Four Oklahoma tribes extend casino shut down

Four tribes in the state confirm their casinos will remain closed until May 15 due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

US.- Tribal casinos will remain shut in Oklahoma until at least May 15, according to an announcement from four of the states tribes.

Officials from the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Choctaw and Muscogee (Creek) tribal nations made the declaration also said they will consider further extensions of the required as part of efforts to fight the Covid-19 outbreak.

The tribes have continued to pay their casino workers while gaming operations have been suspended and will continue to do so up to and beyond the new extended deadline.

In a press release, Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby said: “Health professionals advise that recent measures enacted to help mitigate the spread of the virus are beginning to work because of widespread participation.

“From health care workers and others working on the front lines of this pandemic to those who are staying home, we must all work together to continue this progress.

“Health professionals also advise to take a cautious approach toward reopening in order to preserve recent gains and prevent a resurgence in new cases.

“Our leadership team continues to monitor the data on an ongoing basis as we work to develop a comprehensive plan for a phased reopening of our operations while being mindful of protecting public health.”

Each tribe in Oklahoma has its own government and has the authority to determine when it will open its casinos.

There are a total of 33 tribes operating 143 Indian casinos and gaming centres in Oklahoma, located across 50 different counties.

Last week, a deal for new gaming compacts was reached by the Governor of Oklahoma and two tribes in the state.