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Casino not on Indian land

File photo
KWGS News photo
File photo

By AP

Tahlequah, OK – Ruling says Keetoowah casino not on Indian land

(Information in the following story is from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com)

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) A federal commission has ruled that a casino operated by the United Keetoowah Band Indian tribe is not on Indian land and has sent the matter to state officials.

The Tulsa World reported Saturday that a federal court injunction that was put in place in 2006 remains in force. Unless that's lifted, state officials will not be able to close the casino.

Oklahoma records show the casino earns about $13 million a year for the tribe, which is landless. The tribe does not have a gaming compact and does not pay fees to the state. Other tribes paid compact fees of $118 million to the state last year.

Assistant Keetoowah Chief Charles Locust says the court case over whether the casino is on Indian land remains undecided.