Behind the Tables Behind the scenes with those who work card games at casinos
tribal talk
JULY-AUGUST 2015
Indulge
Relaxation
Upcoming
Something Unique
Summer pools for visiting casino guests
Bulls ‘stampede’
1. Buffalo Run Casino
918-542-7140 1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. • Miami, OK
2. Cherokee Casino
918-422-6300 2416 U.S. 412 • West Siloam Springs, OK
3. Downstream Casino 918-919-6000 69300 E Nee Rd • Quapaw, OK
4. Grand Lake Casino
918-786-8528 24701 S. 655 Rd. (Hwy. 10) • Grove, OK
5. High Winds Casino
918-541-9463 61475 East 100 Road • Miami, OK
6. INDIGO SKY CASINO * 918-666-8702 70220 Hwy. 60 • Wyandotte. OK
7. Outpost CASINO
918-666-6770 69701 East 100 Road • Wyandotte, OK
8. Lucky Turtle Casino
918-678-2877 64499 E Highway 60 • Wyandotte, OK
9. PRAIRIE MOON Casino 918-542-8670 202 S Eight Tribes Trl • Miami, OK
10. PRAIRIE SUN Casino 918-541-2150 3411 P Street NW • Miami, OK
11. Quapaw Casino 918-540-9100 58100 E 64 Rd • Miami, OK
12. Stables Casino
918-542-7884 530 H Street Southeast • Miami, OK
13. Wyandotte casino 918-678-4946 2 Turtle Drive • Wyandotte, OK
14. BORDERTOWN CASINO 918-666-8702 129 Oneida St, Wyandotte, OK
Off-Track Betting
Blackjack
Poker
Lodging
Dining
Casinos
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*Bingo
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July-August
table of contents
Volume 3 • Issue 7
NEOK Casino Connection is a bimonthly publication of American Consolidated Media dba The Miami News-Record, 14 1st Ave, NW. Miami, OK 74354.
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All content copyright Gatehouse Media 2014.
Wyandotte Nation Casino
PUBLISHER Cheryl Franklin
10 GAMING Behind the Tables
13 new opening Kansas Crossing
Design Director Bob Markham
16 ENTERTAINMENT
ART Director/design Edgar Lavinder Jr.
Sizzling hot summer line up
6
18 RELAXATION Summer pools
INDULGE
22-23 FACES & PLACES
8 TRIBAL TALK
9 FREE PLAY
Shawnee tribe
Join the club today
28-29 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
In the heat of summer, fun awaits in cool places WELCOME It’s summer and what a better place to keep cool than at our area casinos. And, if you want to get really cool, as a guest at Downstream Casino or Indigo Sky Casino you can take advantage of some of the coolest swimming pools around – See our story by Kimberly Barker on 4
page 18. There’s one more casino on the horizon in the area, it will be located in Southeast Kansas and you can read about it inside. Food and fun and is everywhere when casinos are in your plans. Downstream is now serving up their own beef, raised on site and Bordertown Casino is doing something a little different
Advertising DIRECTOR Chris Zimmerman 417-825-3745 918-542-5533 ext. 3041 casino@miamiok.com
with their cattle… holding bull futurity and bull riding events. All the details can be found in this issue. The summer entertainment line up is going to have something for everyone… including Beach Boys fans. It’s all you need for a summer of fun, entertainment and hopefully a little luck mixed in . Have a great summer, and as always – Good Luck!
Editorial ContribuTIONS Patrick Richardson Melinda Stotts Kimberly W. Barker Zach Collums DISTRIBUTION Dylan Elliott To advertise or submit content email casino@miamiok.com.
5
indulge
Something
Unique JOHN AMATUCCI
Downstream Casino Resort now serving beef raised on own ranch BY Patrick Richardson [Casino Connection]
Something deliciously unique is going on at Downstream Casino Resort. Already serving vegetables and cooking with herbs grown on premises, as of February, the restaurants in the resort are serving Black Angus beef raised by the Quapaw Cattle Company and aged according to their own specifications — JOHN AMATUCCI 6
STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 7
indulge “We were working with a really good product, because we did want to make sure this was the best you could get in the area. One of the things we really talk about is, this isn’t something that just makes us special in the area — it makes you special. You’re not going to find the attention that was given to this project. — Downstream Executive Chef Lucus Setterfield something no other restaurant in a wide area is doing. “We started right at the end of January was our first shipment,” Downstream Executive Chef Lucus Setterfield said. “That shipment we started in some of the buffet, a few in Legends.” Even the hamburgers served at the resort are made with beef from the QCC ranch. “If you get a burger anywhere, the burger at Wa-Na-Bée-Déa is QCC beef, the burger at Legends
is also QCC, the chicken fried steak and the flat iron steak we serve at Buffalo Grill is all our own beef,” Setterfield said. “We’re very close to 90 percent.” The truly unique cuts are served in the Red Oak Steakhouse, however. “What we do in Red Oak is we dry age,” he said. “We send it to Kansas City, all the cuts except for the tenderloin we dry age. You don’t really want to dry age tenderloin because it doesn’t really have a lot of fat on it.”
The meat is aged a minimum of 28 days from the time it is hung at the slaughterhouse until it leaves the aging facility in Kansas City. According to both Setterfield and Downstream Spokesman Sean Harrison, the casino had already been using top-notch beef, before they started this program. “I remember about two months before Downstream opened in 2008, (Quapaw) Chairman (John) STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 8
Courtesy Photo
In a project which started nearly two years ago, cowboys of the Quapaw Cattle Company work with the heard of Black Angus Cattle on property owned by the tribe near the Downstream Casino Resort. The beef is exclusively used in resort restaurants.
7
indulge Berrey and the rest of the (Downstream Development Authority) and Mickey Brown, the sort of legendary gaming figure who was our project manager said ‘We have got to quickly do some research and find the best available beef in the country, because we want to put a flag in the ground and say Red Oak is the best steakhouse between Kansas City and Dallas,’” Harrison said. “And we believe they did that, it turned out the beef source was from a private farm up just outside of Kansas City. The same one that supplied some of the top steakhouses in Kansas City. “A couple of years ago Chairman Berrey decided we can do better. We can become even better by doing our own damn beef. So they researched the best cattle farm in the country and it happens to be down in Oklahoma. That’s kind of what led to all of this.” Setterfield said the locally-raised beef has made a difference. “We were working with a really good product, because we did want to make sure this was the best you could get in the area,” he said. “One of the things we really talk about is, this isn’t something that just makes us special in the area — it makes you special. You’re not going to find the attention that was given to this project. “What it’s really done, first of all is consistency. We’ve solved any kind of consistency problems — which weren’t many. “When you know where the One of the locally-raised steaks served at Red Oak Steakhouse at cattle is coming Downstream Casino resort. from from the time it’s born to the time it hits your plate. You know what you’ve put into it, you know the effort that’s gone into it. You know the gene pool, you know everything about it. Those are the things that really make a difference.” Setterfield said there are no restaurants between Kansas City and Dallas doing what his restaurants are doing — possibly even a wider area. A few high-end steakhouses on the coasts are doing this sort of thing, but those are in large cities where there’s a certain percentage of the population who will take the time to search out that sort of dining experience. What Downstream is doing, Setterfield said, is bringing that experience to every customer who walks in the door. “We’ve taken the time to really do our homework and present to you something that nobody else does,” he said. “You really don’t have to go that far. That shows the extra effort that Downstream Casino puts into everything they do. “Nobody here had to do this. We didn’t have to go above and beyond in this way. We’re doing it because we want to do it for everyone that comes into the casino.” 8
T tribA L K
Shawnee tribe to build casino in Guymon, Okla.
GUYMON, Okla. — Shawnee tribal leaders announced plans recently to build a high-quality casino entertainment center on 107 acres southwest of Guymon, Okla., in Texas County. Named the Golden Mesa Casino to honor the natural beauty of the region, the casino entertainment center will be the first of its kind built in the Oklahoma Panhandle. The casino will be located approximately 2 1/2 miles southwest of Guymon on the south side of State Highway 54 and will become a destination location and economic engine for the area, according to an economic feasibility study. The project will feature approximately 600 electronic games and eight black jack tables as well as a restaurant and bar. Architects have designed the casino entertainment center to accommodate future expansion. “We are pleased to announce our plans today to develop a casino entertainment center just outside Guymon, Okla.,” said Ron Sparkman, chief of the Shawnee Tribe. “Today’s announcement comes after two years of thorough research that confirmed the viability of building a 60,000-square-foot, high-quality center in the heart of the Oklahoma Panhandle. The new center will position Guymon and the entire Oklahoma Panhandle as an entertainment and tourist destination point, attracting visitors from Texas, Kansas, New Mexico and Colorado. In addition to the inflow of money to the area from out-of-state visitors, the center is projected to create 175 new jobs with a total annual payroll of$3.7 million, which will boost the local economy and benefit existing retail, hospitality and restaurant businesses.” Sparkman indicated he expects construction will begin in late 2016. He said the tribe is currently taking all required steps to complete the planning process associated with developing a casino entertainment center. “We’ve known for a long time casino entertainment centers in Oklahoma drive tourism dollars to the state, which, in turn, support local businesses, benefit communities and support a range of government services,” said Russell Evans, senior economist at the Oklahoma City University Steven C. Agee Economic Research and Policy Institute. “The intangible benefits of a casino entertainment center in the Oklahoma Panhandle will be higher than in other areas because it will contribute substantially to creating a robust hospitality and tourism industry in this part of STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 25
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gaming
Behind the Tables
Behind the scenes with those who work card games at casinos AS TOLD BY Zach Collums [Casino Connection]
I
t’s not all about the cards. From dealers, to pit bosses, to table games managers, working in card games at casinos can be an intense job. Whether it’s dealing on high-stakes hands or making sure each customer is happy all at the same time, those who work behind the tables must be able to handle the pressure. If you ask anyone who works behind the tables, it’s all about the fun. Amanda Bragg, a dealer at Downstream Casino for seven years, didn’t initially want to become one of those people at a job fair, Bragg decided she would try out being a cocktail waitress and see what happened. After being convinced to start in table games, she’s never looked back. “In the last seven years, I’ve met a lot of really good people and become really good friends with them so when they come in it makes my day,” Bragg said. 10
STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 11
GAMING
“That’s the part I probably enjoy the most.” Bragg is not the only one, though. In fact, if you talk with those who work behind the tables long enough, they’ll tell you just how much they love it. One of the biggest responsibilities of any dealer is to build relationships with their co-workers as well as your customers. Sometimes those relationships go even deeper. Ronnie Wise, who started off as a casino technician in 2006, met Bragg when he started working at Downstream. Now, the two are engaged. For Wise, the relationships are the best part about his job. “I fell in love with it,” Wise said. “You build a lot of relationships when you deal on tables, in the casino and outside. I could say a lot of things that I’ve done since I’ve been a dealer, a lot of people that I have met have actually helped me out in my life overall.” Not every day in the casino is the same, however. Cindy Courtney, the table games director at Buffalo Run, has been in the business for more than 30 years, working up from dealer to her current position. For Courtney, the ever-changing atmosphere is what she loves most about table games. “Its a constantly changing job,” Courtney said. “It’s never the same day two days in
a row because of your interactions with people and the situations that happen.” Although table games do come with plenty of responsibilities, dealing cards or managing dealers can be one of most flexible and fun inside a casino, and out. Mia Denman, a four-year dealer at Buffalo Run, worked in healthcare before she moved into the casino business. From seeing people at their worst to seeing people relaxing and having fun, Denman said it’s most fun she’s had at any job. “It’s a fun way to make a living,” Denman said. “Not many people can say they go to work and play all day.” From building relationships to keeping customers satisfied, those who work behind the tables have the task of making people happy. Happiness at the tables games isn’t a one way street, though. Matt Howard, table games manager at Indigo Sky, has worked in casinos for 15 years. From taking care of dealers, to taking care of customers, there’s not much Howard doesn’t like about the job. “The job is a really great job,” Howard said. “You are standing here and entertaining people.You’re making their day better which if you do a good job, it usually makes your day a lot better. You get emotionally attached to a lot of players and it’s very rewarding.”
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new opening
Kansas Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board picks Kansas Crossing BY Andrew Nash [Casino Connection]
TOPEKA, Kan. – Southeast Kansas will have a casino, and it will be located in Pittsburg. The Kansas Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board (LGFRB) voted 5-2 in favor of Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel, a proposed 625-slot facility. Each of the seven members’ written ballots were read aloud before they described the reasons for the selection. LGFRB member Kevin Cook’s explanation reflected the other four votes in favor of Kansas Crossing. “The words that jumped out and stuck out were that it was properly sized for the market. The applicant has history with State of Kansas, has the background, and has a reasonable timeline,” Cook said. “The facilities met the needs as described by statute. They’re the best overall Kansas draw, while still catering to the locals. It’s also important to be connected to the community.” As the votes were read, many were praying, crossing fingers and holding their breath. But perhaps none so much as P.J. and Heidi Holman. P.J.’s family has owned the property that will become Kansas Crossing for more than 50 years. “It’s just been a long process. It’s good for the county, it’s good for the city, it’s good for the state. They’re good operators with a proven track record,” P.J. Holman said.
“
The facilities met the needs as described by statute. They’re the best overall Kansas draw, while still catering to the locals. It’s also important to be connected to the community.” - LGFRB member Kevin Cook
Officials with Camptown Casino could not be reached after the meeting. Castle Rock Casino Resort received the other two votes, from chairman Jack Bower and from board member Lisa Pleasure. Castle Rock partner Rodney Steven II said he was disappointed with the decision. “We got beat, boss,” Steven said after the decision. “I think Southeast Kansas lost out personally. They had a chance to do something great. We could hit it out of the park. Instead, we got a mediocre facility with 500-600 slots and one restaurant. We had a chance for something great. This is tough to understand.” By statute, the City of Pittsburg, Crawford County and Cherokee County will each receive 1 percent of gaming revenues from Kansas Crossing, which is expected to open “13 months from today,” according to partner Bruce Christenson. That’s music to the ears of Crawford County Commissioner Carl Wood. “I’m sorry for Camptown that they didn’t get it. It’s great that it’s in Crawford County. I think it’s a plus, and the jobs and the tax basing,” Wood said. “It’ll be a big boost to our tax base.” The winning bid will now head to the final hurdle of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which has 10 days to complete a background check and make a yes-no vote.
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upcoming
Bulls ‘stampede’ bringing new events to Bordertown Casino & Arena BY Kaylea M. Hutson [Casino Connection]
Kaylea M. Hutson
A 2-year-old bull takes part in the first futurity event at Bordertown Casino and Arena.
If Rick Smith has his way, his plan to bring bull riding to Bordertown Casino and Arena will not be a gamble, but rather a sure bet. Smith, the general manager for Bordertown, introduced bull-centered events to the casino and arena located in West Seneca, Oklahoma in a series of opening events in May and June. This month, a three weekend stretch will cement Bordertown’s place as a bull-riding destination within the four-state area. The events include those featuring futurity, derby and classic competitions. “We’ve created a unique atmosphere with state of the art equipment, mid-range entry fees and high dollar payouts,” Smith said. “We’re attracting the best of the best, in a casino-orientated atmosphere.” In the first futurity, more than 100 slots were filled with bulls representing owners from throughout multiple states including Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and New Mexico. The first event in June which featured riders drew more than 144 bulls. Smith said with some creative penning by owners, the events will be able to draw in up to 144 bulls every time. “We have exceeded our opening expectations,” Smith said. “We expect to be buzz of the bull industry as time goes on.” Smith said he hopes owners see the events at Bordertown provide a huge payout — more than other events of the same size.
About the events
During the futurity events, a 25 pound dummy, in the shape of a black box, is tied onto the bull’s back. Riders are used for the derby and classic events. Six judges sit in various stands throughout the arena,
STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 15
Save The Date
Kaylea M. Hutson
Cowboys line the chutes to watch as a 2-yearold bull takes part in the first futurity event at Bordertown Casino. 14
Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee will perform at Bordertown Casino and Arena on Aug. 21 and 22. The concerts are part of the casino’s Urban Cowboy Weekend. Concerts are free, but space is limited to under 1,000 guests in the Lost Creek Saloon venue. Concerts typically begin at 9 p.m.
upcoming judging various techniques displayed by the animals. Smith said a bull’s score is based upon the combined score of the judges, after the top and bottom scores are kicked out. Smith said he is developing a team of judges, which he considers the “best of the best” from Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. He said judges will rotate through the various events, so that every event has fresh judges. Smith sees the events as a “win-win” for both casino officials and the bull owners. “We bring them in, and give them back 100 percent of their entry fees,” Smith said. “We’re using it as a marketing tool because it draws 200 to 300 people who wouldn’t normally come to Seneca to visit our hotel, eat our food and take part in our machine and table play. “We want this to be a true destination for whatever reason.”
Upcoming Events at Bordertown
Saturday, July 25 6 p.m., Bordertown Futurity $500 entry fee with 100 percent payback $10,000 added prize money Saturday, Aug. 1 6 p.m., Bordertown Derby $500 entry fee with 100 percent payback $5,000 added prize money Saturday, Aug. 8 6 p.m., UBBI Sanctioned Event
Bringing Bulls to Bordertown
For Smith, the combination of gaming and bulls at Bordertown unites two of his passions in life. He has 40 years worth of combined experience with 25 in the gaming industry and 15 in the bull breeding industry. He expects some local breeders will use the events at Bordertown as a platform to see how their bulls stack up against bulls from larger operations. “Everyone’s bulls buck at home,” Smith said. “But this will give them a platform to use.” Smith said because entry fees are considered to be “mid-level,” smaller operations are able to participate; while the payouts entice larger bull breeders to take part in the competition. “For some, it’s a chance to see if their bulls can play with the big boys,” Smith said.
Did You Know?
The age of the bull is determined by January 1 of each year. Futurity — 2-year-old bulls with a weighted dummy on their back. Derby — 3-year-old bulls with riders. Classic — 4-year-old bulls with riders. The official dummy of the BTCA is the “Black Box Dually Dummy”, which weighs 23 pounds. Bulls competing in a BTCA Futurity event will be bucked for five seconds using the official dummy.
While the events are not officially linked to either the American Bucking Bull, Inc., or the United Bucking Bulls, Inc., Smith said Bordertown officials have pulled the best regulations from both organizations and others when developing the competitions.
Future Plans
This summer, plans call for Bordertown’s program to become an official sanctioned event for the Oklahoma Bucking Bull Association. Smith said casino officials see it as a way to help the young association of bull breeders to grow as an organization. He hopes the partnership between the OBBA and Bordertown will be complete by August 1, when the next Derby will be held. Future plans also call for Bordertown officials to develop a point system, which would allow bulls taking part in the events to qualify for a final competition each year. Smith said the schedule for the first season is being finalized to have at least one futurity, derby and classic each month through November 2015. The 2016 events will begin in January, with a fresh crop of 2-year-old bulls. Bordertown Casino & Arena is located at 129 West Oneida West Seneca, Oklahoma, near the Oklahoma/Missouri state line. For more information, persons interested may visit www.bordertowncasino.com.
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entertainment
Sizzling Hot summer line up BY Melinda Stotts [Casino Connection]
Just like the weather in Oklahoma, the summer entertainment lineup at area casinos is sizzling hot. The possibilities are wide open for summertime fun, great music, laughs, and gaming at Downstream Casino Resort, Buffalo Run Casino Resort, Indigo Sky Casino, the Stables Casino and Wyandotte Nation Casino. This summer’s schedule is packed full of a variety of opportunities for some great music and live shows at each of these casinos. The Fourth of July weekend kicks off summer in a big way. The 80s tribute band Members Only is back by popular demand July 4 at Buffalo Run Casino. Indigo Sky Casino has a $10,000 Big Bang Celebration for players from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4 awarding $400 cash every hour to four winners and at 10 p.m. one winner will get to play for $10,000 in cash. Wear your red, white and blue and celebrate the holiday! Country Music fans will find plenty of music to love and to entertain them with a line up of amazing top of the charts artists and up and coming acts with with Trace Adkins at Downstream July 3, Runnin’ On Empty July 9 & July 10 at Indigo Sky, John Conlee performing July 10 at Buffalo Run Casino, Southern Ground will be at Indigo Sky July 16, Stonehorse is at Indigo Sky July 18, on July 31 Travis Tritt and Tonya Tucker will be at Downstream, Queens of Country is at Indigo Sky July 23, and Derryl Perry will be performing at Indigo Sky Casino July 30. Adkins is a six foot six Country superstar with a signature powerful baritone voice which has sold millions of albums and powered numerous hits such as “Every Light in the House,” “This Ain’t No Thinkin’ Thing,” “You’re Going To Miss This,” and “ Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.” Adkins is multi-talented appearing on NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice, acting, serving as a spokesperson and authoring an autobiography. John Conlee is a real deal Country classic with success that began in the late 70s with the megahit “ Rose Colored Glasses.” He went on to make more chart topping hits with his smooth, rich voice including “ Lady Lay Down,” “ Friday Night Blues,” “Miss Emily’s Picture” and “As Long As I’m Rocking With You.” Having one of the strongest voices ever to grace a stage, Travis Tritt, tore up country charts with his southern soulful sound with hits, “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “ Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” “Can I Trust You With My Heart,” and“ Foolish Pride.” Tritt will take the stage at Downstream with Tanya Tucker who started singing as a teen topping country charts with her huge hit “Delta Dawn.” Decades later Tucker continued to use her gift on songs such as “Strong STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 17
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entertainment Enough To Bend” and “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane.” A great sampling for fanatics of Country and Red Dirt music will be offered at the Downstream Country Music Festival Sept. 4 & Sept. 5 with Josh Abbott Band, Eli Young Band, Pat Green, Chase Rice, Whiskey Myers and Waterloo Revival on the roster. The Josh Abbott Band’s song “Oh Tonight” was a billboard chart climber and “She’s Like Texas” sent fans running for their album. The Eli Young Band’s song “Crazy Girl” got major radio play winning them an American Country Music Award for Song of the Year and a Grammy nomination. Two more Number 1 hits soon followed for the band with “Even If it Breaks Your Heart” and “Drunk Last Night.” A chance to rock with the perfect sounds of summer is offered July 19 at Downstream with the Beach Boys, Rocked N Loaded at Indigo Sky July 17, KC and the Sunshine Band on August 15 at Downstream Casino and Journey Unauthorized at Wyandotte Casino July 18. For fifty years starting in the 1960s the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers’ West Coast story of the Beach Boys has been the ultimate sound of summer music – the background
music for memories and summer living with surf rock songs like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Kokomo,” and “Good Vibrations.” Millions of fans spanning multiple generations can once again hear the unmatched harmonies at Downstream July 19. KC and the Sunshine Band’s music is uberfamiliar with songs featured at every major sporting event in the world and on more than 200 motion picture film soundtracks with songs that get you on your feet. Who can sit still when the band starts playing “Get Down Tonight,” “Boogie Shoes,” “Shake Your Booty,” “that’s The Way I Like It” and “I’m Your Boogie Man.” Smooth listening is offered with the sounds of Michael McDonald on Aug. 21, Oreo Blue a high-energy rocking Blues band at Indigo Sky Casino July 31, Uncrowned Kings will be at Indigo Sky Casino July 24, the Dirty Saints will be performing at Indigo Sky on July 25. A good laugh is always welcome and the Loony Saloon comedy club at Stables Casino has top comedians scheduled starting July 3 with Steve Hirst and special guest Quartez Wynn, on July 10 &11 Eric Hunter with special guest Marcus Lane, on July 17&18 Donna Carter with
special guest Jim Seward, and on July 24 & 25 Chris Schlichting with special guest Longhorn. Hirst hails from the UK and uses impressions, music and humor to entertain and sure to bring laughter. Comedienne Carter identifies herself as a “southern belle with a heart of cornbread,” and has a comedy CD titled ‘ Fat Girls Don’t Wrinkle.’ Schlichting is the self-proclaimed “Funniest Comedian in Iowa (named Chris Schlichting).” Catching any one of these shows will leave you short of breath from laughing, a great fun way to spend your evening while sipping a cocktail or ice cold beer with friends. Events are scheduled offering plenty of summer fun for players from the latest and newest gaming machines to table games with a chance to win some killer jackpots. The weather is hot and so are the poker tables with weekly tournaments offered at most casinos for a chance to get in on the action. The $25,000 Buffalo Run Casino Summer Classic Blackjack Tournament is scheduled July 18 with all player buy-ins going into the pool for payouts for 1st place of $12,000 in cash, 2nd place $4,250 in cash, and 3rd place $2,500 in cash.
17
relaxation
Summer pools for visiting casino guests
Courtesy Photo
The indoor pool at Downstream Casino & Resort. Hotel guests and Gold Q-Club Card members can receive food and drink service.
pit and a hot tub. It is located behind the hotel with yearround bar service. Swimming pools are a great “The pool bar is open from way to cool off from the sum- 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday mer heat or a good way to relax through Thursday and 10 a.m. while enjoying a vacation. Two to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturcasinos in the area offer pools day,” Harrison said. “The pool to their hotel guests — Down- is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. stream Casino Resort in Qua- Sunday through Thursday paw and Indigo Sky Casino in and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. (There is) Wyandotte. no life guard on duty.” Downstream’s outdoor pool: After 8 p.m. the pool is The outdoor pool is located adults only and through the behind the Osotouy Hotel day children 16 years of age Tower and was made public and under must be accompawhen the hotel opened in nied by an adult. November of 2008. The outdoor pool bar can “The pool is only for hotel seat up to 10 people, and there guests,” Downstream Spokesare over 100 chairs outside man Sean Harrison said. surrounding the pool, not in“Although, our Gold Card cluding the cabanas, Harrison members have access to the said. The cabanas offer water pools, regardless of whether misters for those extremely hot they are checked into the hotel. days. The cabana rental rates Gold card members have acare priced differently dependCourtesy Photo cess to the pool every day. All ing on the day or holiday. The outdoor pool and hot tub at Downstream others must be staying in the “Hotel guests are invited Casino & Resort in Quapaw. Cabanas with hotel and present their room to enjoy the pool and Jacuzzi water misters can be rented for a fee. Guests key to receive towels. ” from their own cabana,” Harriwho book an all-inclusive cabana are alThe casino offers a heated, son said. “Rental is seven days lowed to order off the room service menu. outdoor pool, cabanas, a fire a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.” BY Kimberly Barker [Casino Connection]
20 18 18
The cabanas offer a couch, chairs, a coffee table and a fireplace. Amenities include a refrigerator stocked with six juices (two orange juice, two cranberry and two apple), six sodas (two Cokes, two Diet drinks and two Sprite) and six waters. There is also a fruit platter and an assortment of snacks. The cabana offers six bags of chips, six granola bars and three bags of Gardetto’s snack mix. “We do not allow any outside food or drink at the pool,” Harrison said. “We offer complimentary water to our guest. We have a full bar and limited food menu that offers chips, candy, sandwiches and salads. People that book an allinclusive cabana are allowed to order off the room service menu.” The cabana rental rates are as follows: Monday through Friday $125 for an all day rental and $75 for a half day rental. Saturday and Sunday are $175 for STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 19
relaxation
Kimberly Barker
The outdoor pool and hot tub at Indigo Sky Casino in Wyandotte, Oklahoma. The hot tub can seat up to six people, and the pool’s maximum capacity is 156 people. an all day rental and $100 for a half day rental. Holidays or special events for an all day rental are $225 and $125 for a half day rental. For non-inclusive rental with no amenities is $8 an hour and $50 all day. An additional 18 percent gratuity for the cabana host will be added to the daily charge and processed on the final bill. Food service is available upon request. “We do allow gatherings and weddings at the pool,” Harrison said. “All those events are booked through our sales department. The sales main number is 918- 919-6176 or 918919-6178.”
Indigo Sky outdoor pool:
Indigo Sky Casino offers a large, heated outdoor pool with a waterfall and a hot tub. “We’ve had the pool since we opened,” Hotel Manager Jordan Hughes said. “Our three year anniversary will be in September.” The maximum capacity of the pool is 156 people. “It drives a lot of our business in the summer,” Hughes said. “They love it. We have a lot of people who aren’t staying at the hotel ask if we can use the pool. It’s an amenity strictly for our hotel guests (and RV guests).” There are two cabanas without fireplaces and Downstream’s indoor pool: two with fireplaces located on opposite sides of “The indoor pool, on the ground level of the pool. The cabanas are free of charge with a the Kappa Hotel Tower, was built in 2011, and reservation. opened in January of 2012 when the rest of “You can reserve them, but we don’t do it for Kappa was opened,” Harrison said. “The indoor a price, right now, because we don’t have any pool features a nice indoor-outdoor feeling extra amenities to go with them,” Hughes said. because the large plate-glass doors open up to “You don’t get cocktail service or anything like an outdoor patio.” that, but if you are going to be here for a couple Hotel guests and Gold Q-Club Card memof days, you can call us, and we’ll try our best bers can receive food and drink service. to reserve it for you. If you’re a hotel guest, then Indoor pool hours are from Sunday to there is no charge.” Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday and A cocktail waitress serves outdoor guests and Saturday, the pool opens at 8 a.m. and closes at is not solely exclusive to cabanas. Drinks are 11 p.m. Bar service opens daily at 10 a.m. After allowed inside the pool as long as it is not in a 8 p.m. the pool is adults only glass container. “We like having two pools — one inside “The cocktail waitress comes outside to the and one outside,” Harrison said. “We think it’s pool every 15 minutes,” Hughes said. “No glass, important to have a wide variety of amenities, but we offer everything.” activities and features to add to the overall A waterfall is also featured in the pool with a ‘resort’ feeling of our guests’ visits here. Like the bench submerged underneath it. Located by the Nee Spa, it’s a way to relax. It is a far different waterfall is the hot tub. setting and atmosphere from the excitement of “We have a hot tub right over by the waterthe gaming floor or a concert, so it’s all about fall,” Hughes said. “It seats at least six people. unwinding, and getting some quiet time.” The depths are about three and a half feet.”
Kimberly Barker
The outdoor pool and hot tub at Indigo Sky Casino in Wyandotte, Oklahoma. The pool is heated and offers free cabanas to hotel guests with a reservation.
The casino does not currently offer entertainment at poolside. There are occasional V.I.P. events by the pool, but they are invitation only. Individuals are not not allowed to reserve the pool for events like weddings or social gatherings. “We’ve thrown that idea around I don’t know how many times,” Hughes said. “I don’t like the thought of closing it to my guests. I want it to be available to them all of the time.” The casino offers complimentary towels located by the door, which are always stocked. Hughes said there is no lifeguard on duty but is constantly monitored by security surveillance to ensure protection. After 8 p.m. the pool is adults only. “The pool is open until 2 a.m., which is quite late for most hotel pools,” Hughes said. “It opens at 6 a.m. Then at 8 p.m., it is 18 years of age or older.” The pool even offers an entryway fountain for children. Hughes said the hotel guests really enjoy it. “It’s nice (to be one of the only casinos with a pool),” Hughes said. “I can’t imagine working at a hotel of this stature that didn’t have a pool. It’s crazy how much of a driving factor it is.” 19
Expansion Wyandotte Nation Casino
gets innovative
in expansion, renovation project
BY William Swaim [Casino Connection]
WYANDOTTE — In a highly competitive market, when it came to renovating and expanding the Wyandotte Nation Casino, the goal was to ‘innovate’ and not ‘duplicate’ what others were doing in the region. “By any measure the patrons will have a sense of a totally new casino with very little of anything that resembles the casino prior to the remodel,” said Gary Johnson, the Wyandotte Nation Casino General Manager. “It will be a whole new experience. The expansion will allow us to add more games and more variety than ever before.” The Wyandotte Nation Casino recently completed its planned extensive expansion and redesign. Wyandotte Nation Chief Billy Friend said it is important to offer entertainment setting the Wyandotte Nation Casino apart. “When the team sat down and really got creative and came up with this project, we fell in love with it. We’re very excited about it. We are offering something different in the market we are in,” the Chief said. “Most people who aren’t from this area don’t understand how competitive it is. This sets us apart.” Chief Friend said most expansions in this area have been on the hotel side or the gaming side of things. STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 21 20
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expansion
He said this project wasn’t really focused on a gaming expansion, but more on providing another entertainment option for those who may not necessarily be into gaming, but maybe “want to come hear a band, dance or maybe even bowl a few games.” The $7 million phase one renovation gives the casino a very modern and contemporary look, and expands it by 25,000 square feet to make room for new features such as Club 60 West, a new event and concert venue, bowling lanes, restaurant remodel and expansion, plus meeting and party rooms. “I think what we tried to accomplish when we set out on this project was something different from an entertainment perspective than what any of our competitors had,” said Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma (WTOK) CEO Kelly Carpino. WTOK is the Wyandotte Nation’s federally chartered corporation and provides economic development support for the Tribe. “Whether it is a band, a concert, a comedian – we wanted to create an experience where people can have more of a social gathering spot — a place where they could come for a night of fun.” In addition to the other new fea-
tures, the Twin Bridges Restaurant was revamped with a contemporary look, nearly doubled in size and includes a martini bar, private dining and a new menu. Phase two of the project, the Casino’s 12,500 sq. foot addition to the north, featured an expanded gaming floor accommodating nearly 300 additional games, a new and relocated high limit slot area with a VIP lounge. It also features a new and enlarged players club and gift shop along with a conveniently located casino host and group sales offices. One of the most striking features is the light display as patrons enter the building similar to the light features in the ceiling added as part of the phase one remodel. This same feature will be added to the exterior of the building featuring 12 illuminated columns, each depicting one of the 12 Clans that make up the Wyandotte Nation. In addition to the event center and Club 60 West, phase one included a remodel of the existing casino floor including new carpet, a redesign and decorative treatment of the columns, restroom and cashier counter upgrades, the addition of a floor bar on the west end of the casino, and a complete
redesign of the Casino Deli and seating area. Phase two married the two sections and added additional ceiling and lighting features different from those in phase one. Not only did phase two offer more gaming space and many new games, but it moved the Casino entrance and the porte cochere to face Hwy 60. The new high limit slot area is located to the right upon entering. The new high limit slot area was designed to offer both luxury and comfort to the Casino’s high limit players. Besides the game area, the Casino has added a very plush and comfortable VIP lounge where these players can take a break, watch TV, read the newspaper or just relax. No less important is the treatment the building is getting on the outside. Besides the new entrance, the exterior of the building has a colorful new look and illuminated features. “We think it will be impossible to drive by without stopping to check us out, and once in you’ll be treated to an experience unlike any other,” Johnson said. “I couldn’t be prouder of the time, effort and long hours the staff has put in to make it happen.” 21
faces & places Judy wins $19,500 at Downstream Casino.
Wayne wins $10,000 at Downstream Casino.
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Carolyn wins $20,000 at Wyandotte Casino.
Mark wins $20,000 at Downstream Casino.
faces & places
Joann won a 2015 Ford Mustang Convertible at Wyandotte Casino Joan Jett & the Blackhearts performed at the Buffalo Run Casino June 13
Rita wins $20,768 at Wyandotte Casino
Jean wins $8,893 at Wyandotte Casino
Vickie wins $20,000 at Wyandotte Casino 23
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STORY CONtinued from PAGE 8
the state. It will be a real win-win for the area.” “Diversifying the economy in the Panhandle of Oklahoma is one of the top priorities of our organization. Today’s announcement about plans to build a casino entertainment center near Guymon by the Shawnee Tribe and its partner, Global Gaming Solutions, one of the most successful companies in the entertainment industry, represents a major step toward achieving our goal of greater economic
diversification,” said Vicki-Ayres Portman, executive director of the Panhandle Regional Economic Development Coalition. “The new casino entertainment center will bring quality new jobs and substantial economic benefits to the entire Panhandle region. We look forward to working with Chief Sparkman and his leadership team to bring this development to fruition.” Sparkman said, “As a business enterprise, we recognize the importance of being a good local citizen. As such, we believe in
T tribA L K
doing our part to build a better and stronger Panhandle region by working with area communities and organizations to support programs aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens. We look forward to joining the local business community and working together for the greater good of the region.” For more information on the project, please visit www.goldenmesacasino.com or find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenMesaCasino.
Courtesy Photo
An artist’s rendering of the proposed Golden Mesa Casino project in Guymon. The Shawnee tribe announced the project Wednesday.
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the perks
You say it’s your birthday?
Buffalo Run Casino Free play during the month of your birthday. Reward value based on the color of your card Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs Win up to $500 rewards play when you play the Birthday game Downstream Casino Swipe your Q-Club card the month of your birthday and receive $10-50 free play Grand Lake Casino $10 free play applied to your players club card High Winds Casino $5 free play any one day during your birthday month Indigo Sky Casino $7 in free play the month of your birthday Bordertown Casino and Arena $7 in free play the month of your birthday Outpost Casino $7 in free play on your rewards card on your birthday Lucky Turtle Casino $5 free play the day of your birthday Prairie Moon Casino $5 free play the month of your birthday Prairie Sun Casino $5 free play the month of your birthday Quapaw Casino $5 free play the day of your birthday Stables Casino $5 free play the day of your birthday Wyandotte Casino Prize based on players past 12 months of carded play $5 -$25 plus Twin Bridges Restaurant offer
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SUCCESS is in the cards
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Miami is home to more than 500 hotel rooms. With so many attractions to visit, and events to enjoy, we know you will love your stay with us!
calendar of events
BEACH BOYS coming to the July 3 & 4 Wyandotte Casino The Stonehorse Band (Club 60 West) July 3 & 4th Bordertown Casino and Arena Milton Patton July 3 & 4 Indigo Sky Casino Sweet Trouble July 3 & 4 Buffalo Run, Trailer Park The Sex July 3 & 4 Loony Saloon Steve Hirst July 4 Buffalo Run Casino Members Only 9:30 pm 28
July 7 Indigo Sky Casino Donnie Stevens
July 10 & 11 Buffalo Run, Trailer Park The Sex
July 17 Indigo Sky Casino Rocked n Loaded
July 9 & 10 Indigo Sky Casino Phil McGarrah
July 10 & 11 Loony Saloon Eric Hunter
July 17 Bordertown Casino and Arena Southern Ground
July 9 Buffalo Run Casino Kix Listener Appriciation Show 8:00 pm
July 11 Wyandotte Casino Big Smitty Band (Club 60 West)
July 17 & 18 Buffalo Run, Trailer Park Paralandra
July 10 Buffalo Run Casino John Conlee 8:00 pm July 10 Wyandotte Casino DJ Deeko (Club 60 West) July 10 Bordertown Casino and Arena Travis Kidd
July 11 Indigo Sky Casino Eddie Valen July 11 Bordertown Casino and Arena Southern Ground
July 16 Indigo Sky Casino Southern Ground
Loony Saloon Donna Carter July 17 & 18 Wyandotte Casino Hi-Fidelics (Club 60 West) July 18 Indigo Sky Casino Stonehorse July 18 Bordertown Casino and Arena Bellamy Brothers
calendar of events
DOWNSTREAM CASINO July 18 Wyandotte Casino Journey Unauthorized (Club 60 West Event Center) July 19 Downstream Casino Beach Boys 8 pm July 23 Indigo Sky Casino Queens of Country (Subject to Change)
July 24 Indigo Sky Casino The Uncrowned Kings
July 25 Indigo Sky Casino Dirty Saints
August 1 Bordertown Casino and Arena Big Smo
July 24 Bordertown Casino and Arena Jamie Wolfe and the Wranglers
July 25 Bordertown Casino and Arena Gary Gibson
August 1 Indigo Sky Casino Downtown Livewires
July 24 & 25 Wyandotte Casino Joe Worrel Band (Club 60 West) July 24 & 25 Loony Saloon Chris Schlichting
July 30 Indigo Sky Casino Derryl Perry July 31 Indigo Sky Casino Oreo Blue July 31 Bordertown Casino and Arena Derryl Perry July 31 Downstream Casino Travis Tritt & Tanya Tucker 7 pm July 31st and August 1 Wyandotte Casino The Stonehorse Band (Club 60 West)
August 6 Indigo Sky Casino Dewayne Bowman August 7 Indigo Sky Casino Diversity
calendar of events August 7 Bordertown Casino and Arena Mark Chapman
August 8 Bordertown Casino and Arena Southern Green
August 13 Indigo Sky Casino Leslie Serrano
August 21 Indigo Sky Casino Kidd/Ray
August 7 & 8 Wyandotte Casino Centrefire (Club 60 West)
August 8 Indigo Sky Casino Big Smitty
August 14 Wyandotte Casino Travis Kidd (Club 60 West)
August 21 & 22 Wyandotte Casino Phil Vaught (Club 60 West)
August 14 Bordertown Casino and Arena Kinsey Sadler
August 22 Bordertown Casino and Arena Johnny Lee
August 14 Indigo Sky Casino Boombox Revival
August 15 Downstream Casino KC & The Sunshine Band and Village People 7 pm August 15 Bordertown Casino and Arena Justin Heskett August 15 Indigo Sky Casino Eddie Valen
August 22 Indigo Sky Casino Leah & The Mojo Doctors August 27 Indigo Sky Casino Donnie Ray Stevens August 28 Indigo Sky Casino Sweet Trouble August 28 Bordertown Casino and Arena Milton Patton
August 15 Wyandotte Casino Travis Kidd (Club 60 West)
August 28 Wyandotte Casino (Club 60 West) Merle Jam
August 20 Indigo Sky Casino Midwestern Playboys
August 29 Bordertown Casino and Arena Milton Patton
August 21 Michael McDonald 8:00 pm
August 29 Indigo Sky Casino Sweet Trouble
August 21 Bordertown Casino and Arena Mickey Gilley
August 29 Wyandotte Casino Uncrowned Kings (Club 60 West)