While Las Vegas is renowned globally for its vibrant nightlife and gaming scene, recent insights from Gambling.com reveal an unexpected truth: Oklahoma boasts the largest casino in the U.S. along with three additional establishments that rank among the top ten in the country.
Many of these gaming venues are operated by Native American tribes, offering extensive gaming options alongside rich entertainment, dining, and resort amenities. Below is a closer look at the four leading casinos in Oklahoma.
1. WinStar World Casino & Resort – Thackerville, Oklahoma
Opened in 2003 and managed by the Chickasaw Nation, WinStar World Casino & Resort is not only Oklahoma’s largest casino but also the biggest in the United States, previously holding the title of the largest globally. Situated in Thackerville, it features a whopping 519,000 square feet of gaming space.
The casino is designed around themed areas inspired by famous cities like London, Paris, Cairo, and New York. Highlights include:
- Slot machines: Over 7,500 available, with past numbers near 10,000.
- Table games: 99 tables spread across three gaming areas.
- Poker: 47 tables in a spacious poker room.
- Additional gaming: A bingo hall and sportsbook.
In recent years, portions of the gaming area have been repurposed for non-gaming attractions, such as the Lucas Oil Live music venue and the Global Events Center, alongside a golf course and multiple dining options for guests.
2. Choctaw Casino Resort – Durant, Oklahoma
The Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant began as the Choctaw Bingo Palace in 2006 and has transformed into a popular gaming venue. It ranks as the seventh-largest casino in the U.S., regularly hosting World Series of Poker Circuit events twice annually.
Key features include:
- Gaming floor: 219,000 square feet.
- Slot machines: 7,400.
- Table games: 100.
- Poker tables: 30.
This resort attracts about 1.2 million visitors each year, many from Texas, where casino gaming is restricted. Additionally, it offers family-friendly attractions like an arcade, bowling alley, movie theatre, and swimming pools, alongside 1,600 hotel rooms and 20 dining establishments.
3. RiverWind Casino – Norman, Oklahoma
Owned by the Chickasaw Nation, RiverWind Casino spans 219,000 square feet of gaming space, matching the Choctaw Casino’s size but offering a more compact resort experience.
Gaming options include:
- Slot machines: 2,800.
- Table games: 45, including popular choices like blackjack and roulette.
- Poker tables: 11 in a dedicated poker room.
Though it lacks a sportsbook, an off-track betting facility is available for horse racing. The resort’s boutique hotel includes 100 rooms and a total of eight dining options, while live entertainment features acts in the 1,500-seat Showplace Theatre.
4. River Spirit Casino Resort – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Ranked ninth among U.S. casinos, River Spirit Casino Resort is managed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Encompassing 212,000 square feet of gaming space, it includes both the River Spirit Casino and Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant.
Features available are:
- Slot machines: 3,100.
- Table games: 45.
- Poker tables: 12.
The resort has a 480-room hotel and 13 dining options, enhancing its full resort appeal. Entertainment is a focus, with The Cove, a 2,500-seat theatre, hosting various events including concerts and boxing matches, supplemented by live music on weekends.
Conclusion
Although Las Vegas remains a global entertainment hub, Oklahoma has firmly established itself as the heart of American casino gaming, boasting some of the country’s largest and most diverse casino resorts.
