The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma announced on Tuesday that it has been allowed to launch and operate an international casino website, thus becoming the state’s first tribe to engage in such operations and paving the way for other tribes to take on the endeavor.
The Iowa Tribe said in a statement that it would likely debut its online casino in 2016. At first, the website would offer poker options to players from states where online gambling is legal, including Nevada and New Jersey, and other countries. Gradually, it would add other popular casino games such as blackjack, slots, baccarat, and many more.
The Iowa Tribe and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Falling submitted in September the tribe’s request to operate a gambling site to arbitration. Former Criminal Court of Appeals Judge Charles Chapel was appointed as an arbitrator.
After reviewing the matter for more than two months, the judge said in a November 24 ruling that “using technology to play covered games as a way to increase tribal revenues” would not restrict or extend the scope of the said games and that this would not amend the tribe’s compact with the state.
The Iowa Tribe asked an Oklahoma City-based U.S. District Court Judge to certify the arbitrator’s decision. The judge confirmed that the tribe’s project does not violate both federal or state laws and complies with the terms of the Oklahoma Tribal-State Gaming Compact.
Commenting on the latest announcements, Michael McNutt, a spokesperson for Gov. Fallin, said that the arbitrator’s ruling allows other tribes across the state to start similar international online gambling operations.
It is still unclear how much of the revenue generated by the new site would be contributed to Oklahoma. However, the percentage would be determined based on the traffic to the online casino.
The Pokertribe online gambling brand will be operated by Florida-based software developer Universal Entertainment Group. Isaias Almira, Manager of the company, said that the online casino would be available to both players from states where Internet gaming has been legalized as well as to international gambling customers. He added that players will have the chance to play while on certain cruise ships and airline flights, as well.
Mr. Almira also noted that the website could be launched within weeks, if they are given the necessary approval by state regulators.
