Oklahoma racetrack enters preliminary talks with three tribes

Friday, September 13, 2013  

A non-Indian racetrack in Oklahoma has entered preliminary discussions with three tribes about ending live races at the facility.

Under their Class III gaming compacts, the Cherokee Nation, the Muscogee Nation and the Osage Nation contribute to the purse fund at the Fair Meadows Racetrack. The amount is reported to be $2 million a year.

The track wants the payments to continue even if live races end, The Tulsa World reported. But talks are still in the very early stages, an official said.

The Muscogee Nation has a naming rights agreement with the Expo Square, where the track is located. The fairgrounds are known as the River Spirit Expo, for the tribe's River Spirit Casino.

Get the Story:
Tribes consulted about ending live racing at Fair Meadows (The Tulsa World 9/13)

Editorial: More study needed for Muscogee Nation-track deal (12/17)