New Choctaw Casino Expansion Is a Win for Choctaw Nation, Oklahoma, and North Texas
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If you’ve been waiting for the “new” Choctaw Casino in Durant, OK to open, the wait is over. Located on Hwy 69 about an hour and a half drive from Dallas, the newly expanded hotel and casino welcomes North Texans to an elevated experience. “We wanted to create a resort and gaming experience unlike any other, and I am proud to say the expansion rivals anything you would find in Las Vegas,” said Heidi Grant, executive officer of gaming and hospitality for Choctaw Nation.
Choctaw Casino and Resort now boasts the modern 21-story Sky Tower Hotel and is a luxury entertainment destination. The $600 million expansion added 1,000 new luxury rooms, including the massive Chief suite, complete with bar, conference area, ample space for entertaining, and an office/study. Eleven new bars grace the place, including Prizm, the centerpiece located at the center of the gaming floor. Putting a new twist on an old favorite, the 1832 Steakhouse now features a live-action open kitchen. Chefs serve mouthwatering deliciousness in an elevated ambiance. Even Salt & Stone, the 24-hour casual diner takes “casual” to another level.
Although still under construction, the hotel’s pool area will be the place to hang out. With 50 new private cabanas, two pools, and four outdoor swim-up bars, guests won’t want to leave. The family-friendly paradise includes a kiddie pool for younger guests and five hot tubs, so there’s really something for everyone.
Grant emphasized this, expressing her excitement over the new development. “We are thrilled to showcase everything that’s new for guests from Oklahoma, North Texas, and beyond. The attention to detail is incredible. From the amazing Choctaw art on the walls to new gaming options and swimming pools, to hip new restaurants and lounges and exquisite hotel suites, there is literally something for everyone at the Choctaw Casino & Resort.”
Guests who love to play will be delighted with the over 30 poker tables in the new poker room and 3,300 new slot machines on the gaming floor. With raised rewards, guests can win every time they play with their Choctaw Rewards card. The tiered reward system allows guests to earn credits for gaming, dining, free stays, and more.
“As gaming patrons across the globe have continued to become increasingly sophisticated in their expectations, it was important to respond to these expectations,” said Bob Gdowski, AIA, Principal and Director of Hospitality Design with JCJ Architecture. “The Nation inspired us toward a design that is architecturally refined, is contextually, responsive, and most importantly is experientially engaging.”
One of the highlights of the newly-designed casino and resort is the beautiful Choctaw art by some amazing Choctaw artists. The Umbrella installation inside the entryway to the pool area features art by Antonia Belindo, an Oklahoma native. The installation draws a parallel between the umbrella and the diamondback snake, both valued symbols of protection to the Choctaw peoples. The diamond shape can be found on the handpainted umbrellas, as well as canvases that line the wall of the entryway.
“I am extremely grateful to everyone who has played a role in delivering such a magnificent, top-tier entertainment destination for our region that not only elevates the experience for our guests, but elevates the lives of tribal members, individuals, and families living across the state,” said Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton. “This expansion means 1,000 new jobs, funding for much-needed services for tribal members, millions in economic growth for Oklahoma, and additional dollars our tribal government invests in education and infrastructure improvements for all Oklahomans.”
