United Keetoowah Band Signs Model Gaming Compact with State of Oklahoma, Advancing Vision for Economic Growth on Tribal Lands
- Lani Hansen
- May 7
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAHLEQUAH, OK — In a major step forward for economic development, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma (UKB) has officially signed the Model Tribal Gaming Compact with the State of Oklahoma. The agreement, signed by UKB Chief Jeff Wacoche on April 29, 2025, positions the UKB to pursue gaming operations on its trust lands, marking a major milestone in the Tribe’s strategic economic agenda.
“This agreement reflects years of determination and is a significant turning point for the Keetoowah people,” said Chief Jeff Wacoche. “Gaming is not just about business – it's about restoring self-determination, creating jobs, and building prosperity for our Tribal Members. We are laying the legal and economic foundation for our future.”
The Model Tribal Gaming Compact governs the operation of covered games on tribal lands as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. As an enactment of the people of Oklahoma, the Compact is deemed approved by the State and will take effect upon final approval by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and publication in the Federal Register.
This signing follows two other pivotal developments for the Tribe:
In April, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) approved the Tribe’s updated 2025 UKB Gaming Code, officially restoring the UKB’s authority to regulate gaming on its trust lands. The new ordinance outlines a clear legal and regulatory path for UKB to launch and manage gaming operations consistent with federal law.
In January, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Solicitor’s Office issued a historic M-Opinion reaffirming the UKB’s jurisdiction over the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation. The opinion concluded that the UKB and the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) are equal successors to the historic Cherokee Nation and share concurrent jurisdiction over the reservation. This binding legal opinion sets the stage for additional lands to be taken into trust by the United States for the purposes of gaming.
“These three developments form the bedrock of our renewed path towards gaming and economic development for our Members,” said Wacoche. “The Department of the Interior has made clear that the UKB has equal jurisdiction on Cherokee lands. The NIGC has approved our authority to regulate gaming. And now, with the State’s Compact in hand, we can begin building a future that broadens the horizon of potential of our people.”
While no facilities are yet open, the UKB is actively engaged in development planning. The 2025 UKB Gaming Code authorizes the Tribe to license and regulate Class I, II, and III gaming, with oversight from the UKB Licensing Commission and daily operations managed by the UKB Corporate Board. Revenues from gaming will be used to support government services, economic development, and community well-being, in accordance with federal guidelines.
“We will proceed responsibly and transparently,” Wacoche added. “Our goal is to ensure that any gaming enterprise benefits not just our Tribe and its Members, but surrounding communities and the people of Northeast Oklahoma.”
The UKB continues to invite dialogue and collaboration with federal and tribal partners, including the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, as it moves forward with its economic development agenda.
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