(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) released the following statement today expressing his concern over controversial plans by the Kialegee Tribal Town to construct a casino in Broken Arrow and urging the National Indian Gaming Commission to take Broken Arrow residents’ concerns into consideration.

“My office continues to receive numerous calls from deeply concerned families and individual residents in Broken Arrow concerning plans to construct a new casino in their community. I am equally concerned and continue to oppose this plan,” said Dr. Coburn.

“Casinos drain the economic and social lifeblood from communities. Because the State of Oklahoma has already signed a compact with the Kialegee, the National Indian Gaming Commission is now the only entity that can legally stop high stakes gaming from occurring on this site. It is my hope the NIGC will consider the very serious questions regarding the tribe’s eligibility to game on lands so far from its home.”

###