Indian Gaming > Wyandotte Nation weighs next move in Kansas City

July 10, 2006

Wyandotte Nation weighs next move in Kansas City

The Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma is considering its next move now that a federal judge has cleared the way for the tribe to operate a casino in downtown Kansas City.

The tribe opened a small Class II facility in August 2003. But in March 2004, the National Indian Gaming Commission said the land didn't qualify for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

A federal judge in Kansas overruled the NIGC. She said the land is eligible for gaming under the land claim settlement exception of IGRA.

The casino is no longer open because the state of Kansas raided it in March 2004, made several arrests of casino staff and patrons and seized more than $1.25 million in tribal cash and equipment. The court ruling clears the way for the tribe to engage in gaming on the site.

Get the Story:
Ruling favors tribal casino (The Kansas City Star 7/8)
Court rules in favor of Wyandotte Nation in casino dispute (AP 7/7)