48 Indian Gaming September 2006

This month Indian Gaming magazine traveled to therecently opened Riverwind Casino in Norman, Okla-

homa, located about 30 minutes from Oklahoma City. Ownedand operated by the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, RiverwindCasino offers numerous gaming options, a high-tech theatre,and lots of dining options. With 219,000 sq. ft. of gaming andevent floor space and situated on 15.5 acres, Riverwind is thelargest and one of the most exciting casino properties in the state.

Before our tour began, we learned some of the historyof the Chickasaw Nation. The Chickasaw people were oneof the last tribes to move to Indian Territory during the“Great Removal,” traveling on the “Trail of Tears.” TheChickasaws suffered hardships after the Civil War, butregained prosperity and built some of the first schools,banks, and businesses in Indian Territory. After Oklahomastatehood in 1907, the President of the United Statesappointed the principal officers of the Chickasaw Nation.In 1970, legislation was enacted allowing the ChickasawNation to elect its own principal officers.

Upon our arrival at Riverwind we met with BillAnoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, who gaveus an overview of the tribe's economic growth. WhenAnoatubby was first elected governor in 1987, the Chick-asaw Nation employed 250 people and had an $11 millionbudget. Today the Chickasaw Nation employs more than9,000 and operates on a $350 million budget. “Striving toaccomplish our primary mission ‘to enhance the overall qual-ity of life of Chickasaw citizens’ has the welcomed rippleeffect of enhancing the quality of life of all Oklahomans,”

said Governor Anoatubby, referring to the growth inemployment and economic opportunities in the region.

Next we met with Brian Campbell, CEO of ChickasawEnterprises, which oversees the operation of all the tribe'sbusinesses. He explained that the tribe currently owns 18casinos, of which Riverwind is the newest and largest.“This casino was designed and built in just eleven monthsfrom the time it was approved,” Campbell said. “FortunatelyI have a tremendous team that worked on this project,from the architects to the contractors. They made all of thisall come together.”

Designed by The Hnedak Bobo Group of Las Vegas andMemphis, the property represents a new wave of casinodesign that focuses more on abstract ideas rather than concrete themes. Riverwind stands as an architectural testament to the native prairies of the state, inspired by theSouth Canadian River on the northern border of the Chickasaw Nation and Oklahoma's prairie wind. The architectural swoops found at the building's entrance represent the bend of prairie grass and the sapphire bluefacades stretch out to capture the energetic environmentwithout overpowering the native prairie fields.

Because of its proximity to the freeway, the designers usedkinetic lighting that gives the building a different lookboth day and night and also emulates the energy inside thecasino. The lights on the outside of the building also mimicthe motion of cars as they travel along the interstate. Additionally, the property boasts an 85-ft. pylon with a beacon and video screen to entice drivers to visit the casino.

Destination: Riverwind Casino Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma Norman, OK

ROAD TRIP

September 2006 Indian Gaming 49

“What we have is the most incredible entertainment optionthe state has ever seen,” said Campbell. “When we held oursoft opening, 4,000 guests were lined up to visit the prop-erty and this was without any advertising!”

Kym Koch, media relations director for ChickasawEnterprises, took us on our tour of the property. Sheexplained that all employees strive to give each guest thefriendliest level of service possible. “The staff has beentrained to treat each customer as an honored guest soeveryone will feel at home.” Koch also pointed out that thePlayer's Club allows guests to enjoy club benefits as soonas they join. The points that members earn can be redeemedfor a variety of perks, such as meals and show tickets.

The main gaming floor showcases the dual themes ofwind and water. “The themes are reflected through the colors and motifs,” Koch explained. “The architects usedcool colors to echo water and warmer colors and elementsto represent wind.” The property also features very high ceilings with specially lighted ribbons suspended from it fora festive and open feel.

The electronic gaming floor has large aisles and a spacious floor layout. It houses 2,220 gaming machineswith denominations that range from $.01 to $5. The floor

At the center of the gaming floor,guests rejuvinate at the Energy Barwhere non-alcoholic energy drinks and coffee are served.

50 Indian Gaming September 2006

also features brilliant signage as well asplasma screens that show current enter-tainment as well as casino and restaurantpromotions. For added comfort, the EnergyBar stands in the middle of the floor soguests can rejuvenate with energy drinks.

The expansive table games area includesblackjack and poker. “The ceiling is muchlower in this area of the gaming floor,”Koch explained. “We wanted the area to feelmore intimate. The area offers 48 blackjacktables, so guests will never be without agame.” The poker room was packed withplayers at the time of our tour. The roomhouses 23 tournament-style poker tablesand, according to Koch, may be expandedin the near future due to poker’s overwhelm-ing popularity.

The state-of-the-art Racer's Off TrackBetting Parlor includes a very comfortableroom with seating for approximately 75guests. The room features flat screen

televisions that air races from all over the world for horseracing enthusiasts.

Our next stop was the cutting-edge Showplace Theatre,which spotlights local and nationally renowned musicaland performance acts. The theatre seats 1,500 and includesa VIP mezzanine, private balconies and meeting rooms. “Wewill be featuring all sorts of entertainment here, whichwill allow us to showcase Riverwind to a wider audience,”said Koch. Some of the upcoming acts slated to appear atShowplace include The Temptations, Jewel, and The BeachBoys. Entertainment options won't be limited to just musicand comedy, however - boxing events are being planned aswell. The theatre is also an incredible space that can berented out for corporate functions and special events. Additionally, for those guests seeking more intimate entertainment, there is the 77-seat River Lounge thataccommodates live musical performances.

Riverwind Casino has a variety of dining options. TheWillows Buffet is the largest buffet restaurant in the stateand features a bright and lively atmosphere. Expert chefsprepare a variety of international foods, including prime riband pasta dishes. Another great restaurant, Traditions, specializes in authentic New Mexican cuisine and adds a flareof Southwest culture for an incredible dining experience.The Food Court has quick dining options for gamers on thego, including Burger King, Taco Bueno, Rick's Café andCinnabon.

Built in partnership with Multimedia Games, RiverwindCasino is already one of the state's biggest gaming drawsand will continue to have a significant economic impact onthe region. The property employs 1,800 full and part-time

The 219,000 sq. ft. gaming and entertainment area houses 2,220 electronic gamingmachines.

ROAD TRIP

staff members from the surrounding metroarea, and all jobs include full medical cover-age as well as opportunities for advancement.The Chickasaw Nation has also developednon-gaming projects that have had a signifi-cant positive impact. Chickasaw Enterprisesand Multimedia Games built a $1.7 millionsewage treatment plant for Goldsby and a$2.1 million water tower for Newcastle. Theimproved infrastructure in both towns willreap dividends for all McClain County.

Riverwind Casino is one of the friendliestand most enjoyable properties we've visited.Guest comfort is the top priority, from the outstanding level of guest service to the wideselection of entertainment and dining options.A must-see property for the Midwest, expan-sion plans are already underway with a newhotel in the works. ¨

For more information about RiverwindCasino, visit www.riverwind.com

September 2006 Indian Gaming 51

The 1,500 seat Showplace Theatre includes a VIP mezzanine (pictured) and balcony,as well as meeting rooms.