BIA acquires land for Kaw Nation off-reservation casino project


Kaw Nation Travel Plaza in Braman, Oklahoma. Photo © Kaw Nation

The Kaw Nation of Oklahoma will open an off-reservation casino now that it has cleared all major hurdles in the process.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs placed a 21-acre site in trust for the tribe. Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn said the casino will create jobs and economic opportunity.

“The Kaw project will provide significant opportunities for economic development for the Kaw Nation, and will provide a means for the tribe to improve the governmental services it provides to its members,” Washburn said in a press release. “The acquisition of the site in trust is necessary to support these efforts.”

Last May, the BIA approved the tribe's off-reservation casino application under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Gov. Mary Fallin (R) quickly concurred with the decision, making the Kaw Nation the first tribe in Oklahoma to complete the process for an off-reservation casino.

The 21-acre site currently houses the Kanza Travel Plaza. The tribe will be adding a gaming facility to the property, a map of which is shown below.

The tribe operates two other casinos, including a smoke-free facility that opened in April 2013.


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Land being put into trust for tribal casino (AP 3/10)

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BIA approves Kaw Nation off-reservation casino application (06/17)

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