Creek Nation Casino Breaks Ground

Saturday, March 12th 2005, 7:19 pm

By: News On 6

The Creek Nation Tulsa Bingo was the first high-stakes bingo game in the state. Started in 1984, it used to be one of the top gaming spots in Green Country. And then a new game came to town, an 80-million dollar Las Vegas style casino resort run by the Cherokee Nation.

Chief A. D. Ellis, Creek Nation: "yes we're a couple of years behind em but we'll catch up and we're gonna make up for it."

And they're starting by improving the original.The Creek Nation broke out the golden shovels to celebrate a new beginning. Gone is the old bingo building and coming soon a new and improved Creek Nation Casino. It will be almost double the size with 400 more gaming machines. But that's just the beginning. The Creeks are planning to build their own billion dollar casino resort just down the road.

Chief A D Ellis: "Its going to be south of here a little ways. And we're looking forward to the low water dams going in to give it a lake effect so its going to be a beautiful place."

Itâ€™s a plan that's been in the works for a while. But one the tribe hopes to start making a reality next fall. When it comes together city leaders say it could help make Tulsa a true destination spot.

Karen Keith, Mayor's Office: "As people come to these facilities they'll be staying in hotels around this area, eating in restaurants, and shopping in our stores so its real important to Tulsa and the Creek Nation to see this expansion."

But all the gaming growth begs the question can Tulsa really support two big Las Vegas style casinos? Only time will tell.