Osage To Open New Casino Tuesday Night

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (AP) An $11 million, 42,000-square-foot casino operated by the Osage Nation is scheduled to open near Bartlesville at midnight on Tuesday.<br/><br/>Tribal officials say the Million

Sunday, March 4th 2007, 9:52 pm

By: News On 6

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (AP) An $11 million, 42,000-square-foot casino operated by the Osage Nation is scheduled to open near Bartlesville at midnight on Tuesday.

Tribal officials say the Million Dollar Elm Casino will employ more than 300 people and will be an economic catalyst for enhancing tribal programs.

The casino will include live music venues, more than 600 electronic gaming devices and some table games.

It overlooks the Hughes Ranch and wild horse refuge west of Bartlesville and offers a view of the city's downtown skyline.

The casino takes its name from Osage history.

During the oil boom in the early 20th century, oil lease auctions were held under a large elm tree near the tribal building. On November 11th, 1924, 18 oil leases sold more a total of more than $1 million, giving the tree its nickname.