Sullivan: NIGC Ruling Affirms Citizens' Opposition to Proposed Neighborhood Casino
Washington,
May 25 -
Today, the National Indian Gaming Commission issued their determination on the fate of the proposed Kialegee casino in Broken Arrow, OK.
Citing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the NIGC is ruling that this land is not Kialegee land; therefore, it is not eligible for gaming. It is important to note that the Solicitor General at the Bureau of Indian Affairs concurs with the decision of the NIGC.
A federal court made the same determination just a week ago.
"This is a huge win for the citizens of Broken Arrow who stood up and affirmed, 'We don't want casino gaming close to our neighborhoods, churches and schools.'
I am proud to stand with these determined and well-organized citizens.
The citizens of Broken Arrow can rest assured that there will never be a Kialegee casino built on that land."
Broken Arrow Citizen Against Neighborhood Gaming organizers Jared Cawley and Rob Martinek issued this additional statement in reaction to the ruling:
"We would never have reached this point without the leadership of Congressman John Sullivan. He was the first to join with us and shine a spotlight on the issue.
He helped us present our case and pushed the NIGC and BIA to issue a ruling. We are very proud of Congressman Sullivan's steadfast and energetic defense of the families of Broken Arrow."
Click here to view the NIGC's letter.
Click here to view the NIGC's Kialegee Tribal Town opinion.
