Osage Nation seeking trust status for three gaming facilities

Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Osage Nation of Oklahoma is apparently still submitting information to have three of its gaming sites placed in trust.

In a 2005 opinion, the National Indian Gaming Commission said any land within the boundaries of the Osage Reservation can be used for gaming. But the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that the reservation consists only of trust land.

The tribe is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the decision. In the meantime, the tribe is still following the land-into-trust process for the three Osage Million Dollar Elm Casinos in Tulsa, Skiatook and Ponca City.

If the gaming sites aren't in trust, federal or state authorities could seek to have them shut down. The tribe has a federally-approved Class III gaming compact with the state.

Get the Story:
Osage Nation officials hurry to file trust applications for casino sites (The Oklahoma Journal Record 6/2)
Subscription required.

10th Circuit Decision:
Osage Nation v. Oklahoma (March 5, 2010)

NIGC Indian Land Opinion:
Osage Nation - Within Reservation Boundaries (July 28, 2005)