The Shawnee Tribe, in partnership with Global Gaming Solutions, has announced a $70 million expansion project for Golden Mesa Casino, the only casino in the Oklahoma Panhandle. The project will include a new 100-room hotel, a recreational vehicle park, a new restaurant and a larger gaming floor.
A new tourism and entertainment destination for the region
Golden Mesa Casino opened in September 2019, creating 175 jobs and about $4 million in annual payroll. The casino is located about two miles southwest of Guymon on U.S. Highway 54 and attracts visitors from Oklahoma and surrounding states. The casino currently features about 600 electronic games, six table games, a restaurant, bar and retail shop.
The expansion project will increase the size of the casino to 80,000 square feet and increase the daily workforce to roughly 250 employees. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
“We are excited to expand our entertainment offerings in the Panhandle and beyond,” Shawnee Tribe Chief Ben Barnes said in a press release. “We’re grateful to be doing so through a meaningful partnership with Global Gaming and the Chickasaw Nation. The rapid growth our tribal nation has undergone just since 2019, and the resources and services we’re now able to provide to our citizens, none of it would have been possible if not for this partnership and the warmth with which the Guymon community has welcomed us out here. I’m thrilled to see the continued fruits of these labors.”
A groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction
The Shawnee Tribe and Global Gaming Solutions will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, September 22 at 6 p.m. at Golden Mesa Casino. The ceremony will be attended by tribal and local leaders and officials with Global Gaming Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation that will continue to manage operations of the casino while the Shawnee Tribe maintains ownership.
“We are pleased to be part of this collaborative effort with the Shawnee Tribe, the city of Guymon, and Texas County to bring the Golden Mesa project to fruition,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said in a press release. “We believe this project will increase tourism, enhance local business growth and improve employment opportunities. Today, we salute the leadership of the city of Guymon, Texas County, the Shawnee Tribe and the citizens of the Oklahoma Panhandle for working together to bring economic benefits, new jobs, and entertainment diversity to this region.”
Flintco, LLC in Oklahoma City will lead construction efforts on the RV park, hotel and casino floor expansion. During the construction phase, about 500 unique workers will contribute to the project, with a maximum daily workforce of between 200 and 250 employees on site.
The casino will remain open during the expansion project, with an anticipated completion of spring 2025.