Facebook Twitter Email
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2001

The Supreme Court today ruled that two Oklahoma tribes must pay gaming taxes owed to the federal government.

The Chickasaw Nation and Choctaw Nation had claimed an exemption under Indian gaming law. But the Court, in a 7-2 decision, said the tribes have to pay the taxes.

The decision affirms one made by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Choctaw Chief Gregory E. Pyle is at a funeral today and may be unavailable for comment as he will be heading out of state, his office said. Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby is expected to comment later, a tribal spokesperson said.

Get the Decision Chickasaw Nation v. United States:
Syllabus | Opinion | Dissent

Get the 10th Circuit Rulings:
Chickasaw Nation v. US (10th Circuit No. 99-7042. April 2000)
Choctaw Nation v. US (10th Circuit No. 99-7042. April 2000)

Get the Department of Justice Brief:
PDF | HTML

Get a GAO report on Indian gaming taxation issues:
Tax Policy: A Profile of the Indian Gaming Industry (GAO GGD-97-91. April 1997)

Relevant Links:
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma - http://www.choctawnation.com
The Chickasaw Nation -http://www.chickasaw.net
The US Supreme Court - http://www.supremecourtus.gov

Related Stories:
Supreme Court Roundup: The 2000-2001 Term (6/19)
Supreme Court: The 2000-2001 Term (3/6)
Supreme Court accepts taxation case (01/23)
OK tribes told to pay pull-tab taxes (04/06)