STATE OF OKLAHOMA, KIALEGEE SIGN NEW GAMING COMPACTS
OKLAHOMA CITY (July 2, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt and Kialegee Tribal Town (KTT) Mekko Brian Givens signed on Thursday a new gaming compact that delivers clarity and certainty for each sovereign party; strengthens compact transparency with clear auditing guidance and with new dispute resolution provisions; and provides for meaningful consideration for the State’s fee structure for class III games and table games beginning at 12% for a new gaming location in eastern Oklahoma County.
“By negotiating with each individual Oklahoma tribe, the State is seeking to level the playing field for all tribes and working to ensure that no one is held back by its size or resources from competing and pursuing economic growth for its citizens,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “The Kialegee Tribal Town is pursuing a sound business plan for its first gaming location in Oklahoma with their compact commitment to partner with another Tribe on this venture. They have been good faith partners in this process, and the State looks forward to supporting their efforts to strengthen opportunities for KTT citizens, to expand economic development in the region, and to generate new revenue for Oklahoma’s public education system.”
KTT submitted the gaming compact to the U.S. Department of Interior on Wednesday, which can be read by clicking here.
STATE OF OKLAHOMA, UNITED KEETOOWAH BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS SIGN NEW GAMING COMPACTS
OKLAHOMA CITY (July 2, 2020) – The State of Oklahoma and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) signed on Wednesday a new gaming compact that delivers clarity and certainty for each sovereign party; strengthens compact transparency with clear auditing guidance and with new dispute resolution provisions; and provides for meaningful consideration for the State’s fee structure for class III games and table games beginning at 12% for a new gaming location in Logan County.
“One year after beginning gaming compact negotiations, the State has entered into its fourth compact that makes way for Oklahoma tribes to innovate and compete in a new, dynamic gaming market and strengthens State-Tribal relationships,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “The compact includes a commitment from the State to support the UKB’s pursuit of land for its first gaming location. This will enhance the UKB’s ability to deliver core government services to its 14,300 citizens while expanding economic development opportunities for all Oklahomans in the region.”
“It is both an honor and privilege to be announcing the signing of this economic venture between the great State of Oklahoma and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians,” said UKB Chief Joe Bunch. “We thank Governor Kevin Stitt and his administration for this monumental day and for their leadership efforts in this compact. It is a grand day for Keetoowahs and Native American tribes all over the country. It is a day when one of their own partnered with Oklahoma in building a stronger economy through the avenues of retail, food and beverage, hotel, hospitality and casino operations, all by a signing a Class III gaming compact with the state. This compact also presents an opportunity for the UKB to move forward and begin increasing health, education and job opportunities for our tribal members and elders, as well as our surrounding communities. After all, we know if our communities are doing well, the state is also doing well. Thank you and God bless the UKB and the State of Oklahoma.”
“This is a monumental day for Keetoowahs. I wanted to thank Governor Stitt and his council that’s worked to put this compact together with our Attorney General Klint Cowan and our council,” said UKB Assistant Chief Jammie Thompson. “We’re trying to create a win-win situation for all Oklahomans and certainly for our tribal members. We’re looking forward to a long relationship with the state that benefits not only our tribe, but our citizens of the great state of Oklahoma.”
The Logan County location will require an additional Section 20 application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
UKB submitted the gaming compact to the U.S. Department of Interior on Wednesday, which can be read by clicking here.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
