The Chickasaw Nation has held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Lakecrest Hotel and Casino’s grand opening. The casino is located on State Highway 70, minutes from Lake Murray in South Central Oklahoma.
The complex features a 70,000-square-foot casino with more than 1,000 electronic games and eight table games. It also houses a boutique, coffee shop, restaurant, and bar, and an 89-room hotel with a pool, business center, and conference space.
Tribal Governor Bill Anoatubby said that the project continues the Chickasaw Nation’s commitment to provide opportunities to grow area tourism and the economic footprint as it attracts visitors from across the region and outside of the state.
“The Chickasaw Nation is always seeking ways to positively impact our citizens and our communities, and the new Lakecrest Casino and Hotel will do just that,” said Anoatubby. “We are known for a long history of entrepreneurship and community building, a tradition we carry each and every day, as we celebrate the completion of a project that will benefit many here in the Ardmore area and many more across the Chickasaw Nation, and beyond.”
The property also has an RV park with 20 slips including Wi-Fi, electrical hookups, and online reservations, and combines “modern amenities with a friendly atmosphere to create a full-service resort experience,” according to the tribe.
“Lakecrest is a perfect getaway for people seeking a change of scenery with an added element of excitement,” said Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Dan Boren. “Building on our capabilities in providing choice entertainment, retail, and hospitality experiences, we believe Lakecrest will be a destination location attracting visitors from Texas, Arkansas, and surrounding states.”
The Carter County project is projected to have an estimated $3.7 million annual payroll as it employs approximately 450 people in full- and part-time roles.
Studies conducted on the Chickasaw Nation’s behalf estimate a total economic impact on the regional economy in the first year at around $102.4 million, including construction. A five-year economic impact is estimated at $307.6 million.
“When we look at this property, we see more than just the fun and entertainment, or the peace and relaxation of luxury accommodations,” continued Anoatubby. “We see employment and the creation of hundreds of new jobs. We see the positive economic impact on the economies of Ardmore and Carter County. Most of all, we see the multitude of ways it will directly contribute to meeting our mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people.”
Earlier in April, Choctaw Nation opened the Choctaw Landing resort and casino in Hochatown. The casino features a gaming space with 600 slot machines and eight table games. Resort services, including conference services, pool opening, concert, and cultural entertainment are set to open at the end of this spring. The property’s official grand opening is slated for May 23rd.