Shawnee Tribe seeks casino in Oklahoma City

Tuesday, November 20, 2007  

The Shawnee Tribe is seeking to open a casino in Oklahoma City, The Oklahoman reports

The landless tribe has a contract to purchase 104 acres for $4.5 million. Plans call for a casino, hotel, a tribal headquarters and other development. The tribe will ask for the land to be placed in trust.

The tribe was recognized by an act of Congress in 2000. The law appeared to require the Interior Department to acquire land in trust just about anywhere in Oklahoma.

But when word surfaced in 2005 of a potential Oklahoma City casino, Congress amended the law to ensure the tribe goes through the Section 20 process of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribe would appear to qualify for a restored lands exception.

Get the Story:
Can tribe overcome landless status? (The Oklahoman 11/20)
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