Following a favorable court judgment, the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma plans to expand its Crosswinds Casino in Park City, Kansas. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Interior Department’s ruling, allowing the tribe to participate in gambling on its grounds. The tribe’s ambitions for a larger casino resort were first stalled owing to legal issues, but with the court’s decision, expansion can now begin.
Crosswinds Casino, which launched in 2021 as a temporary facility, was always expected to be replaced with a larger business. Billy Friend, Chief of the Wyandotte Nation, indicated the tribe’s ambition to establish a casino resort on its territory, which spans around 10.5 acres earmarked for gambling. They also have an additional 125 acres available for development.
When the State of Kansas challenged the US Department of the Interior’s ruling in 2020, the plans for the larger casino resort were put on hold. However, with a recent court judgement confirming the Wyandotte tribe‘s gaming rights, the roadblocks have been eliminated, and the expansion plans can proceed.
Chief Billy Friend laid forth the tribe’s concept for the casino expansion, noting that it would most likely be a three- to four-phase project. The first phase would involve the development of a full-fledged casino, complete with eateries. This first phase is projected to be completed within the next two years, with Chief Friend assuring that the wait will be worthwhile.
In addition to the casino expansion, the tribe plans to expand the recently purchased and restored hotel. The hotel extension will be the project’s second stage. The tribe intends to make the remaining area available for future development, including real estate ventures. The Chief stressed the 130-acre site’s potential for economic activities.
The tribe is now revising its gaming compact with the federal government to allow for card games and even sports betting. They expect to get the improvements completed in time for the extended casino’s opening. Attempts to obtain comments from the Governor’s and Attorney General’s offices have so far proved futile.
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