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byRandy Ellis

Oklahoma tribal casinos operated by the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Choctaw and Muscogee (Creek) nations will remain closed at least through May 15, tribal officials said Tuesday.

Oklahoma has nearly three-dozen tribes that operate gaming operations at more than 130 locations in the state. Those gaming operations range from electronic machines at gas stops to full scale resort casinos.

All the tribes closed their casinos in March in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Each tribe has its own government and will be making its own decision on when to reopen.

The Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) nations all have been paying their casino workers while gaming operations have been suspended and said they plan to continue doing that at least through May 15.

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby said that in addition to casinos, Chickasaw Nation businesses, historic sites and offices whose closures were previously announced will remain closed through May 15. Chickasaw Travel Stops will remain open as a public service, he said.

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“Health professionals advise that recent measures enacted to help mitigate the spread of the virus are beginning to work because of widespread participation,' Anoatubby said. “Health professionals also advise to take a cautious approach toward reopening in order to preserve recent gains and prevent a resurgence in new cases.'

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Anoatubby said Chickasaw leaders continue to monitor data regarding the virus and are working to 'develop a comprehensive plan for a phased reopening of our operations while being mindful of protecting public health.'

Kristina Humenesky, spokeswoman for the Choctaw Nation, described the situation as fluid but said Choctaw tribal officials know that their casinos will remain closed at least through May 15.'Our top priority is the health and safety of our guests, associates, vendors, entertainment partners and individuals in the communities,' Humenesky said. 'We are still developing a plan in coordination with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to make sure when we open associates and guests will be safe.'We're still weighing everything and trying to determine when to reopen,' said Brandon Scott, spokesman for the Cherokee Nation.

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'We think we've done everything we can and we're now in a wait and see mode,' said Jason Salsman, spokesman for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

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Several casinos in Oklahoma will wait until at least May 15 before opening. [File photo]

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For the past 30 years, staff writer Randy Ellis has exposed public corruption and government mismanagement in news articles. Ellis has investigated problems in Oklahoma's higher education institutions and wrote stories that ultimately led to two... Read more ›