Band nears final approval for casino reopening in Oklahoma
Casino Revival for United Keetoowah Band in Oklahoma
The dynamic landscape of tribal gaming in Oklahoma has been significantly altered, thanks to a recent decision by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The United Keetoowah Band (UKB) is now given the green light to rebuild their casino after a prolonged legal battle with the Cherokee Nation.
Back in 2013, the UKB's original casino in Tahlequah was forced to shut its doors following a lawsuit filed by the Cherokee Nation, alleging that the UKB lacked the legal right to operate on the land.
Post the Interior Department's memorandum, the National Indian Gaming Commission has given the nod to the UKB's newly drafted gaming ordinance, a crucial milestone in the journey towards rejuvenating their gaming revenue.
Gaming ordinances represent a set of self-crafted laws and regulations that tribes abide by, covering aspects such as casino management, employee rules, and payouts.
With the NIGC's approval, the UKB inches closer to reopening their much-awaited casino. However, the dispute with the Cherokee Nation remains unresolved, casting a lingering shadow over the UKB's future gaming prospects.
[1] The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has approved the UKB's newly written gaming ordinance, which marks a significant step forward in reopening their casino in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
[4] The UKB has received approval for a gaming license from the NIGC, resolving a long-standing dispute with the Cherokee Nation over land rights. This approval allows the UKB to move forward with plans for casino operations.
[5] A solicitor general memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior recognized the UKB as having an ownership interest in the Cherokee Reservation as a successor in interest to the tribal signatory of the Treaty of 1846. This recognition could have implications for the UKB's jurisdiction and casino operations. Despite these developments, the UKB continues to engage in a longstanding dispute with the Cherokee Nation, which contests the UKB's status as a successor in interest to the Cherokee Nation.
[2] The United Keetoowah Band (UKB) will likely adhere to the casino-and-gambling regulations outlined in their recently approved gaming ordinance, to ensure that their casino operations are carried out in accordance with the law.
[3] The UKB's plans to reopen their casino and offer casino-games like slots, table games, and sports betting may eventually result in substantial payouts to both the tribe and its patrons, given the endorsement from the NIGC.
[6] Despite the NIGC's approval, the future of the UKB's casino-and-gambling endeavors remains uncertain due to the ongoing legal feud between the UKB and the Cherokee Nation, regarding the ownership rights to the land where the casino will operate.
