Muscogee Nation saves millions in deal that ends horse racing

Wednesday, December 5, 2012  

The Muscogee Nation will save millions of dollars under a naming rights deal that ends horse races at a track in Oklahoma.

Under the Class III gaming compact, the tribe has contributed to purses at Fair Meadows Racetrack. Since 2010, the tribe has paid $7.2 million, according to The Tulsa World.

But by paying $1.4 million a year to name the Expo Square at the Tulsa Fairgrounds as the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Center, the tribe will no longer be required to contribute to the purse fund. "We just saw this as an opportunity, we addressed it and as far as we're concerned we're moving on," Chief George Tiger told the paper.

Presumably, the deal would also allow the Cherokee Nation and the Osage Nation to stop making contributions to the purse fund. The Cherokees have paid $6.3 million and the Osages have paid $4.5 million, the World reported.

Get the Story:
Creek Nation chief says tribe will no longer pay into state horsemen's purse fund (The Tulsa World 12/5)

Fair board to review gaming agreement with Muscogee Nation (12/3)