Leader of Muscogee Nation discloses shortfall in gaming budget


Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief George Tiger with tribal members. Photo from Facebook

Chief George Tiger of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma said the tribe's gaming budget needs $18.7 million by the end of next month.

Tiger disclosed the shortfall at an emergency meeting of the National Council on Thursday, The Tulsa World reported. He said increased demand for services -- membership has grown 13 percent -- has put a strain on the $85.1 million gaming budget.

"Last year we were fortunate enough to have carryover to bridge the gap in the budget. We don’t have that this year," Tiger said at the meeting, the paper reported.


An artist's rendering of the new River Spirit Casino. Image from Manhattan Construction / HKS

The shortfall, however, won't affect the $365 million expansion of the River Spirit Casino or other development projects, a spokesperson said.

Tiger is running for re-election.

Get the Story:
Creek Nation's search for additional $18M to fund services won't impact Margaritaville, RiverWalk developments (The Tulsa World 8/23)
Creek Nation chief seeking way to fill $18 million gaming budget shortfall (The Tulsa World 8/21)

Related Stories
Creek Nation seeks Native workers for $329M casino expansion (05/22)
Muscogee Nation set for big job far as part of casino expansion (03/03)
Muscogee Nation seeks 5000 workers for big casino expansion (02/26)
Muscogee Nation finally starts work on $365M gaming project (11/20)
Muscogee Nation wins key permit for $375M casino expansion (10/16)
Muscogee Nation waits on permit for $375M casino expansion (08/06)
Muscogee Nation adds steakhouse to $335M casino expansion (07/29)

Join the Conversation