Native Lights Casino Tonkawa Ok
Casino was clean, as well, but slots were very tight; will stay at 7Clans or Native Lights next time. Bar staff didn't seem to care if they were there or not, even with more than average tips. Restaurant was clean, staff was friendly, service was superb, food was very ample, especially breakfast.
Federal regulators said the tribe has made significant strides to avoid such relationships in the future.
An agreement signed Wednesday by tribe President Anthony Street and Phil Hogen, chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, led to the opening of the tribe's Native Lights Casino north of Newkirk.
That casino features 570 electronic machines and four card tables.
As part of the agreement, the Tonkawas agreed to pay a $1 million fine in five annual installments of $200,000.
However, if the tribe complies with its probation, it can apply $300,000 toward starting or continuing college accounting and auditing programs 'or other gaming-related curricula.' Also, in the final two years, the $200,000 annual fine is reduced to $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, if the tribe stays clean.
- The following is a press release from Tonkawa Hotel & Casino. Tonkawa, OK – The safety and security of our guests and team members is our top priority for all three of our casinos – Tonkawa Hotel & Casino, Native Lights Casino and Tonkawa Gasino.
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Tribe makes changes
Federal regulators ordered the tribe to close its casino near Tonkawa on Feb. 2, more than six years after the tribe was warned that casino manager Edward Street lacked proper credentials.
Federal documents show the tribe was paying Street's company more than the 30 percent of gross profit allowed by law.
Edward Street is the tribal president's brother.
The closure order came as another federal agency prepared to release a report showing Edward Street had allowed organized crime to launder tens of millions of dollars through the casino.
In 2004 alone, $60 million in wagers passed through the metal building's 200-square-foot room for horse racing bets, federal documents revealed.
The tribe agreed to resolve its Bank Secrecy Act violations in that case by paying a $1 million fine. Edward Street agreed to a $1.5 million fine.
The tribe moved quickly to fire Edward Street and his management company, Oakland Enterprises.
In May, the tribe's elected officials fired themselves as the Tonkawa Gaming Commission and hired some nationally respected casino regulators to take their place.
The new gaming commission's lawyer is Nelson Westrin, who until December was one of three commissioners of the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Tribe agrees to comply
In addition to the $1 million fine, the tribe made these concessions to resume casino operations:
Have no association with Edward Street, any company owned by him or a separate company called Peter Wagner Enterprises.
Cannot hire any of Street's former management employees.
Provide documentation showing that tribal bank accounts associated with Street have been closed.
Cancel all contracts that Street negotiated with machine vendors.
Provide audits of the tribe's gaming operations.
Train all casino employees on internal controls and Bank Secrecy Act requirements.
'I am cautiously optimistic that the regulatory framework the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma has put in place will ensure future compliance' with federal laws, Hogen said.
His agency on Thursday inspected the tribe's new Native Lights Casino and approved its opening. The casino is on U.S. 77 near the Kansas border.
The Tonkawa Casino on the tribal complex remains closed.
The following is a press release from Tonkawa Hotel & Casino
Tonkawa, OK – The safety and security of our guests and team members is our top priority for all three of our casinos – Tonkawa Hotel & Casino, Native Lights Casino and Tonkawa Gasino.
While we take great pride in our high standards of cleanliness and hygiene – and have taken additional measures to make our protocols more rigorous in light of COVID-19 – we have decided to cease operations for all three of our casinos beginning Wednesday, March 18 at 11:59 PM.
Native Lights Casino Tonkawa Oklahoma
All properties will remain closed until Wednesday, April 1 at 10 am. However, if anything changes the public will be notified.
This difficult decision is in the best interest of our guests, our team and our community as the current public health crisis evolves.
“We feel it is our responsibility to remain vigilant and take the right precautions to help slow the progression of this virus,” says Phillip Glass, CEO of Tonkawa Enterprises. “And closing our properties is the right thing to do. We promise to be transparent with our guests every step of the way.”
Our management team will continue to keep you informed and aware of any updates as they become available.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we all do our best to navigate this time of uncertainty.
Native Lights Casino Tonkawa Ok
Visit tonkawacasinos.com or our social media for further updates.