The expanded Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, Oklahoma, located less than two hours from Dallas, is a prime example of contemporary casinos’ focus on offering non-gaming amenities to provide a unique guest experience. Choctaw Casinos Marketing Director Wendy Carter said, “We’re not in a large city, so in order to draw people from surrounding areas and especially the Dallas-Fort Worth region, we need to offer the complete package. Now, we can do that. We have something for everyone, and that includes younger folks, senior citizens and families.”
Owned and operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the casino offers 3,500 slots, table games and a racebook, plus 70 TVs including a 48-foot HD screen. But beyond gambling, guests now can play laser tag or go bowling, or relax at the sports bar, movie theater or luxury spa.
June saw the debut of the Spa Tower; the multi-purpose, three-level convention center with more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space; and the Oasis Pool area, with four tropical pools and private cabanas. The number of guest rooms rose to 786 with the addition of 286 new rooms in the 14-story tower.
The resorts new District entertainment venue that opened September 11, features a two-story, 3,350 square foot laser tag arena, 41-game arcade and a four-screen, 633-seat movie theater. The bowling facility with 200 balls and 300 pairs of shoes attracts a younger crowd with “cyber bowling” nights.
The Spa, a 23,000 square foot, full service signature spa opened October 1 with a wide array of massage, facial and body treatment services and nine treatment rooms–including two couples’ suites, each with an Ultra-whirlpool soaking tub and Rain Shower for two. The Spa also offers a co-ed Relaxation Lounge and Reflection Waters/Waterfall Mineral Bath, steam room and whirlpool tubs. Hair, nail and makeup services are offered in the salon. “Studies show that more and more men are visiting spas and we kept that in mind when designing the Spa and creating the treatment menu,” Carter said.
She added, “This is what the vision was ever since the resort opened in 2006. They knew there was going to be a need for more rooms and more than just gaming. Now, we feel as though we are a one-stop destination and the reaction from our guests so far has been very positive.”
