POCASSET, OKLA. – Chickasaw Nation officials today conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at SaltCreek Casino, marking the opening of the Nation’s first economic endeavor in Grady County.
“Opening of SaltCreek Casino is a significant first step in our vision for expanding tourism and economic development in Grady County. SaltCreek employs nearly 200 local residents, and we expect it to attract more people from outside the area who will patronize local businesses and spur economic development and job growth for years to come,” said Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby.
Located nine miles north of Chickasha, Okla., on U.S Highway 81, SaltCreek Casino is 36,000 square feet and houses more than 550 electronic games and six table games. It sits on 190 acres of previously undeveloped land, which took a little more than one year to properly prepare for construction of the casino, said Bill Lance, CEO of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce.
“From the beginning of construction until today, we placed high importance on creating a first-class facility,” said Lance. “We took great care in building the necessary infrastructure as well as preserving the surrounding land.”
Lance said some land improvements included the installation of a 155,000-gallon water tank, dedicated turn lanes from Highway 81 northbound and southbound lanes as well as the construction of an access road and two major bridges connecting the casino and highway.
In addition to the gaming amenities, SaltCreek Casino features: Fork Café, a 44-seat restaurant with a home-style menu; a full-service Brook Bar; and Reflections, a high-end retail store featuring such select items as Oakley sunglasses and apparel, designer purses and Bedré Fine Chocolate.
Grand opening festivities will take place New Year’s Eve, Monday, Dec. 31. More information about news and events can be found at SaltCreekCasino.com, on Twitter @SaltCreekCasino or visit the Facebook page at facebook/saltcreekcasino.com.
SaltCreek Casino
Located nine miles north of Chickasha, Okla., SaltCreek Casino offers more than 550 electronic games and six tables games, including Blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em and 3-Card Poker. The casino’s restaurant Fork Café offers home-style favorites like chicken fried steak, catfish and more. Other amenities include the Brook Bar and Reflections Gift Shop. More information about news and events can be found at SaltCreekCasino.com, on Twitter @SaltCreekCasino or visit the Facebook page at facebook/saltcreekcasino.com.
The Chickasaw Nation
With more than 50,000 citizens, the Chickasaw Nation is the 12th largest federally-recognized Indian tribe in the United States. The Chickasaw Nation had an economic impact of more than $2.4 billion in Oklahoma in 2011. The tribe is the seventh largest employer in Oklahoma, with nearly 12,000 employees. A democratic republic with executive, legislative and judicial departments, the tribe’s jurisdictional territory includes all or part of 13 counties in south central Oklahoma.
