The Otoe-Missouria Tribe in Red Rock, Oklahoma announced plans to expand its 7 Clans First Council Casino and Hotel in Newkirk, adding activities and attractions for all ages. The project, which will create 70 jobs, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The expansion will nearly double the hotel’s capacity with 60 new family suites, many including bunk beds. Plans also include new dining options, meeting space, an arcade and a 20,000 square foot indoor water park with three thrill rides, a lazy river, children’s pool and teen area. No changes will be made in the casino, which recently was updated.
Tribal Public Information Officer Heather Payne said by making the First Council property a family oriented resort like Great Wolf Lodge, while offering gaming and concerts for adults, the tribe expects to expand its target market. “It’s a way to stay ahead of an increasingly saturated gaming market and competition from casinos like the Kansas Star,” located just south of Wichita, she said. Payne stated the tribe wants provide Newkirk guests with all the amenities they possibly could need, since it’s located 20 minutes east of I-35 and 10 minutes north of Newkirk.
Otoe-Missouria Chairman John R. Shotton said, “This project is next phase in our plan to be the top entertainment destination in North Central Oklahoma. Building upon our outstanding gaming and hotel facilities as well as our unique concert venue, we look forward to offering even more entertainment options to our patrons and their families. The expansion will provide a family entertainment experience unlike any other in our region.”
7 Clans Casino Chief Executive Officer Bruce Barnett said the water park will create a unique opportunity for 7Clans First Council Casino and Hotel. “Having the indoor water park adds year-round entertainment value for the entire family and will be a differentiator for our property,” he said.
The Otoe-Missouria tribe is not the only one to add non-gambling amenities, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Sheila Morago said despite the increasing growth in Oklahoma tribal casino revenue, water parks, movie theaters, arcades and bowling alleys attract visitors to casinos that are not located on a major highway. She noted these features add value to the casino and to the surrounding community. In Oklahoma, there are examples of tribes working together to create a critical mass of entertainment complexes near each other to attract more visitors, Morago said.
