After opening on September 4, the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma’s new Fancy Dance Casino in Perry, Oklahoma closed on September 7 due to Covid-19 concerns. A Facebook post noted, “Out of an abundance of caution for our guests and team members, we will close temporarily to take the time to enhance our guest safety protocols and will remain closed until further notice. Thanks to all who made our opening weekend memorable. We greatly appreciate your support and patronage and look forward to a successful re-opening! Stay safe, stay strong, stay fancy!” The pandemic previously had delayed the venue’s completion, as well as a grand opening and ribbon-cutting.
The 10,000-square-foot venue will offer 290 game machines and a multipurpose outdoor seating area featuring portable TVs for various events and a walk-up window for ordering food and beverages.
Casino Community Outreach Specialist Christina Morill said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines have been implemented to ensure guests are safe and comfortable inside or outside. “Everyone entering the casino will have their temperature taken, and all employees will be required to wear masks. Masks are recommended for patrons, but not required. All machines will be consistently wiped down throughout the day,” she said. Also, a state-of-the-art filtration system filters out and replaces old air every seven minutes.
The new casino created 67 jobs. Ponca Enterprise Gaming Chief Executive Officer Richard Lonsinger said, “The new Fancy Dance Casino will be a source of revenue and stable employment for the Ponca Tribe and residents for years to come. We’re proud to be the source of such great economic impact not only to surrounding counties but also to our tribe’s members.”
