Gaming News

Judge Keeps Oklahoma Casino Open

OKLAHOMA – As reported by the Muskogee Phoenix: "About 297 employees of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians will keep their casino jobs at least through August, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

"Tribal officials attending the hearing in federal court in Muskogee said they were happy with the ruling.

"…UKB spokeswoman Marilyn Craig said when the announcement was made to employees at the Tahlequah facility, 'everybody was very happy and relieved.'

"U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White refused a motion by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office to vacate or nullify an injunction a state district court judge signed earlier barring closure of the casino.

"The state had argued the gaming facility is not on Indian trust land but is within the jurisdiction of the state and is a public nuisance. There would be irreparable harm if the casino were not closed, argued Assistant Attorney General Charles S. Rogers. The UKB has no right to enter into any gaming on that property, he said.

"…The judge said his ruling would not be different even if state officials weren't out of time and had just changed their mind. White said the state appears to have acquiesced to the injunction to begin with…"

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