Las Vegas may rule the roost of American gambling destinations, with Atlantic City coming in second, but those cities are not the only gaming hotspots the country has to offer.
For people who want to drive to their gambling destination, Oklahoma’s many Native American casinos may be a more affordable alternative, simply because they’re in the heart of the United States. And for travelers who are simply passing through Oklahoma, a quick stop at a casino could be a welcome break during a long road trip.
Here’s what you need to know about casinos in Oklahoma:
Tribal businesses
Some Native American tribes, such as the Chickasaw, Cherokee and Shawnee, are federally recognized sovereign nations, which means they are independent of the state and federal government, and, therefore, not subject to United States or Oklahoma state gambling laws. While some tribes have found that operating casinos results in lower unemployment, few Native American casinos are considered highly profitable. Those closer to densely populated urban areas tend to enjoy higher revenues.
Central location
Gambling getaway: Oklahoma casinos offer easy access
Las Vegas may rule the roost of American gambling destinations, with Atlantic City coming in second, but those cities are not the only gaming hotspots the country has to offer.
For people who want to drive to their gambling destination, Oklahoma’s many Native American casinos may be a more affordable alternative, simply because they’re in the heart of the United States. And for travelers who are simply passing through Oklahoma, a quick stop at a casino could be a welcome break during a long road trip.
Here’s what you need to know about casinos in Oklahoma:
Tribal businesses
Some Native American tribes, such as the Chickasaw, Cherokee and Shawnee, are federally recognized sovereign nations, which means they are independent of the state and federal government, and, therefore, not subject to United States or Oklahoma state gambling laws. While some tribes have found that operating casinos results in lower unemployment, few Native American casinos are considered highly profitable. Those closer to densely populated urban areas tend to enjoy higher revenues.
Central location
The freedom of Native American nations to operate casinos is a boon to gamblers at the heart of the country. Depending on where you live, simply getting to Las Vegas or Atlantic City may take a large chunk out of your gambling budget. But Oklahoma’s casinos are a short drive from many central U.S. cities.
Oklahoma’s casinos
With nearly 100 Native American gaming spots across the state, Oklahoma offers plenty of variety for gamblers. The Chickasaw Nation operates more than a dozen casinos and gaming centers, and the Cherokee, Choctaw and Creek operate more than half-dozen casinos each. Three of the state’s casinos, though, trump the rest in offering a Vegas-like experience.
WinStar World Casino
You won’t be longing for Vegas with a trip to the Chickasaw’s WinStar World Casino. The largest casino in the state, the WinStar is a gambler’s paradise, a one-stop resort for gambling, relaxing, dining, shopping and recreation. Beyond the casino, which features table games, electronic games, poker and off-track betting, you’ll find an on-site golf course, two night clubs, and more than a dozen restaurants to fit any craving. WinStar is about 1.5 hours north of Dallas, and an hour south of the Chickasaw Cultural Center, which is a must-see destination in Oklahoma.
Riverwind Casino
Another offering from the Chickasaw Nation, the Riverwind Casino, in Norman, may be smaller than the WinStar, but it’s every bit as inclusive. Gamblers get to choose between table games, electronic slots, poker and off-track betting. See live performers take to the stages of the intimate River Lounge and the high-tech, 1,500-seat Showplace Theatre. The attached Riverwind Hotel provides overnight accommodation.
FireLake Grand Casino
Operated by the Potawatomi Nation, the FireLake Grand Casino, in Shawnee, also offers everything you expect from a world-class casino resort. More than 1,800 games are available on the casino floor, and a half a dozen on-site restaurants serve up a variety of food offerings. The FireLake Golf Course is one of Oklahoma’s top-ten public courses. In 2013, the FireLake Grand will open its new 14-story attached hotel.
Gambling isn’t a coastal activity, so why flee east or west for a gambling getaway? If you’re within driving distance of Oklahoma, take a road trip, and use the money you would’ve spent on airfare for poker chips, a round of golf or a great meal.
The freedom of Native American nations to operate casinos is a boon to gamblers at the heart of the country. Depending on where you live, simply getting to Las Vegas or Atlantic City may take a large chunk out of your gambling budget. But Oklahoma’s casinos are a short drive from many central U.S. cities.
Oklahoma’s casinos
With nearly 100 Native American gaming spots across the state, Oklahoma offers plenty of variety for gamblers. The Chickasaw Nation operates more than a dozen casinos and gaming centers, and the Cherokee, Choctaw and Creek operate more than half-dozen casinos each. Three of the state’s casinos, though, trump the rest in offering a Vegas-like experience.
WinStar World Casino
You won’t be longing for Vegas with a trip to the Chickasaw’s WinStar World Casino. The largest casino in the state, the WinStar is a gambler’s paradise, a one-stop resort for gambling, relaxing, dining, shopping and recreation. Beyond the casino, which features table games, electronic games, poker and off-track betting, you’ll find an on-site golf course, two night clubs, and more than a dozen restaurants to fit any craving. WinStar is about 1.5 hours north of Dallas, and an hour south of the Chickasaw Cultural Center, which is a must-see destination in Oklahoma.
Riverwind Casino
Another offering from the Chickasaw Nation, the Riverwind Casino, in Norman, may be smaller than the WinStar, but it’s every bit as inclusive. Gamblers get to choose between table games, electronic slots, poker and off-track betting. See live performers take to the stages of the intimate River Lounge and the high-tech, 1,500-seat Showplace Theatre. The attached Riverwind Hotel provides overnight accommodation.
FireLake Grand Casino
Operated by the Potawatomi Nation, the FireLake Grand Casino, in Shawnee, also offers everything you expect from a world-class casino resort. More than 1,800 games are available on the casino floor, and a half a dozen on-site restaurants serve up a variety of food offerings. The FireLake Golf Course is one of Oklahoma’s top-ten public courses. In 2013, the FireLake Grand will open its new 14-story attached hotel.
Gambling isn’t a coastal activity, so why flee east or west for a gambling getaway? If you’re within driving distance of Oklahoma, take a road trip, and use the money you would’ve spent on airfare for poker chips, a round of golf or a great meal.
