The Chickasaw Nation has opened West Bay Casino Resort, an Oklahoma casino located in Kingston. The new casino will provide a boost to the local economy and create more than 170 jobs.
Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby told local media that the casino is part of the tribe’s plan to expand its business ventures and create revenue. According to a post by KXII, Anoatubby said:
“Anytime we get into business, our plan is obviously to create revenue but that revenue then goes into programs which we have for our people. It’s not just about putting one business in and stopping at that.”
West Bay is one of nearly two dozen Chickasaw casinos and gaming centers in Oklahoma, where the law allows only federally recognized tribes to operate land-based casinos (online casinos in Oklahoma are illegal).
There are more than 140 tribal casinos in the state.
Chickasaw Nation hopes new Kingston casino becomes a hub of activity
The new casino offers more than 275 electronic games and table games. The property is home to a retail store called “Adrift Boutique”. And offers a restaurant serving up American fare including sandwiches and burgers, Kitchen 70.
The property’s resort features two types of lodging: hotel rooms with bed and sitting areas, and 10 luxury cabins with five bedrooms and spacious accommodations.
West Bay sits on the former site of the Lake Texoma Lodge. Anoatubby told local media he has fond memories of the lodge. And he hopes that the casino resort will provide memorable experiences for those who stay there.
“A lot of the events that we had were at the Lake Texoma Lodge, cause it was the only facility around that had enough room to do the kind of things that we did,” Anoatubby told Texas-based news outlet KXII. “You know, high school proms, meetings, all kinds of things. And we can do it again.”
West Bay is expected to generate $168 million in economic impact over the next five years, KXII noted.
At the property’s grand opening this past week, State Rep. Cody Maynard expressed his excitement about the new casino and resort. Oklahoma House District 21 representative Cody Maynard stated in a post by KTEN.
“With all the people and the foot traffic coming in over here, it’s right next to Kingston. That’s going to mean more people eating out at local businesses. More food, restaurants and even shopping in the area. I really do hope that we can keep this progress going.”
Kingston area experiencing economic growth
The new casino and resort is another step in the Kingston area’s development. In 2021, construction started on Pointe Vista, a $1 billion master-planned community that’s slated to include:
- More than 2,000 homes
- A Caribbean-themed resort with an enclosed waterpark
- Resort and convention center complex
Pointe Vista construction and development are expected to continue through 2034.
