Chickasaw Nation Opens 18th Casino

Oklahoma's largest casino, Riverwind Casino, has opened its doors to public. The casino, the 18th for the Chikasaw Nation, will employ 1,800 full and part-time employees, and Chickasaw Enterprises CEO Brian Campbell predicts a significant economic impact on local communities.

With its 219,000 square-foot building on 15.5 acres just south of Norman, Riverwind Casino is almost double the size of Las Vegas' Caesars Palace and The Mirage casinos. The casino opened its door July 17, and even without advertising, some 2,000 people were lined up outside the doors. A grand-opening ceremony is set for August 10.

Chickasaw Enterprises built a $1.7 million sewage treatment plant for Goldsby and a $2.1 million water tower for Newcastle.

The casino's blue exterior and large flashing sign just west of Interstate 35 lures the eyes of travelers. The interior features a variety a variety of abstract designs, an array of colors and flashing lights that surrounds the 2,220 electronic games and 72 blackjack and poker tables. The casino also has a horse racing off-track betting room, which simulcast races from across the country.

"We have the latest and newest games and our goal is to create a quality experience unlike anything our customers have ever seen in Oklahoma," said Campbell. "We're trying to achieve a Las Vegas-style experience."

Casino patrons said Riverwind is on par with casinos in Las Vegas.