Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you choose this site to build Red Clay Casino ?

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) determined Mr. Tyler Burgess’ allotment is Indian land within the former Creek Confederacy’s reservation boundaries. Therefore, under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the site constitutes Indian land eligible for gaming. The area surrounding the site is zoned for commercial and light industrial use. The casino will attract commercial development and businesses to the area, which is consistent with the City’s published master plan.

According to certain allegations made by those opposing the casino, this casino violates law, so why is it being built anyway?

Casino development at the site does not violate any federal, state, local or tribal law. Moreover, the Tribe has complied with all federal laws and regulations and properly filed its notice with the National Indian Gaming Commission pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to license Red Clay Casino. The Kialegee Gaming Commission has issued a license for the facility and no additional gaming license is required. This notification to the NIGC and license issued by the Tribal Gaming Commission is the same procedure every Tribal Gaming Commission follows prior to issuing their gaming license.

What benefits will Red Clay Casino provide to the community?

Red Clay Casino will promote economic development in the area by attracting restaurants, hotels, retail shops and other uses that will increase the tax base of Broken Arrow . In addition, the Red Clay Casino will provide jobs to 110-120 people.

As a responsible civic partner, Red Clay Casino ’s revenue will also benefit the surrounding community.

Generally, casinos have an economic multiplier effect of 8 to 1, which based on the projected revenues of the facility will amount an estimated $250,000,000 injection of economic activity to the Broken Arrow community. In addition, Tribes improve public utilities, pay for police and fire services, and provide other public benefits.

What/who is the Kialegee Tribal Town ?

The Kialegee (pronounced Kā-a-ledge-ē) Tribal Town is a federally recognized Indian Tribe and a member of the Creek Confederacy which signed treaties with the United States to secure the former Creek Nation Reservation. As a member of the Creek Confederacy, the Kialegee Tribal Town can exercise jurisdiction over lands within the reservation established under these treaties. The Kialegee Tribal Town has 439 enrolled members, 429 live within the state of Oklahoma .

Why don't you build a casino in your own town?

The land where the casino is going to be located is restricted Indian land located within the former reservation boundaries of the Creek Confederacy. Indian gaming is a right of Indian Nations, derived from sovereignty recognized by the Supreme Court and Congress. Broken Arrow is a dynamic community which is undergoing growth. A casino venue in the city would be both convenient for many patrons and successful.

The term “tribal town” refers to a political entity and not a town where people are living. The reason we aren’t building in our own town is because such a place does not exist. The Kialegee Tribal Town is landless.

Why can’t you move the Red Clay Casino to a different location?

The land where Red Clay Casino is going to be located is restricted Indian land located within the former reservation boundaries of the Creek Confederacy. A casino can only be built on allotted or trust land.

Indian gaming is a right of Indian Nations, derived from sovereignty recognized by the Supreme Court and Congress. The Broken Arrow site is in an area zoned for commercial and industrial uses, and has excellent highway access to minimize local traffic concerns.

Considering the casino will be near a residential neighborhood, will it be an eyesore?

According to Broken Arrow ’s city plan, the area immediately surrounding the site is zoned commercial and light industrial. The architectural renderings depict an attractive structure surrounded by lush landscaping. Furthermore, the perimeter will be surrounded by trees and other landscaping to enhance the appearance and partially screen the facility from view from the surrounding streets.

Will the presence of a casino bring down property values and increase crime in Broken Arrow ?

According to numerous sources, including a study prepared for the National Gambling Impact Study Commission and the book Effects of Casino Gaming on Property Values and Property Taxes, Native American casinos increase the property value of the surrounding area.

The heightened security and surveillance that comes along with a casino makes the neighboring area much safer. In addition, the casino will have surveillance cameras and a trained security force. The Broken Arrow Police will be granted full access to the property.

Who are the people behind the scenes? In other words, who is "really" behind this operation?

The property owners and the Kialegee Tribal Town carefully selected a team of developers and Indian gaming professionals who have demonstrated the vision and creativity to develop an Indian gaming and entertainment venue that the Tribe, the landowners and the community will be proud of.

Why did work begin before all the permits were issued?

No federal, state or local permits are required in order to start construction on Indian land. However, the Kialegee Tribal Town’s development team has worked with several city officials and staff to ensure all work done on the site is consistent with city construction standards and regulations, as well as national standards applied to such projects. The Tribe has offered to allow city officials to inspect the work as it progresses.

Several elected officials have said this development has taken a "below the radar" approach. Is this true? Why haven't we heard about this months ago?

The Kialegee Tribal Town has been completely transparent with all federal regulatory agencies, the Oklahoma Governor’s office and with the City of Broken Arrow. The Kialegee Tribal Town has no control over how and when this information is disseminated once it has been provided.

Who will operate this casino?

Initially, Red Clay Casino will hire between 110–120 employees. They intend to hire professionals with extensive gaming experience. Many employment opportunities for the citizens of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas are anticipated. Training will be provided.

What will be provided? What kind of gaming? Food service? Entertainment?

Red Clay Casino will have 450 of the newest Class II and Class III electronic gaming devices. There will also be a sports bar offering a full menu with seating for 112 people.

What about the traffic congestion this casino will cause?

The environmental analysis conducted in accordance with the standards delineated in the National Environmental Policy Act did not identify traffic impact as an area of concern. In the event traffic becomes a concern, the Kialegee Tribal Town has advised the City they will collaborate with The City to reduce any congestion.

In order to accommodate and attract commercial development, the City of Broken Arrow ’s website states that the roads surrounding the property are to be expanded to five lanes.

Why build a casino within one-half mile of a pre-school and elementary school?

We are building the casino on restricted Indian land that has been Indian land since the Creek executed treaties with the United States dating back to 1833. See Treaty with the Creek Indians, art. 3, Feb. 14, 1833, 7 Stat. 417.

The future site of the school was selected by the Broken Arrow School System subsequent to the City being advised of this project.

Many schools benefit from close proximity to Native American casinos. Residents in Catoosa have stated in various media interviews that the schools in their communities have benefitted from their proximity to a Native American casino. The proposed school in Broken Arrow is approximately ½ mile away from the Red Clay Casino site. The casino proposes to provide suitable buffering to reduce the visual impact of the facility. The casino is also open to meeting with and providing support for the school district.

With the school board, the city council, petitioners and government officials against this casino, why is it still being built?

It is the responsibility of the Kialegee Tribal Town to pursue economic opportunities for its Tribal members. Indian gaming is the first and only tool for self-sufficiency that has ever worked for reservations. Indian Tribes are governments, and like city and state governments they must provide services for their citizens. But unlike other governments, Tribes do not have a tax base to provide revenue. Gaming has provided Tribes with a dependable source of revenue to meet critical needs.

Oklahoma's Tribes generate more than $3 billion in gaming revenue every year. The National Indian Gaming Association’s polling consistently finds that over 75% of Americans agree that Indian Tribes benefit from having casinos. Indian gaming creates new jobs, funds essential government services and strengthens communities. The proposed casino use is consistent with the City of Broken Arrow’s master plan to attract commercial, retail and light industrial development to the area.

What activity/construction has taken place on-site prior to now?

As of July 2010, the following activities have taken place:

· The Kialegee Tribal Town opened and operates a Tribal government office on the property. At this location, representatives of the Tribal Town’s governing body frequently utilize the Broken Arrow Tribal office to conduct Tribal business.

· The Kialegee Tribal Town provides security on the property.

· The Tribe has installed secure fencing around the perimeter of the property to prevent trespassing, dumping and other similar activities.

· Signs are prominently posted on the property, clearly delineating Tribal land. A Kialegee Tribal Town flag has been flown over the property.

As of August 2011, the Kialegee Gaming Commission issued a facility license for the operation of a casino.

As of December 2011, the development of Red Clay Casino commenced.

Where will the profits from this casino go?

Profits will stay within the state of Oklahoma, benefitting the Tribe in areas such as government infrastructure, housing, employment, education, healthcare and numerous social programs. Additionally, profits will benefit the Tribe with language and cultural preservation, as well as programs for the elderly.

Aren't there already enough casinos in Tulsa?

The casinos in the Tulsa Metropolitan Area (TMA) are highly profitable. A casino in the City of Broken Arrow, which is experiencing explosive growth, would be very successful. Moreover, none of the existing casinos benefit the Kialegee Tribal Town.

Why haven't you responded to media requests for interviews and comments?

The Kialegee Tribal Town has released press statements and drawings of the property, as well as returned numerous phone calls and emails. In addition, representatives for both the Tribe and the development team have participated in interviews.