The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, on Thursday, broke ground to its $500 million Choctaw Casino and Resort expansion project, which when completed will make it the largest resort in Oklahoma.
The move might entice more traffic from Dallas-Fort Worth to visit the casino and resort, located in Durant, near the Texas state border.
The resort property expansion plan will add 1,000 new hotel rooms, increasing the total to over 1,600 rooms.
The project will also expand the gaming floor and introduce new amenities, like, new swimming pools, lazy river, parking garage and retail spaces. Planners look to diversify the entertainment options and dining venues, as well.
Durant city officials, tribal council members, multiple gaming industry professionals and community members joined Gary Batton, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief, who led the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.
“Today is a special day for the Choctaw Nation as we embark upon an expansion journey that will result in a top-tier entertainment offering for our region and will spur economic growth for Durant and our state, plus new employment opportunities for our tribal and community members,” Batton said in a statement. “The expansion will go a long way in meeting the demands of our growing customer
base by delivering exciting new enhancements and luxury amenities for all who visit.”
The new resort property promises to generate 1,000 jobs.
Currently, the casino’s gaming complex has over 4,100 slot machines, 60 table games and a private poker lounge with 30 poker tables.
The Choctaw Casino first opened in 2006. Over the years, it has undergone renovations and several major expansions.
Tutor Perini Building Corp. oversees the project’s design-build team, which comprises of JCJ Architecture and Friedmutter Group.
The national real estate development firm, TynanGroup LLC is the developer for the expansion project.
“The Choctaw Nation’s latest expansion in Durant will elevate the resort and gaming experience in Oklahoma to the likes of which are typically found only in Las Vegas,” TynanGroup Chairman and CEO John Tynan said in a statement. “With a focus on the benefits this project will bring to the Choctaw Nation, the City of Durant, as well as the entire region, the Choctaw Nation has assembled a world-class team to build this mega-project.”
The new property is scheduled to open in Spring, 2021.