Indian Gaming > Oklahoma tribes balking at racetrack requirements

September 08, 2005

Oklahoma tribes balking at racetrack requirements

Two Oklahoma tribes are balking at requirements the state Horse Racing Commission is imposing on racetracks.

Under new state law, racetracks can offer electronic gaming machines. The Choctaw Nation owns the Blue Ribbon Downs and the Cherokee Nation owns the Will Rogers Downs.

The Choctaw Nation is refusing to pay a $1 million bond required by the commission. The tribe says the bond is not required because tribal racetracks are only allowed to offer 250 machines while the non-Indian tracks can offer up to 650 machines.

The Cherokee Nation hasn't gotten to the bond issue but it refusing to waive its sovereign immunity. The commission is withholding a full license for the track.

Get the Story:
Bond dispute may delay debut of racetrack casino (The Oklahoman 9/7)
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