Oklahoma - 2020 News Archive

Archived news items originally published in 2020.

This page contains archived news updates for Oklahoma from 2020.These items were originally posted on the state profile page and have been preserved here as part ofthe 500 Nations legacy news archive. Major stories from this year may also appear as standalone articlesin the main News section.

News Headlines

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

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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 ... 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 Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill closes permanently in Catoosa July 30, 2020 - Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in Catoosa permanently closed July 23, 2020. The popular dining venue had operated inside Hard Rock Hotel Casino Tulsa since 2009. ... Read more 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 existing compacts signed in 2004 renewed Jan 1. ... Read more Osage Nation will build two new casinos - Bartlesville, Pawhuska July 28, 2020 - The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announced July 17, 2020 that two land-to-trust applications have been approved for the Osage Nation for the purpose of building two new casinos. ... Read more

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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 ... Read more Oklahoma gaming compacts signed by UKB, Kialegee tribes July 16, 2020 - Two Oklahoma tribes have signed new gaming compacts with Gov. Stitt this month. The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) signed July 1 and Kialegee Tribal Town (KTT) ... Read more 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 ... Read more Tonkawa Casino breaks ground on HUB Entertainment Center July 10, 2020 - The Tonkawa Tribe held a groundbreaking ceremony last week for construction of a new HUB Entertainment Center at their Tonkawa Hotel and Casino located on I-35 in Kay County, OK. ... Read more Oklahoma's legislative leaders say new tribal gaming compacts are "unauthorized and void" April 24, 2020 - Both Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat and House Speaker Charles McCall call the new gaming compacts unauthorized and void under Oklahoma's ... Read more Oklahoma's Attorney General says new tribal gaming compacts are not legally authorized April 23, 2020 - AG Mike Hunter says the new tribal gaming compacts that Gov. Stitt signed with the Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribe are 'not authorized' under state law ... Read more Chickasaw move forward with West Bay Casino & Resort April 13, 2020 - The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma is moving forward with plans to build a new casino resort on the shores of Lake Texoma. The site is 50 acres of lakefront property overlooking the Roosevelt Bridge. ... Read more Comanche Nation installs eClear in casinos July 12, 2020 - Comanche Nation has installed eConnect's eClear temperature scanning cameras at each entrance to its casinos to identify guest and workers with elevated temperatures. The cameras also keep ... Read more 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 casinos are Black Hawk Casino in Shawnee and Sac & Fox Casino in Stroud ... Read more 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 ... Read more Hard Rock Tulsa reopens June 12 June 4, 2020 - The Cherokee Nation announced today the reopening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa will be next week by June 12. To protect against the spread of COVID-19, new safety procedures and health protocols will be ... Read more Cherokee Nation casinos reopen next week June 4, 2020 - After shutting down its casinos 3 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. ... Read more Creek Nation casinos reopen June 1 with limited hours June 1, 2020 - Creek Nation casinos reopen today June 1 at 10am after shutting down March 16 for the COVID-19 pandemic. In this first phase of reopening there are limitations in hours, games, dining, ... Read more 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, Osage Casino Hotel Tulsa ... Read more WinStar World Casino reopens May 27 May 24, 2020 - WinStar World Casino and Resort will open on Wednesday May 27 at 8 AM. New operating hours are 8 AM till 4 AM. During the four closed hours WinStar will deep clean its casino. The hotel will remain closed ... Read more 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 temperature ... Read more Choctaw Casinos & Resorts reopen June 1 May 24, 2020 - All Choctaw gaming properties and hotels will reopen Monday June 1st after closing March 16, 2020. Masks will be required of employees but not guests. Occupancy levels in the casinos and restaurants will be ... Read more 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 the Osage Casinos, 7 Clan Casinos, Lucky Star Casinos, Thunderbird ... Read more Osage Casino Hotel in Tulsa will reopen May 15 May 8, 2020 - Osage Casino Hotel is preparing to reopen May 15 with new safety measures and limited hours. The casino will operate at quarter capacity with every other slot machine turned off, no table games and no. ... Read more Osage Casino Ponca City reopens May 8 May 7, 2020 - Osage Casino in Ponca City opens tomorrow at 10 AM after suspending operations more than a month ago. New operating hours are limited to 10 AM till midnight weekdays and 10 AM till 2 AM Friday and Saturday. ... Read more 7 Clans First Council Casino Hotel has reopened May 3, 2020 - After a VIP reopening May 2, the 7 Clans First Council Casino will be open 7 days a week from 2PM to 2AM beginning May 7. The hotel, waterpark, arcade and food outlets remain closed. ... Read more Tonkawa Hotel and Casino Reopened May 1 May 1, 2020 - The first Oklahoma casino to reopen following the CORVID-19 shutdown was Tonkawa Hotel and Casino. The casino opened its doors and welcomed the public at noon Friday. New safety measures include ... Read more Comanche Nation and Otoe-Missouria Tribe agree to new compacts April 22, 2020 - Two Oklahoma tribes signed new gaming compacts with Gov. Snitt yesterday giving the state new gaming revenues and giving the tribes new off-reservation casinos. ... Read more Oklahoma Tribes Reject Governor's New Offer March 28, 2020 - Amid the coronavirus pandemic that has shut down all Oklahoma casinos, Gov. Stitt has proposed a flat 5 percent tax on gaming revenues and wants sports betting authorized by the state and the tribes ... Read more '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. The OIGA represents 35 tribal nations with over 130 gamiing locations ... Read more 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. ... Read more Hard Rock Casino Tulsa is nominated for Academy of Country Music award March 12, 2020 - The Academy of Country Music will honor The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa as one of the leading country music venues in this year's 55th annual awards show. ... Read more Choctaw Casino Durant will open Guy Fieri's American Kitchen + Bar March 9, 2020 - A new restaurant, Guy Fieri's American Kitchen + Bar, will open in April at Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant. The 11,000-square-foot restaurant will be open 24/7 and seat 277 ... Read more Osage Casino Skiatook Expansion 2020 March 4, 2020 - The Osage Casino in Skiatook is adding 5,000 square feet of new gaming space, 50 new electronic games and a high stakes gaming area. ... Read more 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 unknowingly triggered renewal ... Read more More Oklahoma tribes join gaming lawsuit February 19, 2020 - The federal judge for the lawsuit against Gov. Stitt over gaming compacts has allowed six more tribes to join the suit. The total is now twelve tribes in the lawsuit against the Governor. ... Read more Oklahoma Tribes and Governor ordered to mediation over gaming compacts dispute February 10, 2020 - A federal judge ordered both sides of the dispute over renewal of gaming compacts to enter into mediation. The judge ordered Gov. Stitt and the 5 tribes ... Read more Quapaw Nation asks to join tribes in lawsuit over gambling compacts February 18, 2020 - The Quapaw Nation has filed a motion in federal court to join the five tribes suing Gov. Stitt over renewal of gaming compacts. If accepted, the Quapaw will join mediation ... Read more Oklahoma tribes backed by National Congress of American Indians in gaming compact dispute February 12, 2020 - NCAI President Fawn Sharp warned of a "direct threat and annihilation of tribal sovereignty" from the legal dispute with the Oklahoma governor. ... Read more Muscogee (Creek) Nation becomes fifth tribe in lawsuit against Gov. Stitt February 5, 2020 - The Creeks have joined the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw Nations and Citizen Potawatomi Nation in the lawsuit against Gov. Stitt regarding the renewal of gaming compacts. ... Read more Oklahoma House Speaker says tribal gaming compacts renewed - Senate Leader sidesteps issue February 4, 2020 - The Oklahoma House and Senate leaders took very different positions on the tribal gaming compact dispute between the governor and the tribes. ... Read more 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 casino gaming where players gamble against the house. ... Read more Oklahoma Indian Gaming Compacts Enter Limbo Today January 1, 2020 - All Oklahoma Indian gaming compacts expired today. Did they automatically renew? None were renegotiated with Gov. Stitt, and at the same time all tribal casinos are open and operating today. ... Read more

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News Articles

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 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, 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 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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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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Related Pages

• Oklahoma Tribal Casinos Homepage
• Oklahoma Tribal Casinos Homepage
• Oklahoma News Hub
• Oklahoma Casinos by Tribe