Largest Casino Resort In Oklahoma

Oklahoma is often stuck within that space sometimes referred to as “fly over country.” We never really visit and it’s not a state that’s really a destination, but it’s there and we know it is, if we ever need it to be. But why not visit Oklahoma? The wide open spaces, the rustic atmosphere, the small-town charm—it’s all there.

Don’t believe us? Check out some of these properties all over the state, and see what’s just waiting to be discovered when you decide to dive in to one of the least visited states in the country.

WinStar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville: Hours, Address, WinStar World Casino and Resort Reviews: 3.5/5. This is the largest casino ever and staff are very. The largest casino in Oklahoma happens to be the largest casino in the U.S. It’s the WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, just north of the Oklahoma and Texas border on the Red River. Choctaw Casino Resort: Durant: Bryan: Oklahoma: Southeast - Kiamichi Country. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa: Catoosa: Rogers: Oklahoma. World's Largest as of. If you want to truly experience the World’s Biggest Casino, you need a room of your own. Between the nearly 1,400 rooms of WinStar’s three lavishly appointed hotel towers, the simple convenience and 100+ rooms in The Inn at WinStar and the flexibility of the Fun Town RV Park at WinStar and its 160 spacious sites, you can choose to stay in. The WinStar World Casino Hotel is determined to meet – and exceed – your every expectation. From your choice of three lavishly appointed hotel towers, you’ll have a soaring view of the Oklahoma woods and hills or one of our glistening pools. Whatever you desire, we aim to satisfy – day or night.

Here are the best resorts in Oklahoma:

1. Echo Canyon Spa Resort

Echo Canyon Spa Resort

This resort was voted the Best Hotel in Oklahoma by popular online news site MSN. It offers private accommodations that are perfect for couples looking to get away, and you can choose from suites, cottages and cabins, whatever fits your visit more.

The five-star spa is a favorite, and they’re right next to Oklahoma’s only national park, perfect for the outdoorsmen and nature lovers.

In addition to encouraging couples to visit, they also offer great amenities for ladies looking for a quick group getaway, at their spa, which has been voted one of the best in Oklahoma for several years.

Not sure how to make it there? They’re located just a 2-hour drive from Dallas and an hour’s drive from Oklahoma City.

Website: http://echocanyonmanor.com

2. Quartz Mountain Resort Arts & Conference Center

Quartz Mountain Resort

Situated within the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma (near the Texas border), this resort is great for retreats, workshops and group travel, away from the busy atmosphere of Dallas and Oklahoma City.

The resort boasts that it’s the premier destination in the southwest portion of the state, and their lodge-like inspiration lends a tone of mysticism to the environment.

Activities abound, and you can choose to head to the onsite arts institute, play a round of golf, go on a hike or even go boating on the lake.

Website: http://www.quartzmountainresort.com

3. Southern Oaks Resort

Southern Oaks Resort

This property continues the lakeside resort theme, which you’ll find is a pretty common occurrence in the midwestern portion of the United States.

This resort allows you to choose from various cabin villas, so you can pick one that fits the size of your travel group, whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, family or a larger group.

Southern Oaks is the closest resort to Grand Lake, in Langley, Oklahoma, where you can find fishing, boating, parasailing and hiking.

The lake is also famous because it’s home to Pensacola Dam, the largest multi arch dam in the world.

Onsite amenities at the resort include plenty of outdoor common spaces with outdoor fireplaces and lawn games, courts, indoor games rooms, a saltwater pool and lots of patios.

Website: http://www.southernoaksresort.com

4. Shangri-La Resort

Shangri-La Resort

Another lakeside resort, Shangri-La caters to the elite looking to golf in Oklahoma.

The resort’s hotel has 120 guest rooms, a large resort pool (including a children’s pool), a luxury spa, a rooftop bar overlooking the nearby lake, huge amounts of event space and tons of dining.

The golf experience itself is superb, and the course is considered one of the Top 5 within the state.

There are 27 new golf holes, 10-minutes tee times and views of Grand Lake.

If golf’s not your thing, you’re tired of being at the pool and you aren’t in the mood for a spa visit, they also offer a full-service marina, so you can rent a boat (or even a yacht) and explore the 1,300 miles of shore.

Website: http://www.shangrilaok.com

5. Grand Casino Hotel & Resort

Grand Casino Hotel & Resort

Oklahoma is known in the area as having some fantastic casino resorts, so much so that you’ll have travelers from all the surrounding states coming to Oklahoma to enjoy them.

Grand Casino Hotel & Resort has, of course, the casino, but also the spa and lots of dining and entertainment.

The hotel received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, and has more than 260 guest rooms spread out over 14 floors (one of which is a VIP floor). The Grand Spa has an expansive menu, for whether you need just an hour treatment or something more extensive.

There’s a ton of meeting space, four dining choices and a golf club.

Website: http://www.grandresortok.com

6. The Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa

The Artesian Hotel

Take a look at The Artesian, and you’re not going to believe it’s a casino at first glance.

The outward facade is classy, elegant and looks a little bit like it belongs on a university campus.

The Artesian is the rebuilt Artesian Hotel, which was established in 1906, when it hosted many celebrities.

Now, the new hotel, which was built after the original was destroyed in a fire, tries to reclaim the same elegance and panache.

You can expect three upscale dining experiences, an indulgent spa and a vibrant gaming scene.

The accommodations are both elegant and laid back.

There are fewer rooms than at other casino resorts, with this one only boasting 81 guest rooms.

Website: http://artesianhotel.com

7. WinStar World Casino and Resort

WinStar World Casino and Resort

Luxury and culture abound at WinStar, one of the most famous casinos in the area. They have tons of gaming, lots of dining and great accommodations.

It’s Oklahoma’s largest casino resort, and offers so much to do, you’ll never get bored, even if you’re not a fan of gaming.

There’s the Event Center (which frequently hosts household name performers), the WinStar goal course, The Spa at WinStar and onsite shopping. It’s all there.

You have several different accommodation options to choose from. You can go with a spacious guest room or suite at the resort’s hotel, or a cozy room at the resort’s “Inn.” There’s about 1,500 guest rooms to choose from, no matter what your tastes are.

The hotels also have two luxurious resort-style pools, surrounded by private cabanas, a pool bar and the spa. There’s hardly an amenity that you won’t be able to find here!

Website: https://www.winstarworldcasino.com

8. Choctaw Casino Resort

Choctaw Casino Resort

There are actually eight Choctaw Casino Resorts spread out through Oklahoma, all operated by the Choctaw nation.

Each is gorgeous in its own way an doffers luxurious amenities that you won’t want to pass up.

You’ll have a hard time deciding which to book! Choose from properties in Durant, Pocola, Grant, McAlester, Broken Bow, Isabel, Stringtown and Stigler.

The one in Durant is one of the most popular, though.

In addition to gaming, dining, shows, entertainment, and a spa, there’s also what they call the “District,” which has a whole other level of fun activities, such as bowling, laser tag, an arcade, a sports bar and a movie theater.

Website: http://www.choctawcasinos.com

9. Longlake Resort

Longlake Resort

Calling itself “Oklahoma’s Best Kept Secret” is certainly the truth.

This beautiful scenic spot is home to all the outdoorsy activities you could want on a scenic lake.

There’s fishing, horseback riding, hiking, you name it! See the roaming buffalo, kayak, swim, go mountain biking, go to the shooting range and enjoy total privacy as you explore it all.

The resort offers luxury lodging in cabins, which are each secluded in their own little wooded nook, so you can really feel like you’re in your own world.

Sizes vary, so you can pick what works for you, whether you’re a traveling family or just a couple.

Website: http://longlakeresort.com

10. Rivers Edge

Rivers Edge

If you’re looking for even more log cabin-style getaways in the Oklahoma wilderness, you can choose to head to Rivers Edge.

Just northeast of Watson (a town with just a post office), there are a selection of cabins for you to choose from, each overlooking the Mountain Fork River in a wilderness setting.

There are 400 private acres, that you can step right into from your luxury accommodations.

Follow the river trails, ride mountain bikes and hike your way through it all! There’s also fishing, scenic driving trails and birdwatching.

It’s the perfect secluded getaway to really enjoy some quiet time!

Website: http://www.riversedgecottages.com

11. Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center

Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center

Situated between the Lake of the Arbuckles and the Arbuckle Mountains, the Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center is a nature resort that also offers a fair amount of luxury.

Guest rooms are highly spacious, with views of the surrounding wilderness and property.

Suites with mini kitchens, all updated and beautiful, are available, and they even come with balconies or a soaking tub.

Other amenities at the resort include pools, a sauna, steam rooms, a fitness center and, of course, a spa.

Website: http://chickasawretreat.com

12. The Skirvin

The Skirvin

Of course, you may not be all that into the wilderness resort and retreat stuff, and that’s okay. Oklahoma also has a few luxury options within its two major cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The Skirvin, by Hilton, is one of these.

Located near the Brockton Entertainment District, it’s centrally located and has hosted a variety of presidents and politicians. It maintains its historic looks and is listed as a Historic Hotel of America. It’s only a short walk from the State Capitol and also the Cox Convention Center, making it very convenient for those traveling on business. On site, there’s a piano bar and lounge, a restaurant and the guest rooms are absolutely elegant.

Website: http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/oklahoma/the-skirvin-hilton-oklahoma-city-OKCSKHF/index.html

13. Ambassador Oklahoma City

Ambassador Oklahoma City

If it’s an Autograph Collection hotel by Marriott, you know it’s got to be good.

So it is with The Ambassador in Oklahoma City.

Historic but modern, this hotel is within the Osler Building, with all its 1920s flair that it had as a medical facility, before being turned into what you see today.

You’re right within easy distance of downtown Oklahoma City and the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

On site you’ll find great restaurant, a rooftop bar, an outdoor pool and a full fitness center.

The rooms are posh and perfect for a restful night’s sleep, each with an elegant design with dark colors, crown molding, sophisticated desk spaces, carefully chosen window treatments and more.

You’ll find it all right here, and may even pick up a few decorating tips while you’re at it!

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/okcak-ambassador-hotel-oklahoma-city-autograph-collection/

14. Ambassador Tulsa

Ambassador Tulsa

Just as there is an Ambassador Autograph Collection hotel in Oklahoma City, so there’s also one in Tulsa! This particular property was created in 1929 by a General Patrick Hurley, who created the Ambassador Hotel as the first extended stay hotel in the state.

At the time, the facade had a Mediterranean look, and was mean to house those rich oil guys and their families while they were out in Oklahoma, overseeing the building of their mansions.

Largest Casino Resort In Oklahoma Panhandle

They would stay in the hotel for a time, and then move on, making way for new barons to take their place.

It quickly became known as one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

After about 50 years, the hotel became an apartment hotel, and then a retirement home, before closing for a decade.

Then, it was purchased, given a $5 million renovation, and that is part of what you see today.

So, explore the gorgeous suites with all their beautiful decor, yellow and black finishes and comfortable technology.

The elegant restaurant, The Chalkboard, is a Tulsa staple, and other amenities include nightly turn down service and luxury airport transportation.

Website: http://ambassadortulsa.com

15. 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City

21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City

The quickly-growing luxury brand, 21c, has made its way to Oklahoma City.

With 135 guest rooms that are modeled after loft apartments in New York’s Soho neighborhood, other on site spaces include a contemporary art museum, a cultural civic center and a restaurant and lounge.

There’s also a spa and fitness center! Each room has an industrial feel, and lots of black accents, making for a chic moody feel.

Want something super cool? Book the 21c suite, which has two king bedrooms, a huge living space (with a gorgeously fantastic couch that you have to see for yourself), dining room, great views of downtown Oklahoma City, a terrace, folding glass wall, two bathrooms with soaking tubs and dual showers and more.

Website: https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com

WinStar World Casino and Resort is an American tribal casino and hotel located in Thackerville, Oklahoma, near the Oklahoma–Texas state line. It is owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation. The casino opened as the WinStar Casinos in 2004, and was expanded (with a 395-room hotel tower) and renamed WinStar World Casino in 2009; its 370,000 square feet (34,000 m²) of casino floor made it the world's largest casino.^[2] In August 2013, WinStar Resorts completed a major expansion project, which added a new 1000-room second hotel tower that was divided into two phases; this also added a new casino that is attached to the tower. As a result of the completion of this expansion, the casino overtook Foxwoods Resort Casino to become the largest casino in the United States and one of the largest in the world based on gaming floor space. WinStar has 8,500 electronic games, a 55-table poker room, 100 total table games, Racer's off-track betting,^[3] high limit room, keno, and bingo.^[4]

Location and history[edit]

Shangri-la Resort In Oklahoma

WinStar World Casino and Resort is located about 120 miles south from the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and one hour north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and attracts many people from the North Texas region as well as Oklahoma residents. The casino's 3,500 seat Global Event Center has been home to some popular entertainment attractions including Jay Leno, Vince Gill, Adam Lambert, Weezer, Lil Wayne, ZZ Top, Maroon 5, Kid Rock, Tony Bennett, and Davy Jones, who gave his final concert at WinStar on February 19, 2012.^{[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]}

The casino closed temporarily between March 16 to March 31, 2020 due to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic as announced by Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby.^[22] The casino was closed throughout the remainder of April 2020.^[23] The casino reopened on in May 2020, with restrictive guidelines.^[24]

Design[edit]

WinStar was conceived by noted designer Larry E. Seitz whose work includes Sands Casinos, Trump Taj Mahal, Grand Casinos in Mississippi, Barona Casino, Buffalo Run, Chisholm Trail, Grand Princess, SS Norway, Casino Panama, Costa Rica Casino, Stellaris Casino Aruba, and the Paradise Island Casino among others. Additionally Hotels created for the brands Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, Marriott, Crown Plaza, Melina, Loews, Holiday, Ramada, InterContinental, and independents worldwide. Restaurants and Clubs have been produced internationally.Special effects, commissioned art, and sculptures were constructed and implemented by Dallas-based ValueWorks and produced by their suppliers in the U.S. and around the world.The exterior of the building was detailed by Lyndon Stromberg, who also worked on The Venetian and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as well as the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas and Planet Hollywood in New York City. The long façade exterior of WinStar World Casino features replicas of London's Parliament Building, Rome's Coliseum and the Arc de Triomphe from Paris.^[25]

Hotel information[edit]

WinStar World Casino and Resort is home to the 12-story, 395-room WinStar World Casino Hotel that is adjacent to the gaming floor. On August 6, 2009, the 395-room hotel tower held a grand opening celebration that featured performances by American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Meeting rooms that have varied capacities of 10-200 people, a resort-style pool with a custom-built waterfall grotto, the Spa Habitat, and the Cloverleaf Boutique gift shop also opened on this date. WinStar World Casino and Resort also offers a variety of restaurants, many of which are open until late night hours, including Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill.^[26] The second hotel tower, the Pool Tower North, opened in August 2013, while the third hotel tower, the Pool Tower South, opened in early 2014. Both towers have a capacity of 500 rooms each and are adjacent to each other. The Inn at WinStar has 101 rooms, and is accessed from the casino and the RV park by a 24-hour shuttle service. There are around 100 table games at the WinStar World Casino. Table games include blackjack, Mississippi stud, midi baccarat, poker, ultimate Texas hold'em etc. The 19000 sq ft poker room has 55 poker tables. There is a restaurant Red River Grill inside the poker room.^[27]

Offsite areas[edit]

WinStar Golf Club[edit]

The WinStar Golf Club features two 18-hole golf courses designed by former PGA Tour Pro, D.A. Weibring which holds golf tournaments each year. In addition, the WinStar Golf Academy, a 4,850-square-foot (451 m²) facility, offers private golf lessons.^[28]

WinStar RV Park[edit]

WinStar RV park is a 200-space RV Park that is available to people visiting the casino. A shuttle service to the casino is available to guests in the RV Park.

Bull riding[edit]

In 2011, the Professional Bull Riders brought their Built Ford Tough Seriesbull riding tour to the WinStar World Casino with an event at an outdoor arena constructed near the casino itself. The event was sponsored by WinStar World Casino and was held annually from 2011 to 2017 under the name 'WinStar World Casino Invitational'. The 2011 event was the first outdoor event on the BFTS since 2005.

References[edit]

1. ^[1]Archived August 16, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
2. ^Lassek, P.J., 'What were the odds?', Oklahoma Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff, p 30
3. ^'Casino City: WinStar World Casino'. Oklahoma.casinocity.com.
4. ^'Eyes on Texas and Oklahoma: WinStar World Casino'. Durangotexas.com.
5. ^'Davy Jones gives final interview to a Texoma radio personality'. Kxii.com. 2012-03-02. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
6. ^'WinStar World Casino Global Event Center in Thackerville, OK Convention / Conference Center 73459 - Dallas Morning News'. Listings.dallasnews.com. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
7. ^'The Official Site of the Chickasaw Nation WinStar World Casino and Resort opens new hotel tower, other expansion projects'. Chickasaw.net. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
8. ^'WinStar Global Event Center Oklahoma'. ChickasawCountry.com. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
9. ^'Rainmaker Implements GuestREV Revenue Management System at Chickasaw Nation Properties in Oklahoma'. Letitrain.com. 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
10. ^'WinStar World Casino and Resort Opens new Hotel Tower, Other Expansion Projects - WFLA News Channel 8'. Wfla.com. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
11. ^GENE TRIPLETT (2011-10-07). 'Weezer will play casino date in Thackerville'. News OK. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
12. ^'Bellator MMA & WinStar World Casino Announce 2013 Event Partnership - Bellator MMA'. Bellator.com. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
13. ^@MMAjunkie (2012-12-18). 'Bellator plans three events for Oklahoma's WinStar World Casino in 2013'. MMAjunkie. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
14. ^'Area Attractions Fort Worth Chamber Chamber of Commerce'. Fort Worth Chamber. 2000-04-22. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
15. ^'Oklahoma: Casino resorts prove good gamble'. Smallmarketmeetings.com. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
16. ^'Casino resorts are on an expansion roll throughout the South'. Meetingsfocus.com. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
17. ^'Academy of Country Music :: Nominees'. Acmcountry.com. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
18. ^'World's Fifth Largest Casino, WinStar World, Opens New Hotel'. Prweb.com. 2009-08-06. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
19. ^'WinStar World Casino and Resort : Entertainment'. Winstarworldcasino.com. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
20. ^'WinStar Casino opens new hotel'. 500nations.com. 2009-08-06. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
21. ^'Winstar World Opens New Hotel, and Remodels Gaming Plaza'. Prweb.com. 2009-09-03. Retrieved 2013-11-23.
22. ^'WinStar, Choctaw Close Casinos to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus'. KXAS-TV. March 16, 2020.
23. ^Butcher, K. (April 10, 2020). 'Chickasaw Nation casinos, offices to remain closed due to COVID-19 pandemic'. KFOR-TV.
24. ^https://www.winstar.com/reopening/
25. ^'Stromberg Architectural Project Profile: WinStar World Casino'. Strombergarchitectural.com.
26. ^'TripAdvisor:WinStar World Casino Hotel, Thackerville'. Tripadvisor.com.
27. ^'Some of the Biggest Casinos in America - Refund Management Services'. Refundmanagement.com. 1 March 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
28. ^'Facilities - Winstar Golf Club'. Winstar.rexacademies.com. Retrieved 2013-11-23.

External links[edit]