United Keetoowah Band awaits final BIA action on gaming site

Wednesday, July 31, 2013  

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians is waiting for final action from the Bureau of Indian Affairs on its gaming site in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

The tribe operates the Keetoowah Cherokee Casino on a 2.03-acre site that is not in trust. A settlement with the state of Oklahoma requires the tribe to obtain trust status or close the facility.

The initial deadline was July 31 but the state agreed to an extension until August 30 because the BIA has reportedly agreed to make a final decision. Litigation from the Cherokee Nation, however, could tie up the matter.

Under the settlement with the state, the tribe agreed to make monthly payments of $33,720. The tribe agreed to raise the amount to $38,720 after the state agreed to the extension.

Get the Story:
Okla. AG grants UKB casino extension (The Cherokee Phoenix 7/30)

Cherokee Nation offers settlement in UKB casino land dispute (07/25)