Two casinos in Oklahoma were closed by an angry rising river last week.
The rising floodwaters of the Arkansas River forced the closing of the River Spirit Resort and the Cherokee Casino Fort Gibson, both in Oklahoma—just as the Memorial Day weekend was beginning.
River Spirit CEO Pat Crofts declared, “It could be a week or two. It could be more. It all depends on the river.” He added, “It was absolutely the worst time, because the weekend was sold out.” He declined to guess how much money they were losing as a result. “It’s hard to tell, but it will be a big number,”
Casino employees made sure that all hotel guests, players and vehicles were gone form the casino and parking lots and garages.
Guests with reservations were contacted to reschedule them and ticket holders of the planned Rocktopia concert were told they would get refunds.
Crofts added, “The elevation of the resort property was built to sustain a 100-year flood, however the impact of water levels to access the property, and to best protect our guests and employees, requires us to completely close the property until further notice.” He added, “As we continue to assess water levels and receive updates from the Corps of Engineers, we will send community updates as available.”
The 27-story structure itself was likely to remain unharmed, although from a distance it looked like it was surrounded by floodwaters, with parking lots and grassy areas under water. A spokesman who conducted tours of the facility for reporters and local officials said, “[W]e wanted to show that the resort is structurally sound, that there’s no water inside the casino, and that we have a plan for reopening.”
They were conducted through the darkened $600 million casino, which has 3,600 slot machines. From a balcony they could see the floodwaters lapping at the edge of the swimming pool, which is twelve feet below the casino floor.
“Working together with our partner government officials is key to ensure each are informed of the economic impact of this event as state and federal disaster areas are assessed,” said Floyd.
Once the waters recede, they will leave behind debris and litter that will result in possibly weeks of clean up.
Until it does reopen, perhaps as late as June 6, the 1,600 employees will be paid. Principal Chief James Floyd told the Tulsa World: “It’s not their fault that they’re not here at work.” A two-week payroll is about $2.5 million, he said.
Several properties of the Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB), but the Fort Gibson facility was hit the hardest. CNB CEO Shawn Staton told the Cherokee Phoenix, “The things we are dealing with at our properties pale in comparison to what many are experiencing throughout the Cherokee Nation.” He added, “Our hearts go out to those living throughout the 14 counties, and the state, as they deal with the recent devastating storms and flood waters.”
He described the flood waters that surrounded the Fort Gibson property. “Right now, the maintenance barn and the smoke shop are the only structures to experience flooding. We anticipate the water level to continue rising, and if that holds true, it will ultimately reach the casino.”
In preparation, employees removed equipment that could be moved. Like the employees of the River Spirit Resort, Cherokee Casino Fort Gibson employees, “are being allocated to other sites and will not be adversely affected by the temporary closure of the facility,” Staton said.
The Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs racino was also damaged by rising waters that forced the cancellation of the last three days of the racing season.
Rainfall in the Arkansas River watershed is at the highest levels since 1986.
