A federal appeals court has overturned a judge's order that stopped work on a planned casino in northeastern Oklahoma.
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday against the state of Oklahoma. It instructed a U.S. district judge to set aside his order that halted construction on the proposed Red Clay Casino in Broken Arrow. It also ordered the judge to dismiss the state's lawsuit against Kialegee tribal officials.
In 2012, Attorney General Scott Pruitt sued the Kialegee Tribal Town, arguing the casino violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The appeals court said Pruitt couldn't sue because the casino isn't on Indian lands.
A Pruitt spokesman tells the Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/1zJoRLR ) the attorney general's office disagrees with court ruling and is evaluating the state's options on how to proceed.
______________________________________
KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.