Feds nullify Oklahoma tribal casino contracts

CONCHO, Oklahoma -- As reported by the Oklahoman: "Federal regulators have nullified a Minnesota company's five-year contract to manage the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes' Lucky Star Casinos.

"The decision, issued Wednesday by the head of the National Indian Gaming Commission, could end Southwest Casino and Hotel Corporation's 13-year relationship with the tribe. The company's existing contract expires Saturday.

"Gaming commission Chairman Phil Hogen said his agency also is investigating allegations that Southwest Casino exerted 'undue influence' while trying to get its contract renewed. Tribal Gov. Darrell Flyingman has alleged the company took elders last fall on a gambling trip to Colorado and New Mexico, and drove members to tribal council meetings so they could vote on items involving the contract.

"In denying the contract extension, Hogen said the two tribes bypassed a requirement in their new constitution. The constitution requires the governor to negotiate and sign casino management contracts..."