The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma is putting up a temporary casino in New Mexico and has plans for a $20 million permanent facility.

Work has already begun at the 30-acre site. The Class II casino is about halfway between Deming and Las Cruces on a major interstate [Google Maps].

A consultant for the tribe said the land is ancestral Apache territory. Denis Floge believes it would gain federal approval despite a new Bureau of Indian Affairs policy that restricts off-reservation gaming -- the agency last Friday halted two similar proposals in southern New Mexico.

"This is recognized ancient ancestral land of the Chiricahua Apache, who are now returning home," Floge told The Las Cruces Sun-News. "Our goal is to be good corporate citizens, and we want to do everything right."

The tribe is based in Apache, Oklahoma, about 750 miles from the gaming site.

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Tribe plans Akela Flats casino; temporary facility using trailers under construction now (The Las Cruces Sun-News 1/9)
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