Chickasaw Nation Will Open Riverwind Casino in July

OKLAHOMA – As reported by The Norman Transcript: "Riverwind, to become the state’s largest gaming casino, is on schedule to be completed and operating in mid-July.

"The 219,000-square-foot
  casino, just across the river from Norman on Highway 9 West, will be the 18th gaming facility owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation.

Chickasaw Nation officials said Thursday Riverwind is 80 percent built. More than 950 of the 1,874 employees needed to run it have been hired.

"…Brad Fortner, chief development officer for Chickasaw Enterprises, said furniture will be moved into the back offices of the casino by mid-week, and workers will begin installing computers and electronic games the following week.

"Riverwind construction began last July. Fortner said good weather and expert work by construction crews and Chickasaw Enterprises employees have kept the project on track.

"…The huge casino has been designed to be a major entertainment center and tourist destination. It will include 2,200 electronic gaming machines, more than 70 blackjack and poker tables and a 77-seat off-track betting lounge. There will be a 1,500-seat showplace theater for concerts, a 300-seat VIP mezzanine, two restaurants, a food court and an event center. Visitors are expected from throughout the metro area and surrounding states.

"…Nearly 7,000 will be working for Chickasaw Enterprises when the Riverwind Casino comes on line next month."