma. A ceremony for the new construction project was held April 3. Construction will be completed by the end ... Read more Osage Casino Tulsa reopens Skyline Event Center April 3, 2021 - Next week the Skyline Event Center at Osage Casino in Tulsa will host its first event since shutting down in March 2020 for the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will be an ESPN fight Smith Jr vs Vlasov on April 10 ... Read more Tribes are devastated after one year of COVID-19 March 18, 2021 - As the Covid-19 pandemic began spreading across our nation last year, its impact became the most deadly in our tribal communities. Tribal economies also collapsed as casinos were shut down ... Read more Cherokee and Choctaw close all casinos to conserve energy amid killer cold weather February 17, 2021 - As the energy supply ran low in Oklahoma caused by crippling cold weather, all Cherokee Nation temporarily closed ll casinos Tuesday to conserve energy. ... Read more Oklahoma Supreme Court rejects Stitt's remaining gambling compacts January 29, 2021 - This week the Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected the gaming compacts negotiated last year by Gov. Stitt with the Kialegee Tribal Town and the United Keetoowah Band ... Read more

2020

Kiowa Casino Hobart proposal gets federal approval December 26, 2020 - The Kiowa Indian Tribe received approval last week from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to build a new casino on an 11-acre site in Hobart, Oklahoma. The land will be transferred ... Read more Hard Rock Tulsa wins '2020 ACM Casino of the Year' December 21, 2020 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa is named the '2020 Casino of the Year' by the Academy of Country Music for its Hard Rock Live concert venue. Hard Rock Live has hosted scores of iconic ... Read more Choctaw Casino & Resort's "Raise the Game" Expansion Preview November 16, 2020 - Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma has released this video preview of the features and amenities coming to Durant in the $500 million expansion opening in Spring 2021. ... Read more Oklahoma Gov. Stitt concedes fight over Indian gaming compacts October 31, 2020 - This week Gov. Kevin Stitt abandoned his fight with Oklahoma tribes over renewal of gaming compacts after a federal judge ruled the compacts had automatically renewed Jan 1, 2020. ... Read more Chickasaw Nation receives BIA land approval for two, new casinos October 23, 2020 - The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved two applications from the Chickasaw Nation to transfer Chickasaw land into federal trust for the purpose of gaming. The tribe plans to build two casinos ... Read more Best Oklahoma Casinos win 2020 Awards October 6, 2020 - Four Oklahoma casinos were recognized in this year's Best of Gaming Awards presented by Casino Player Magazine. These include Choctaw Casino Durant, Downstream Casino, River Spirit Casino and Hard Rock Tulsa. ... Read more Oklahoma Supreme Court denies rehearing on tribal compacts September 20, 2020 - The Oklahoma Supreme Court denied a rehearing requested by Gov. Kevin Stitt regarding the invalidation of gaming compacts with the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouri Tribe. ... Read more Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa earns 2020 TripAdvisor Award September 19, 2020 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa has received a 2020 Travelers' Choice Award from TripAdvisor for consistently positive reviews by its users. Hard Rock Tulsa ranks in the top 10% ... Read more Sugar Creek Casino Expansion Update September 14, 2020 - Construction to expand the Sugar Creek Casino has been underway since last November. The cafe expansion was completed earlier this year. The gaming floor expansion continues, however, the ... Read more Fancy Dance Casino opens Sept 4 September 2, 2020 - The new Fancy Dance Casino will open Friday morning Sept. 4 at 10am. The casino is located at I-35 and US Hwy 412 in Perry east of Enid, OK and owned by Ponca Tribe. The casino is 10,000 square feet with 290 slots ... Read more U.S. Department of Interior approves KTT and UKB compacts August 22, 2020 - This week the U.S. Interior Department approved two state-tribe gaming compacts recently signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt with the Kialegee Tribal Town (KTT) and the United Keetoowah ... Read more Gov. Stitt's four recent tribal compacts in final peril August 10, 2020 - The Comanche and the Otoe-Missouria compacts face another lawsuit, this time in federal district court. The UKB and Kialegee compacts are under review and in the Oklahoma Supreme Court. ... Read more Oklahoma Casino News Archive ...

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