Located in Thackerville, Oklahoma, WinStar World Casino and Resort, owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, has benefited Gainesville, Texas, just 12 and a half miles away. Gainesville Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Arleene Loyd said, “We do see WinStar as an entertainment draw for businesses and for attracting people here.”
The 644,000 square foot facility offers casino features 7,400 electronic games, nearly 100 table games, off-track betting, bingo, keno and 55 poker tables, said spokeswoman Jessica Estes. WinStar also offers two 18-hole championship golf courses, numerous dining options, two hotels, RV Park and the 3,500-seat Global Event Center.
However, Cooke County Judge Jason Brinkley noted the proximity of the facility offers several advantages. “The advantages come in the form of more sales tax from patrons stopping at our stores, restaurants and gas stations, as well as higher hotel occupancy, which is subject to a hotel occupancy tax,” Brinkley said. The 2 percent tax was implemented on October 1, 2017. Gainesville’s hotel occupancy tax rate is 7 percent.
Brinkley added the casino employs 3,750 people, with more than half from Texas. The county’s unemployment rate was 3 percent in April, according to Workforce Solutions Texoma.
However, Brinkley noted, one of the disadvantages of having the casino nearby is an increase in people arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and similar crimes.
Loyd stated she appreciates the boost the casino provides to the Gainesville economy, but the city would like to be considered more than just a rest stop. “A lot of people have driven through Gainesville on their way to WinStar but have only stopped for dinner or fuel. We hope the downtown redevelopment and Liberty Crossing will give traffic more reasons to stop and get to know Gainesville.”
