FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2020
Muscogee (Creek) Nation extends temporary closure of River Spirit Casino Resort and 8 regional casinos until April 15
Nation commits to maintaining $3.4 million bi-monthly payroll for 2,200 casino employees
(TULSA, Okla.) – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill and River Spirit Casino Resort Chief Executive Officer Pat Crofts announced today the extended temporary closure of all nine Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos, including River Spirit Casino Resort until April 15, 2020.
The temporary closure began 10 days ago on Monday, March 16. While River Spirit Casino Resort and the other casino properties had no reported cases of COVID-19, the temporary closure is a result of guidelines issued by the National Center for Disease Control to reduce exposure to the virus.
“As always, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation prioritizes the health and well-being of our citizens, our employees and our guests above all else,” said Chief Hill. “We are committed to following the suggestions issued by federal health
officials to ensure we are safeguarding the public. Challenging times require tough decisions, but you cannot make progress without making decisions. Extending the temporary closure of our casinos is an example of how the Nation
can do its part during this epic crisis.”
Chief Hill and officials confirmed the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos and River Spirit Casino Resort will continue to pay its 2,200 employees through April 15. This equates to a $3.4 million payroll every two weeks.
“As a primary employer in the City of Tulsa and throughout many smaller communities in northeast Oklahoma, we want to continue to support our employees to best of our ability,” said Crofts. “We have already faced great adversity together during the abrupt closure last year due to the historic flooding and its aftermath. We want to do everything we can to ease the anxiety and financial burden while our employees are home with their loved ones at this
critical time.”
The temporary closure includes casinos in Beggs, Holdenville, Eufaula, Bristow, Checotah, Okemah and River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa. The closure includes the travel plaza casinos in Muskogee and Okmulgee, but the convenience stores remain open to serve the public in need of essentials.
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