Muscogee Nation not allowed to build casino near Tulsa

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

The Muscogee Nation isn't able to open a casino within 50 miles of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chief George Tiger said.

The tribe operates the River Spirit Casino along the Arkansas River in Tulsa but an agreement "with a lending institution" bars another gaming facility within a 50-mile radius, The Tulsa World reported.

A tribal member told Indianz.Com that the tribe has done business with Bank of America.

Tiger brought up the agreement in response to the tribe's purchase of the Riverwalk Crossing for $11.5 million. The property is across the river from the casino -- as seen in the Tulsa World graphic -- so gaming there wouldn't be allowed under the agreement with the lending institution.

The Kialegee Tribal Town is planning to open the Red Clay Casino on an allotment owned by two Muscogee members in Broken Arrow. The location is less than 11 miles from River Spirit.

The agreement would presumably bar the Muscogee Nation from operating a casino on the allotment.

Get the Story:
Creek Nation tribe buys Jenks' financially-troubled RiverWalk Crossing for $11.5 million (The Tulsa World 4/18)
Tribe says no casino or smoke shop at Riverwalk Crossing (KRMG 4/18)
Broken Arrow council begins process to fire City Manager David Wooden; places him on administrative leave (The Tulsa World 4/18)