Shawnee Tribe seeks exception for casino site

Friday, November 23, 2007  

The Shawnee Tribe apparently plans to seek an exception under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to open a casino in Oklahoma City.

The Shawnees could qualify for an exception in Section 20 of IGRA that applies to newly recognized or restored tribes. The tribe was recognized by an act of Congress in 2000 and has no land in trust.

If the tribe qualifies for an exception, it wouldn't have to go through the two-part determination process of IGRA, which requires the governor's approval for the casino in Oklahoma City. Only three tribes nationwide -- none in Oklahoma -- have successfully completed this process.

The tribe also wouldn't have to obtain the consent of another tribe as required by the 2000 law. No other tribe has a jurisdictional area in Oklahoma City.

Get the Story:
Zoning, land trust could cloud Shawnee casino plan (The Oklahoman 11/23)
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