The
Ponca Tribe is getting closer to rejoining the Indian gaming industry after a long absence.
Construction on the
Fancy Dance Casino began in May, The Enid News reported. Work on the 10,000 square-foot facility, featuring nearly 290 electronic gaming machines, is scheduled to take about nine months, so expect an opening in early 2020.
“The new Fancy Dance Casino will be a source of revenue and stable employment for the Ponca Tribe and residents for years to come,” Ric Lonsinger, the chief executive officer of Ponca Enterprise Gaming, said in a news release posted on the tribe's website.
The tribe's two prior casinos had to be shut down in 2002 and 2003, respectively, due to regulatory issues. In both situations, the
National Indian Gaming Commission raised issues about the operations at the facilities.
The tribe is now working with an experienced partner.
Global Gaming Solutions, a subsidiary of the
Chickasaw Nation, which operates more than two dozen casinos across Oklahoma, is helping develop Fancy Dance.
“The expertise Global Gaming Solutions brings to the Fancy Dance Casino ensures future patrons will have the best possible experience when they visit,” said Lonsinger. “We’re happy to have the opportunity to work with leading industry experts, and we look forward to providing a top-notch entertainment experience to residents and visitors.”
Fancy Dance Casino will be located near the intersection of two major interstates east of Enid. Details about the project first emerged about a year ago.
Read More on the Story
Construction underway for Ponca casino near Perry
(The Enid News September 9, 2019)
National Indian Gaming Commission Documents
SA-PTO
Settlement Agreement (May 13, 2013)
Closure
Order (May 8, 2002)
Notice
of Violation / Closure Order (May 1, 2002)
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