On March 26, Kiowa Tribe based in Hobart, Oklahoma, finalized the acquisition of trust lands for the site of its future Kiowa Casino.
Tribal Information Officer Neely Tsoodle stated, “This action restores former lands to the tribe and will provide jobs and economic benefits to Kiowa people, as well as local and regional economies. The trust acquisition is the first ever for the Kiowa Tribe and is believed to be the first in the region for gaming purposes.” She noted the 11.33-acre tract is located within the external boundaries of the tribe’s original reservation as defined under the Medicine Lodge Treaty of 1867. Many Kiowa tribal members still live in the Hobart area, Tsoodle said.
She noted the tribe’s land-trust application was submitted in April 2018 but negotiations actually began in 2009. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the application last December. Now the city, through the Hobart Economic Development Authority, will convey title to the site to the United States, at no cost, for the benefit of the Kiowa Tribe, allowing it to move forward on the casino project.
The 17,000-square-foot casino will offer slot machines, table games, a restaurant and gift shop. It’s expected to create 156 jobs and serve at least 325,000 customers per year, Tsoodle said. The gross economic revenue is estimated at $13 million annually.
Kiowa Tribe Chairman Matthew Komalty said, “This is a prime opportunity to embark on great purpose for our Kiowa people while providing a community endeavor that will assist with prosperous advantages and entertainment to this economically distressed area.”
The casino has widespread support from the Hobart community, which provided dozens of letters to the HDEA approving the project.
