A recent decision from the U.S. Department of the Interior has dispelled the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians’ (UKB) hope to establish a casino in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. This move overturns a previous ruling from the Biden administration that recognized the UKB’s rights as successors to the historic Cherokee Nation.
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Legal Reversal Challenges UKB Ambitions
On May 22, the Interior Department withdrew an earlier opinion, M-37084, which supported the UKB’s claim over land within the Cherokee Reservation. This had sparked renewed optimism for their casino revival. But the reversal has now dealt a critical blow to their plans, aligning the federal stance more closely with the Cherokee Nation, which operates ten casinos in Oklahoma and opposes UKB’s entry into the gaming market. William L. Doffermyre, the solicitor for the department, stated, “Upon my review of M-37084, I have determined that the legal conclusions reached therein don’t represent the best interpretation of applicable laws, treaties, and federal and Supreme Court case law.”
The ruling is a major setback for the UKB, who view it as “deeply flawed” and disconnected from historical treaty rights. This isn’t the first time the UKB has clashed with the larger Cherokee Nation over territorial and gaming rights.
Cherokee Nation’s Stance
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. expressed satisfaction with the ruling, reinforcing that any claims by the UKB wouldn’t override the Cherokee Nation’s established rights. “Despite the United Keetoowah Band’s ongoing efforts to rewrite history and lay claim to our Reservation, the truth of history and the rule of law always prevails,” said Hoskin. These tensions aren’t new. Both tribes share a common lineage but have long disagreed over territorial sovereignty—a dispute that has frequently spilled into legal battles.
Navigating Legal Hurdles
The UKB, federally recognized since 1946, has been navigating the complex market of tribal gaming law for decades. After opening a bingo hall in 1986 without trust land, they faced closure in 2013 due to legal pressures. Things took a positive turn in 2011 when a 76-acre parcel was put into trust by the DOI, a decision upheld by the Tenth Circuit Court in 2019. Despite these hurdles, the UKB maintains a fighting spirit. They signed a gaming compact with Oklahoma in 2025 when the Biden-era ruling seemed to tip the scales in their favor. But now, that progress has stalled, leaving them to, as they put it, “rely upon the judicial review.”
The tribe’s latest statement reflects their resolve: “As has been the case for all too long, our ultimate vindication will rely upon the judicial review, which the original [opinion] and its baseless withdrawal will necessarily be part of.”
What’s Next for the UKB?
The path forward for the UKB is uncertain. They’ll likely take their battle to the courts, seeking to overturn the latest federal opinion. This legal fight may drag on for some time, with no clear end in sight. The Cherokee Nation’s powerful presence in the region continues to pose a major hurdle. Industry insiders will be watching closely as this unfolds. The outcome could have implications for tribal gaming rights across the country.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
