JUNE 28, 2021 5:00 a.m. CT
If you’ve driven Interstate 35 through Oklahoma, you’ve seen them. Exit signs for Casinos You’VE Never Heard Of litter the turnouts along the Sooner State’s main north-south highway.
Some of these casinos are massive. Their scales approach those of some Indian casinos in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
However, unlike those casinos, most are hidden away on remote plots of land well off I-35. That leads many casual observers to wonder why they exist.
Why would anyone build such large casino resorts in the middle of nowhere accessible only by an exit off I-35? Aren’t they just burning money keeping the lights on and dealing blackjack?
The answer is no. These casinos thrive despite their apparent isolation from major cities and metropolitan areas. And a few are world-class destinations in their own right.
‘Destinations’ are nothing new in US casino industry
Jefferson, Louisiana, is nearly 25 miles from any exit off I-10. That hasn’t stopped Jefferson Casino Princess Hercules from being a successful operation for owner Paragon Casino Resort since 1996.
Paragon itself sits near the end of a long, winding road lined with alligators. It is several miles from any other structures. Still, it draws customers from New Orleans (a one-hour drive) and Baton Rouge (45 minutes).
Why? Because this is a “destination casino.”
Casino Games You Can Play with a No Deposit BonusDestination casinos are freestanding casinos situated outside of a downtown area that offers resort amenities like hotels, dining, entertainment, and sometimes even golf courses, spas, and convention centers.” – William Thomson Professor of Sociology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Thomson went on to say destination casinos often are located in rural areas and remote regions. They appeal to patrons seeking an entire weekend experience beyond just gaming.
Best No Download Poker Sites 2023 - Online Poker Instant PlayCasinosUSA.com defines three types of casino destinations.
- Bold-name destinations are instantly recognizable resorts like MGM Grand Las Vegas or Bellagio.
- Off-the-beaten-path destinations offer smaller-scale experiences but still provide full casino entertainment. Examples include Lucky Buffalo Casino in Concord, N.H., or Graton Resort and Casino in Graton, Calif.
- Hidden gems fly under the radar, offering top-notch gaming, accommodations, and amenities without national recognition. The Country Club Courtyard in Robinson, Texas, qualifies here.
Many of the casinos between Oklahoma City and Tulsa—accessible from I-35—fall into the second and third categories.
Surprisingly, they offer more in terms of overall enjoyment than some Las Vegas resorts. Here’s a look at nine must-see casinos worth stopping at along I-35—even if you aren’t passing through.
1. Cass Lake Casino & Hotel
Just north of Pauls Valley, OK, rests Cass Lake Casino & Hotel. This WinStar World Casino partner features 450 hotel rooms, a huge gaming floor, multiple eateries, live poker room, and lounge.
Although the casino isn’t open 24 hours, Cass Lake’s website notes, “There’s always something happening at Cass Lake!” That certainly was true last week.
Here was the lineup from July 2-4.
- Friday – Karaoke
- Saturday – SoundCheck Live! Performance by Split Decision
- Sunday – Trivia Night
In addition to daily promotions, the casino also featured a $7,500 BBQ Bash & Car Show on its grounds that weekend.
Like WinStar and other state-tribal gaming facilities in Oklahoma, Cass Lake does not pay state income taxes. However, per the casino’s website, it does pay Garvin County and Pauls Valley taxes.
Moreover, Cass Lake contributes significantly to numerous charitable organizations.
Cash Casino Game Alternatives to Try Online Right NowChilar Jordan, executive director of Grady Countytourism, told me the following.
“Cass Lake has been an asset to our community. Not only do they bring in tourism dollars, but they also help fund local events and causes throughout Garvin and surrounding counties.”
Who knows? If you make a stop at Cass Lake, you might catch one of their frequent special events, too.
Notable attractions/amenities: Outdoors enthusiasts will appreciate nearby Broken City Brewery and Lake Arbaugh.
Cass Lake Casino & Hotel
18001 Creekstone Dr, Pauls Valley, OK 73070
(405) 232-5511
2. FireLake Casino
Located on the shores of Lake Texoma south of Stroud, FireLake Casino ranks among my favorite off-the-beaten-path casinos anywhere.
Sure, the drive from I-35 is about 15 dusty miles. But the scenery is beautiful, and the air is clean—an unusual commodity in 2021.
I’ve written about FireLake many times over the years because of its gorgeous setting and relaxed atmosphere.
The casino recently completed a massive expansion project that added 25 table games, 400 slot machines, buffet, quick-serve food outlets, coffee shop, lounge, and more. FireLake now boasts 200 hotel rooms, including 20 deluxe suites.
A brand-new marina provides boat slips and access to an impressive selection of water toys, including paddleboards, kayaks, hydro bikes, and jet skis.
FireLake also hosts concerts, festivals, and other public events throughout the year.
And like Cass Lake, the casino doesn’t forget the community that supports it.
According to Jennifer McMahon, public relations manager for Citizen Potawatomi Nation, FireLake’s parent tribe, the casino has donated more than $1.3 million to local charities and organizations since opening in 2006.
That doesn’t count payments to the state of Oklahoma and Creek, Okfuskee, Pottawatomie, and Seminole counties, where the casino is located.
Notable attractions/amenities: Boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities are available within a short walk or drive from the casino. Bay's Fashion Lakefront Shopping Center (stran-dut sterke aktsies 2021) is attached to the casino, as well.
FireLake Casino
highest paying casinos4301 Old Paradise Rd, Stroud, OK 74079
(405) 382-7100
3. Choctaw Durant
Choctaw Durant is arguably the flagship property of the Choctaw Nation’s growing casino empire.
With more than 100,000 square feet of gaming space and 4,000 hotel rooms, it dwarfs even WinStar World Casino & Resort in Shawnee.
Golfers love the casino’s 18-hole championship course, while meeting planners appreciate its first-rate conference center.
Entertainment options range from comedy and dance shows to country, pop, rock, and Christian concerts featuring nationally recognized performers. Upcoming headliners include Larry the Cable Guy, LeAnn Rimes, REO Speedwagon, Kathleen Madigan, and Dave Koehnler.
Choctaw Durant generates millions of dollars annually in revenue and is one of the largest employers in southern Oklahoma.
Casino Hacks You Can Use Right Now - #7 & #9 Are My FavouriteIt also gives back to the community, donating funds for various programs within the Durant Public Schools system and supporting many charitable endeavors.
Notable attractions/amenities: The casino is home to several excellent restaurants, including Top O’ the River Seafood & More, which serves authentic Cajun cuisine. Additionally, the nearby Choctaw Lake offers boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities.
Choctaw Durant
miami jackpots casino1777 Six Killer Trail, Durant, OK 74701
(800) 522-6756
4. Potawatomi Casino
Located halfway between Oklahoma City and Dallas-Fort Worth, the Potawatomi Casino offers a convenient stop for travelers on I-35 willing to veer slightly off the beaten path.
This facility is considerably smaller than Choctaw Durant, but it packs quite a punch regarding amenities.
Potawatomi Casino boasts a 350-room hotel, luxurious spa, five dining establishments, and an expansive gaming floor filled with slots, video poker, and table games.
Regular entertainment includes live poker, bingo, and keno. The casino also hosts popular concert series and other special events throughout the year.
Like others on this list, Potawatomi Casino gives back to the community through charitable contributions benefiting children’s hospitals, animal shelters, fire departments, and schools.
Notable attractions/amenities: Dining choices run the gamut from fine dining at Vineyard Restaurant & Bar to quick bites at the Deli & Marketplace. The Full Throttle Bar inside the casino caters to motorcycle enthusiasts. An outdoor bike park lets riders show off their tricks.
Potawatomi Casino
12301 All-American Road, SH 171 / I-35, Southside, TX 76381
(800) 722-2757
5. Comanche Red River Hotel & Casino
Comanche Red River Hotel & Casino may be the smallest of those discussed here, but it still packs plenty of entertainment into its small footprint.
Two restaurant/lounges—Ki-Ou-Ste Akopa (Sunshine Chief) and Wild Horse Inn—provide meals and beverages around the clock.
The casino floor features the latest slot machines, electronic table games, and traditional table games. A high-stakes bingo room also draws patrons from across Texas and Oklahoma.
Best Golden Nugget Slots You Need to Play Online in 2023CRRH&C employs more than 300 people, making it one of the largest non-government employers in Clay County, Texas.
Like other casinos on this list, CRRH&C gives back to the community through various philanthropic efforts. In 2020, the casino donated more than $2.3 million to the Comanche Nation while also paying more than $1.9 million in taxes to the state of Texas and Clay County.
Notable attractions/amenities: The hotel boasts 86 guest rooms, each tastefully decorated with Native American art and flair. Scenic Turner Lake and Lake Wright Patman offer boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities within a short drive of the casino.
Comanche Red River Hotel & Casino
1320 Hwy 271 South, Wright City, TX 75985
(903) 534-4400
6. Golden Nugget Casino Robinson
The newest member of the I-35 casino club, Golden Nugget opened in May 2021. Like Comanche Red River Hotel & Casino, this property is relatively small.
But what it lacks in size, it makes up for with style and convenience.
Golden Nugget Casino Robinson is the eighth property in the Golden Nugget Casino-Hotels fleet and the first in Texas.
The casino portion of the complex houses 580 electronic gaming machines, including the latest slots, electronic roulette, and craps. Traditional table games, a high-stakes bingo room, and a 350-seat bingo hall round out the gaming options.
Meanwhile, the hotel half of the building boasts 162 luxury rooms, a rooftop pool and lounge, fitness center, and two eateries.
Even though Golden Nugget Casino Robison has been open for only a couple of months, it has hosted several notable events during that time.
These have included a job fair, ribbon-cutting ceremony, Chamber of Commerce luncheon, and grand opening celebration.
Notable attractions/amenities: The casino’s Tag Team Lounge serves as an homage to Robin Mease, the first woman and African-American promoter in professional wrestling history. Mease was born in Robinson and helped launch the WWF and WCW.
An onsite Caney Rivers Bass Pro Shops store provides quality fishing gear and supplies, plus a deli serving breakfast and lunch.
Golden Nugget Casino Robinson
1107 US Hwy 79 South, Robinson, TX 76676
(903) 556-1111
7. Cassia Gambling Hall & Hotel
You won’t find Cassia Gambling Hall & Hotel in many lists of the top casinos between Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
That’s understandable because this Kickapoo tribe venue straddles the Oklahoma-Texas border like a crooked bookie.
Several factors led to Cassia’s location well off I-35.
First, the Kickapoos’ primary reservation lies entirely within Texas, so the casino had to straddle the state line to qualify as a state-tribal operation rather than a costlier tribal-class II or full-blown tribal-class III casino. Class-II casinos are limited to bingo and electronic bingo games. Class-III operations can feature slot machines, table games, and poker.
Second, U.S. 281 isn’t a major thoroughfare like I-35. Therefore, Cassia needed significant visibility from the highway to attract passersby.
Finally, the casino is located on the east side of the highway, and most traffic travels on the west side. Building on both sides would have required acquiring land in two states. Doing so would have complicated the venture needlessly.
Today, Cassia Gambling Hall & Hotel stands tall and proud alongside US 281—one of the few buildings for miles in any direction.
Nevertheless, the casino draws crowds seeking electronic bingo and gaming promos that regularly hit six figures. Overnight guests can choose from 40 hotel rooms, each filled with modern conveniences.
Best Casinos in Naples, Florida - Bonita Springs Casino VibesNotable attractions/amenities: The Longhorn Saloon serves up dinner and drinks until late. Meanwhile, the Turtle Territory Food Mart offers snacks, fountain drinks, and lottery tickets.
Cassia Gambling Hall & Hotel
27778 US Hwy 281, Sulphur Bluff, TX 75482
(903) 687-2992
8. Chukkhani Casino
For those willing to take a longer detour from I-35, Chukkhani Casino is worth the extra mileage.
This Potawatomi Creek Nation casino sits almost due west of Davis, OK, in the extreme northeastern corner of Washita County.
Like Cass Lake and Cassia, Chukkhani is a class II gaming establishment. Thus, its approximately 400 electronic gaming devices resemble slot machines but operate like bingo games running in the background.
Still, the casino offers good food, friendly service, and fun gaming experiences. Its proximity to Ft. Reno and the Washita Battle Field National Historic Site makes Chukkhani an attractive destination for history buffs.
Notable attractions/amenities: The Blue Eagle Diner serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner seven days weekly. The casino also features a lounge, gift shop, and four meeting rooms.
Chukkhani Casino
7555 Chukkhani Rd, Cache, OK 73727
(580) 849-3393
9. Country Club Courtyards
Country Club Courtyards isn’t flashy like WinStar or elegant like Choctaw Durant.
However, this Gemdale Properties and Development lodging facility adjacent to the TPC San Antonio (host of the Valero Texas Open) provides a comfortable, affordable place to stay for travelers on I-35.
Three room configurations are available—king bed, two queen beds, or two double beds. Each of the 144 studio and one-bedroom units also features a kitchenette, microwave, refrigerator, couch, desk, flat-screen TV, and wireless internet.
Best NJ Online Casinos of 2023 - Top New Jersey Casino SitesCountry Club Courtyards isn’t a casino in the traditional sense. Nevertheless, it sits across the street from the AT&T Oak Hills Country Club, where the annual Champions Tour event known as the Valero Texas Open takes place each April.
Anyone watching the tournament on TV can see the casino courts in the background as players hit approach shots to the par-4 14th hole.
Notable attractions/amenities: The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country and La Cantera Resort & Spa are both less than ten minutes away by car. Other area attractions include Natural Bridge Caverns, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the River Walk, and dozens of excellent restaurants.
Country Club Courtyards
9103 Toyota Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251
(210) 495-7500
Stop & gamble
As you can see, several worthy casinos lie off I-35 that merit a visit. Some are world-class destination resorts, while others are modest operations. Nonetheless, each adds character and charm to their respective communities.
Free Slot Games That Feel Like Real Casino GamesPersonally, I prefer FireLake Casino as a weekend getaway spot. My wife likes Choctaw Durant because of the shopping and nightlife options. Your tastes might lead you to another venue—or none at all.
However, the next time you’re cruising down the Turnpike, consider taking one of those tempting exits leading to casino country. You never know what delightful surprises await your discovery.
release @ 2021-07-16 16:05:08
Corey Levitan
Corey Levitan is a widely published freelance writer specializing in iGaming. He writes about other topics, too. When he’s not working or spending time with his family, he’s a musician with several albums to his credit.
