Shawnee Tribe wants a casino in OKC

[betts]

Shawnee Tribe buys land in Oklahoma City for casino

By Richard Mize
Real Estate Editor

Landless since 1869, federally recognized just since 2000, the Shawnee Tribe has a contract to buy property in Oklahoma City and wants to build a casino, hotel and other attractions, including a new tribal headquarters — but the tribe does not have the support of the mayor. The restored tribe, now headquartered in Miami, OK, plans to develop 104 acres on the west side of Interstate 35 between Britton Road and Wilshire Boulevard as part of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, said Greg Pitcher, chairman of Shawnee Development LLC, the tribe’s economic development arm.

Mayor Mick Cornett said he isn’t sure a casino is in Oklahoma City’s best interest.

Britton Road Development LLC, a group of Milwaukee-area investors, paid $4.5 million for the land, Pitcher said. The seller was Premier Assets. The tribe will ask the U.S. Department of the Interior to consider the land for trust status later this year or in early 2008, he said. The tribe has contracted to take title to the land if trust status is approved, he said. Such a contract is enough or the tribe to seek trust status, he said.

[CuatrodeMayo]

nice...

Remington Park might be pissed about this.

[John]

If we have a casino in OKC (besides RP), it better be a Harrah's or something similar downtown.

[Midtowner]

Exactly. If the Shawnee want to develop this land, it's time for the state legislature to just say "eff it." They need to just open the market for everyone. If the feds are going to create a situation where we are forced to have casinos in the middle of our city, let's force them to be the best damned casinos anywhere.

Las Vegas, look out.

[FritterGirl]

This was just posted on NewsOK.com.

By The Associated Press
The Shawnee Tribe is planning to unveil its plans for a resort and casino in northeast Oklahoma City.

Officials with the Miami, Okla.-based tribe plan to detail their plans Wednesday during a news conference at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.


Tribal officials say they have a contract to buy and develop more than 100 acres on the west side of Interstate 35, between Britton Road and Wilshire Boulevard.

The tribe is currently seeking trust status for the land, which is required before they could build the casino.

Officials at nearby Remington Park Racing Casino say a new casino in that area would devastate their business, and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett has said he opposes the plan.

[autoMATTic]

A guy I was talking to said they were working on a Hard Rock Hotel deal. Doubt it will happen but that would be cool.

[bwana_bob]

Chicago, Pattaya, Bali, Biloxi, Las Vegas, Hollywood Florida, New York, Orlando, Tampa, Oklahoma City

If I weren't coming to Oklahoma City already, why would I pick this Hard Rock Hotel location versus the others on the list? And if I were choosing a hot nightspot locale, why would I want to put it at I-35 and Britton - to feed off the synergy that is the Zoo, Frontier City and sundry warehouse operations?

I have no moral qualms with gambling as an infrequent form of entertainment but we have enough casinos to feed any reasonable needs for residents and visitors in our state. Casinos are only trouble in the long run - like prisons - I know they have to be built somewhere... but not in my backyard!

I would love to see Oklahoma raise its profile - and I don't think that yet another casino - be it Hard Rock or not - qualifies as good news in that department.

[autoMATTic]

I understand how you feel bwana_bob. Though I dont agree, I understand. As for the Hard Rock thing, I don't see how or why HR would allow it. Other than dollars of course.

[metro]

Although I like KOCO over the other stations, good old Maggie Carlo said this was going to be on I-35 between Britton and May. Um, excuse me Maggie but May does not run the same direction as Britton, nor does it intersect with I-35. Shows what reporting skills we have in tv journalism these days, all they know how to do is read the teleprompter.

[venture]

Or it could have been a slip and it was too late to correct when she realized it?

Anyways...I don't care for the location much. I say along the river downtown would be a better place for a true resort type location. Especially if they bring in shows, additional unique restaurants, etc. If it is a Hard Rock location - then it would only make sense to have it next to the rest of the "entertainment" district.

[JWil]

The last thing this growing and improving city needs is a casino in OKC proper.

I'm by no means anti-casino, but I don't want one here and it won't be a tourist draw so it won't draw outside support (aside from the random road-trippers who see it on the freeway, I suppose).

If people want to blow their money, they just empty their gas tank too. Let them go to Norman or Shawnee or El Reno to gamble

[Midtowner]

Although I like KOCO over the other stations, good old Maggie Carlo said this was going to be on I-35 between Britton and May. Um, excuse me Maggie but May does not run the same direction as Britton, nor does it intersect with I-35. Shows what reporting skills we have in tv journalism these days, all they know how to do is read the teleprompter.

You are so right.

[Midtowner]

Ultimately, it doesn't matter what our state or local government officials do. If the land is successfully granted trust status, it will be the sovereign soil of the tribe -- not subject to state and local regulation.

Of course, the city/state might have a trump card here... I don't know.. The city/state could refuse to supply water/power/gas to the tribe (maybe).

What is interesting to me here is that the Shawnee are a landless tribe attempting to deed land they bought commercially, in Oklahoma City into trust. I'm not sure what effect, if any that'll have on the trust process, but what I do know is that the outcome of that process is not something which OKC or Oklahoma can control.

[venture]

The last thing this growing and improving city needs is a casino in OKC proper.

What do you call Remington Park?

[Kerry]

Usually the local government is required to provide utilities to property owners at the owner expense. However, since this would not be considered US soil then I would say that they don't. What I would like to see tested is that a fence be put around the proprty and have people leaving the casino go through customs and need a passport to get back to the US. That would be funny.

On a related note, I went to the Seminole Indian casino in Tampa before it was a Hard Rock and there was so much cigarette smoke in the air I think I got cancer instantly. My second breath killed the just created cancer cells.

[Oh GAWD the Smell!]

Usually the local government is required to provide utilities to property owners at the owner expense. However, since this would not be considered US soil then I would say that they don't. What I would like to see tested is that a fence be put around the proprty and have people leaving the casino go through customs and need a passport to get back to the US. That would be funny.

On a related note, I went to the Seminole Indian casino in Tampa before it was a Hard Rock and there was so much cigarette smoke in the air I think I got cancer instantly. My second breath killed the just created cancer cells.

You could probably make some money off that breath of yours.

[Jesseda]

I wouldnt mind seeing a large casino in okc, it will bring jobs, okay i know most people here on this board are thinking, but it will not be bring jobs tha pay well, but hey okc laid out the red carpet for all these call center jobs that pay 11.95 hr or less, so why dont we change it up a bit and have a large casino hotel in the city where people have more of a job selection, I think it would be great if it was planned right, I mean I dont want to see a riverwind remake, that casino is a joke, there is nothing to do but just gamble, If they builda resort in okc I think it sould have a large upscale promenade, entertainment for the family hotels, and themed restaurants for all. I love the vegas strip resorts because it offers so much more than gambling

[bwana_bob]

I wouldnt mind seeing a large casino in okc, it will bring jobs, okay i know most people here on this board are thinking, but it will not be bring jobs tha pay well, but hey okc laid out the red carpet for all these call center jobs that pay 11.95 hr or less, so why dont we change it up a bit and have a large casino hotel in the city where people have more of a job selection

Hmmm... let's see...

Call centers - steady work with major companies that transitions work class from manufacturing jobs (i.e., Lucent, Bridgestone/Firestone, etc.) to white collar environment. Exposes companies to OKC as great place to grow. Helps land step-up Dell facility, etc. Workers have communication skills and experience with office productivity tools that translates to almost any industry. Job paths include supervisory positions. Work force mix includes at least 20% higher paying management and specialty skills positions (finance, HR, etc.).

Casinos - pays most people by the hour for "stepping stone" jobs such as craps dealer, bartender, cocktail waitress, cashier and security guard. Less than 5% of the work force mix includes higher paying management or specialty skill positions, even at the bigger resort-style casinos where you can now add housekeeper to the mix. Job paths include supervisory positions - but really - how many Fortune 500 businesses are going to hire the floor manager of a casino over the call center manager?

Not the same, not the same, not the same. Granted, a growth industry like gambling, with a basis in greed and human misery, has a great chance to be successful - but what does that say about our state? Is this how we want to define Oklahoma or Oklahoma City for that matter. There is already one Nevada - and along with casinos, they have the biggest nuclear waste dump in the country.

How to improve the image of our work force:
Nevada Council on Problem Gambling

Since my stance on the morality of gambling will certainly be a consequence of my continuing negativity surrounding yet another casino in the state, I will reiterate that I am not against gambling as a form of entertainment. I am against further expansion of this industry in our state because it is a unique form of business that can have a devastating impact on the citizens of our state when not kept in check. I like going to Las Vegas every few years or so... but after four days, I'm ready to go home. I set a limit for myself and I have the discipline to avoid the temptation of going beyond my limit, using a casino ATM or cashing my paycheck at the front door. If you have ever seen the effects of compulsive gambling on an individual or a family, it would give you pause. I'm not suggesting that the state can protect everyone from themselves but let's face it... our state took a serious pro-expansion stance on gambling with statewide propositions a few years ago. We are banking on the lottery, racinos and even tribal casinos to keep our tax rates in check. That is a poor way to govern our state. We lack leadership with the backbone to cut spending and to make us pay directly for those programs we want and/or need. Better to hide increases in gas taxes, tobacco taxes and a take on the lottery because you can keep encouraging irresponsible spending. It takes people time to figure out that each of these taxes has a negative consequence, i.e., the price of gas has a direct relationship to our cost for all forms of food and merchandise... and the lottery shortfalls might mean less spending on education, not more... and the tobacco taxes are diverted away from funds that are supposed to offset the state's burden for increased health care costs due to smoking related diseases in uninsured or under insured citizens.

[Kerry]

I am not opposed to casino per say and I do enjoy playing roulette. However, tibal casinos to my knowledge only allow video slots and bingo. Those types of games don't attract the kind of gambler that traditional tables games do. Maybe if the casino was allowed to be like one in Vegas then I might be in favor of it. I also don't like the fact that Indian casinos don't have to answer to any regulatory authority. Just ask the guy that won $1.5 million in New Mexico at an Indian casino and they refused to pay it.

Captain's Quarters
newsrush: All bets off as casino refuses to pay jackpot
Fresno Bee Opinion Talk: Jackpot Watch

[Patrick]

I am not opposed to casino per say and I do enjoy playing roulette. However, tibal casinos to my knowledge only allow video slots and bingo. Those types of games don't attract the kind of gambler that traditional tables games do. Maybe if the casino was allowed to be like one in Vegas then I might be in favor of it. I also don't like the fact that Indian casinos don't have to answer to any regulatory authority. Just ask the guy that won $1.5 million in New Mexico at an Indian casino and they refused to pay it.

Captain's Quarters
newsrush: All bets off as casino refuses to pay jackpot
Fresno Bee Opinion Talk: Jackpot Watch

Actually, most of the tribal casinos around here have table games. That was approved in the sate question passed last year.

[Kerry]

So you are saying I could drive up to the Hard Rock casino and play roulette the next time I am in town (after it is finished of course).

[Patrick]

So you are saying I could drive up to the Hard Rock casino and play roulette the next time I am in town (after it is finished of course).

I'm not sure if they have roulette. I know they have card games.

[Architect2010]

Here is a story about it. It shows what they want to do with the area towards the end... Sounds very promising and I actually think that if they included everything that they stated that is would be a huge addition to Adventure District.


OKCBUSINESS

"Oklahoma City officials, Shawnee Tribal leaders share $400-million resort plans

Greg Pitcher, chairman of Shawnee Development, L.L.C., speaking about the proposed Shawnee Destination Entertainment Resort, during a press conference at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Photo/Mark Hancock



Pamela Grady
1/23/2008

Oklahoma City officials and members of the Miami, Okla.-based Shawnee Tribal leaders today announced they have filed a formal application with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to begin the process of putting 104 acres of northeast Oklahoma City land into federal trust for the development of a high-quality destination entertainment resort.

“This project is yet another example of investors responding to a very vibrant and growing economy here in Central Oklahoma,” Roy Williams, president and CEO of Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, said.

Chairman of Shawnee Development LLC Greg Pitcher said the resort will create thousands of jobs for Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County and will complement the nearby Adventure District and give neighboring businesses an economic boost.

Initial analyses by experts including Applied Economics, a national economic consulting firm working closely with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, show the destination resort would draw approximately 2.4 million visitors a year.

“Initial economic numbers show that the resort will have a significant economic impact at $354 million per year and it will create 2,000 local good paying jobs with benefits,” Pitcher said. “What we propose is much more than a casino, it’s a major-league project that will bring major-league economic benefits to Oklahoma City.”

Pitcher added, as part of an agreement to be signed with leaders of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County, the Tribe would make multimillion-dollar payment to local government. The agreement would also ensure the Shawnee facility complies with all local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding operations, traffic and environmental standards.

The Shawnee Tribe arranged for the purchase of 104 acres west of Interstate 35 between Britton Road and Wilshire Boulevard in November. The Tribe is in discussions with potential partners for the resort project including well-know development firms and a number of highly-respected brands.

“One of the things about this project is that it will take what is already good and make it even better,” Pitcher said. “When we get to the point when we’re ready to open the doors to this destination entertainment resort, people will know about, they will be excited about it and they will want to be a part of it.”

Conceptual drawings of the $400-million Shawnee Destination Entertainment Resort project detail an 18-story, 400-room upscale hotel, five-name-brand restaurants, a casino, a 10,000-square-foot spa facility, a 70,000-square-foot retail promenade, a 2,400-seat performance hall, a 15-screen cinema and a 72-lane bowling center.

Further, the entertainment resort will hold 3,500 slot machines, 100 table games, two casino bars, a high limit gaming area, poker room and night club. A 3,000-seat meeting and exhibit hall will be located on site as well."

[bwana_bob]

NewsOK: Tribe plans casino, hotel in OKC

Wed January 23, 2008
Tribe plans casino, hotel in OKC
By Tony Thornton
Staff Writer

An Oklahoma tribe announced plans today to build a $400 million casino and conference center in northeast Oklahoma City.

The tribal casino would be the first for Oklahoma City if the Shawnee Tribe can overcome land issues and opposition from Remington Park.

The pari-mutuel horse track and casino is three miles south of the 104 acres the tribe recently bought along Interstate 35 between Britton and Wilshire.

At a news conference this morning, the tribe announced these aspects of the $400 million project:

An 18-story, 400-room hotel, featuring a spa and salon, fitness center and banquet rooms.
A casino with 2,000 slot machines and 75 table games.
A 16-screen movie theater.
A 72-lane bowling alley.
A 2,400-seat performance hall.
A 70,000-square-foot retail shopping area.
Parking for 3,500 vehicles.
The Shawnee Tribe is based in Miami, OK, roughly 185 miles from the casino site.

Roy Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, spoke at the tribe's news conference, calling the project "a significant endeavor."

In an interview later, Williams said the chamber isn't necessarily endorsing the plan, but rather is in a fact-finding stage.

He conceded the chamber may have to juggle its loyalty to Remington Park against the 1,900 new jobs the tribe promises.

Greg Pitcher, who is overseeing the project for the tribe, said it "must be good for Oklahoma City to be good for the Shawnee Tribe."

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett previously has said he doesn't support the casino. Remington Park General Manager Scott Wells has said it would "entirely devastate" his casino.

Pitcher said the tribe plans to negotiate with both the track and the city. A revenue-sharing agreement is possible, he said.

Tuesday, the tribe submitted a trust land application the size of three Oklahoma City-area phone books to the federal government, Pitcher said.

He said he hopes to receive Bureau of Indian Affairs approval within 18 months.

Getting approval for that application will be more complex since the tribe has announced its plans in advance, Pitcher said.

Placing Indian land in trust for a casino requires an environmental study and consent from state and local governments. Normal trust land applications aren't as demanding.

©2008 Produced by NewsOK.com

[Midtowner]

Wow. Where does a landless tribe find $400 million in financing?!

Given the location, I do think this will be huge for Frontier City and tourism for OKC in general.