The United Keetoowah Band in Oklahoma is seeking federal approval to open a casino and hotel on 10 acres in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Fort Smith is located a few miles across the border from Oklahoma. The tribe has partnered with an Arkansas developer to build a 250-room hotel and casino that will create 800 jobs.

The tribe submitted a land-into-trust application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. According to the Associated Press, the BIA's Eastern Oklahoma office will handle the process. All gaming-related acquisitions must have final approval of the central office in Washington, D.C.

Get the Story:
Tribe wants to build casino in Fort Smith (AP 3/29)
UKB submit trust land application (The Native American Times 3/28)