fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

ARDMORE, Okla. -- Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby led ribbon cutting ceremonies May 7 for Lakecrest Casino and Hotel, located minutes from Lake Murray in south central Oklahoma.

Governor Anoatubby said 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,” Governor Anoatubby said.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

“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.”

Located on State Highway 70, 2 miles east of I-35 exit 29, Lakecrest combines modern amenities with a friendly atmosphere to create a full-service resort experience just five minutes from Lake Murray. The dynamic development features a 70,000-square-foot casino with more than 1,000 electronic games and eight table games, along with a boutique, coffee shop, restaurant and bar. The 89-room hotel also includes a picturesque resort pool, business center and conference space. The property’s RV park has 20 slips and includes Wi-Fi, electrical hookups and online reservations.

“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 development is anticipated 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 year one of about $102.4 million, including construction. A five-year economic impact is estimated at about $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,” Governor Anoatubby said. “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.”

Lakecrest Casino and Hotel is located at 1000 US Highway 70 E, Ardmore, Oklahoma. For more information, visit LakecrestCasino.com or call (580) 222-2910.

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Cheyenne River Youth Project Hosts Holiday Party, Prepares to Deliver Gifts to 1,000+ Children
Feds Release Media Guidelines for Reporting on MMIP Cases
Native Bidaské with Robert Maxim on the Recently Released Brookings Report on Indian Boarding Schools

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

About The Author
Author: Chickasaw Nation MediaEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.