Willis Deatherage, chairman of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Gaming Commission, will receive the Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Regulators Association (OTGRA) 2019 Champion of Indian Gaming Regulation Award on October 29 at the 2019 OTGRA Fall Conference, hosted by the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa.
OTGRA Chairwoman Kelly Myers said, “This prestigious award recognizes an individual working as a regulator in the field of Oklahoma Indian Gaming who embodies the mission of OTGRA and its purpose. Mr. Deatherage has been actively involved in Indian gaming for 14 years, and has always been involved in any changes in Oklahoma gaming and is known as an expert in his field.”
Deatherage has served as chairman of the Seminole commission since 2011. Before that he was elected to the Seminole Nation Gaming Commission general council and also served in the Seminole Nation commerce division.
Established in 2006, OTGRA provides opportunities for networking and communications among Oklahoma tribal gaming commissions and regulators to enable discussion on important issues related to gaming regulation. The organization hosts affordable training sessions for gaming commissions, regulators and casino management to promote the integrity of Indian gaming in Oklahoma.
