Leader of Muscogee Nation discloses shortfall in gaming budget

Monday, August 24, 2015

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief George Tiger with tribal members. Photo from Facebook

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Chief George Tiger of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma said the tribe's gaming budget needs $18.7 million by the end of next month.

Tiger disclosed the shortfall at an emergency meeting of the National Council on Thursday, The Tulsa World reported. He said increased demand for services -- membership has grown 13 percent -- has put a strain on the $85.1 million gaming budget.

"Last year we were fortunate enough to have carryover to bridge the gap in the budget. We don’t have that this year," Tiger said at the meeting, the paper reported.

An artist's rendering of the new River Spirit Casino. Image from Manhattan Construction / HKS

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The shortfall, however, won't affect the $365 million expansion of the River Spirit Casino or other development projects, a spokesperson said.

Tiger is running for re-election.

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