ve r e S Self
er i s a e ions
t o m o r ing p
k
a m s k kios
tribal talk
Indulge Sports Eats
SEPT. - OCT. 2015
Event
Entertainment
Miami becomes boxing Mecca
Rebels, bands and beer
1000 BUFFALO RUN BLVD | MIAMI, OK 74354 WWW.BUFFALORUN.COM | 918.542.7140
1. Buffalo Run Casino
918-542-7140 1000 Buffalo Run Blvd. • Miami, OK
2. Cherokee Casino
918-422-6300 2416 U.S. 412 • West Siloam Springs, OK
3. Downstream Casino 918-919-6000 69300 E Nee Rd • Quapaw, OK
4. Grand Lake Casino
918-786-8528 24701 S. 655 Rd. (Hwy. 10) • Grove, OK
5. High Winds Casino
918-541-9463 61475 East 100 Road • Miami, OK
6. INDIGO SKY CASINO * 918-666-8702 70220 Hwy. 60 • Wyandotte. OK
7. Outpost CASINO
918-666-6770 69701 East 100 Road • Wyandotte, OK
8. Lucky Turtle Casino
918-678-2877 64499 E Highway 60 • Wyandotte, OK
9. PRAIRIE MOON Casino 918-542-8670 202 S Eight Tribes Trl • Miami, OK
10. PRAIRIE SUN Casino 918-541-2150 3411 P Street NW • Miami, OK
11. Quapaw Casino 918-540-9100 58100 E 64 Rd • Miami, OK
12. Stables Casino
918-542-7884 530 H Street Southeast • Miami, OK
13. Wyandotte casino 918-678-4946 2 Turtle Drive • Wyandotte, OK
14. BORDERTOWN CASINO 918-666-8702 129 Oneida St, Wyandotte, OK
Off-Track Betting
Blackjack
Poker
Lodging
Dining
Casinos
3
10
3333
12
33333 3333
9
11 1 5
7 8 13
6 14
3333 3
4
3333 3 3 3 3 3 3
33
3
3
3
33
3
*Bingo
2 COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS
3 3
table of contents
September-October Volume 3 • Issue 8
NEOK Casino Connection is a bimonthly publication of American Consolidated Media dba The Miami News-Record, 14 1st Ave, NW. Miami, OK 74354.
20
All content copyright Gatehouse Media 2014.
Casino Expansion Updates
PUBLISHER Cheryl Franklin
10 GAMING Self-Serve Promotions
13 CASINO SPORTS BARS Sports Eats
Design Director Bob Markham
16 ENTERTAINMENT
ART Director/design Edgar Lavinder Jr.
Rebels, Bands and Beer
13
18 EVENT Boxing Mecca
INDULGE
22-23 FACES & PLACES
6 FEATURE
8 TRIBAL TALK
Moonlight Musician
Cherokee Election
28-30 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
WELCOME Kiosks are more than just ATM’s at some of the area’s casinos, bringing self-serve and promotions right at your fingertips. Our cover story looks at some of the newest technology in customer service. And, if you’re ready for some football and you want to watch with a few friends and good eats you can head 4
Advertising DIRECTOR Chris Zimmerman 417-825-3745 918-542-5533 ext. 3041 casino@miamiok.com
Editorial ContribuTIONS Cheryl Franklin Jim Ellis Cody Dyer Melinda Stotts Patrick Richardson Rose Hansen DISTRIBUTION Dylan Elliott To advertise or submit content email casino@miamiok.com.
out to one of the casino sports bars featured in this issue. The TV’s are everywhere and the food is plentiful and the friendly staff is ready for football fans to come on in. There’s the fights going on in the boxing ring and then there the fight going on over building a new casino in Southeast Kansas. You can
read all about it inside. And, don’t forget to keep a copy handy for a quick reference for birthday promotions so you can make the rounds on your special day. It’s a great fall issue and it’s all about northeast Oklahoma casinos. Enjoy reading and, as always, Good Luck! NEOK Casino StaffLuck!
5
feature
By Rose Hansen | NEOK Casino Connection Most adults count themselves lucky if they manage to build a single career based on a personal passion. If that’s the standard, then musician DeMaris Rector is one of the luckiest women in the casino circuit. Rector lives two lives. By day, she’s spent the last ten years climbing the ranks at the Stables Casino from floor worker to cashier and eventually marketing director. Under her leadership, the casino has unveiled a new comedy club that features big name acts like Jimmy Walker, and she dabbles in graphics design, too. The Loony Saloon’s horse logo? That’s Rector’s creative handiwork. In that vein, it should come as no surprise that Rector’s creative abilities extend far beyond the office. As a multi-instrumentalist, her resume includes the saxophone, piano, flute, and harp. Her talents have taken her as far as South Dakota, Santa Fe, and even Arles, France for the 2010 Harp Festival. And every first Friday, you can find her on the pedal harp in the Clubhouse Restaurant at the Stables Casino. Her performance harp pieces include everything from familiar pop hits, like Stairway to Heaven, to classics like Debussey’s Clair de Lune. “That’s always been one of my favorite pieces, and it’s always a work in progress. It was my great grandmother’s favorite piece on the piano, and when my grandmother showed it to me on the harp… those big chords, you just let them carry out and fade away. I really like the mood that it sets. Debussy has a way of building a dreamy atmosphere. I think it brings a touch of class to the restaurant,” she says with a laugh. Rector met her first introduction to music at age five, when her grandmother sat her
6
DeMaris Rector with her harp — casino marketer by day and musician by night.
feature
down with a harp for the first time nearly three decades ago. She has continued mentoring Rector through the rise of her musical career. These days, she performs with the Pittsburg State Southeast Kansas Symphony Orchestra, accompanies Sunday service at the First Presbyterian Church, and hires out to private events like weddings and dinners. In the future, she hopes to expand into a joint business venture with her grandmother to teach music to members of the community. After graduating from Pittsburg State University with a degree in music, Rector considered pursuing music therapy in a graduate program. The only problem was that graduate school is expensive, and the reliable working conditions at the Stables Casino were too good to resist. “I started here at the very bottom and worked my way up,” she says. “I love being the marketing director. I really feel like the management here at Stables has given me a great opportunity in this career.” At home, Rector’s idea of unwinding from work is to turn to her instruments. “I just love it,” she says. “I love all the different kinds of sounds you can make, all the different ways to play the strings, the glissandos, or making [the harp] sound like a guitar. There’s even a Paraguayan style that you can play with you fingertips… It’s so unique. It’s attention-getting. And it’s just… really cool!” Despite her full time job, Rector doesn’t have a hard time making room in her life for music. Her practice schedule includes roughly ten hours a week of scales and arpeggios, and she’s quick to note that many people don’t realize that the harp requires players to use both their hands and feet, making these musicians the most dexterous in an orchestra. And just transporting her six-foot tall, sixty-pound pedal harp from home to stage includes a dolly and special planning. “I have to buy my cars accordingly,” Rector admits. “I always take measuring tapes to make sure my harp will fit into the back of it!” There appears to be little logical relation between the life of a musician and that of the marketing world marketing, but Rector says that gap is a lot smaller than it seems. “When I first played on stage, I was just five years old and I remember a lot of people coming up to me and touching my harp and making me very nervous! But growing up performing, you learn to be really open and social with people,” she explains. “That really helps me with my career in marketing. It also helps that my bosses are great and it’s so laid back here. I love the people.” For performance requests or more information, DeMaris Rector can be reached via private message on her Facebook profile.
7
T tribA L K
tribal talk
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief, Deputy Chief, Tribal Councilors sworn into office
2014 Indian gaming revenues increase 1.5 percent Indian gaming continues to be a stable source of tribal economic development WASHINGTON --Jonodev O. Chaudhuri, Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, released data in late July 2015 showing revenues generated by the Indian gaming industry in 2014 totaled $28.5 billion, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth of gross gaming revenues (GGR) since 2009.“Overall, the Indian gaming industry remains stable. Stability comes from solid operations, strong tribal management, and effective regulation by the Indian gaming’s regulatory community, which includes the NIGC and more than 5,400 tribal regulators,” said Chaudhuri. “Sound regulation is an essential pillar of support for the critical avenue of self-sufficiency and self-determination that Indian gaming has proven for so many tribal nations. Sound regulation preserves public confidence, protects tribal assets, and promotes a safe and fair environment for all people who interact with the industry.” The 2014 GGR of $28.5 billion represents a 1.5 percent growth in revenue from the 2013 GGR of $28 billion. Overall in 2014, 72 percent of operations showed moderate year-over-year changes. Of the operations that reported an increase in revenue, approximately 68 percent showed moderate growth. There was a net of ten new Indian gaming operations added is 2014. Small and moderate gaming operations, those operations making less than $25 million, make up nearly 60 percent of the Indian gaming industry. Many Indian tribes STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 25( revenues) 8
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker, Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden and eight Tribal Councilors pledged today to preserve, protect and defend the Cherokee Nation Constitution as part of their oath of office for the coming four year term. They also vowed to promote the culture, heritage and traditions of the Cherokee Nation. More than 1,000 people filled the Sequoyah High School gym Friday to watch the swearing-in of the elected leaders and hear Chief Baker vow to continue to improve the lives of Cherokee Nation citizens. “The Cherokee people have always led from the front. Throughout history we have set the standard. We were the first tribe to develop a written language. We were the first tribe to have a written constitution. We were the first tribe to defend our sovereignty in the United States’ highest court,” Baker said. STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 25 (Baker)
Courtesy Photo
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker speaks to more than 1,000 Cherokees and visitors during his inauguration speech Friday.
Join the club
free play
NOW!
& Start Reaping the Rewards COMEDY CLUB LOCATED INSIDE THE STABLES CASINO
Bring in this coupon or use coupon code “LMAO” when purchasing online for 50% off of your entire TICKET purchase! BUY TICKETS ONLINE OR VISIT OUR GOLD CLUB!
www.the-stables.com
Must be 21 • Expires 7/30/15
LOVE THAT
STABLES STYLE!
Miami, OK: 530 H Street SE 918-542-7884 • 877-774-7884
SUCCESS is in the cards
Looking to promote your hotel to thousands of readers and clients?
Advertise with us Affordable. Targeted. Now.
NEOK CASINO CONNECTION
THE MIAMI NEWS-RECORD
• 918-542-5533 ext. 3041 • casino@miamiok.com
• 918-542-5533 ext. 3041 • casino@miamiok.com
Swipe it Yourself
gaming
Self-Serve kiosks making promotions easier valuable and some area casinos are making getting those entries easier than ever. Kathy Bergquist, Marketing Manager What northeast Oklahoma casino goer of Downstream Casino says Downstream doesn’t have a wallet full of player’s cards? installed their newest kiosks in January and Those cards that you don’t want to forget to put in the slot machine to establish you are they have become very popular. With the look of an interactive ATM, the in the house… maybe on a hot seat… maybe self-serve kiosks can be used for promotions just to earn some points and certainly you where the player receives a prize on the spot, want that card in the slot if you win a jackpot. free play or providing guests with automated Most importantly, you want to be sure to access to points information, special offers, have plenty of entries for the daily, weekly and incentives. or monthly promotions that are happening Some of the casinos use the kiosks for their everywhere. daily, weekly and monthly promotions. Those cards can eventually become pretty
BY Cheryl Franklin | NEOK Casino Connection
10
For instance, in August, High Winds Casi no instant win gave away items such from a 6-pack of soda or a free dinner to a kindle fire or a big TV. The theme of the promotion changes every month, as do the prizes, according to High Winds Casino Marketing Manager Chris White. Of course, while the self-serve kiosks can help to eliminate lines at the players club windows, casino management at area casinos say players can still have a that one-on-one customer service. Guests can still receive the personal service
gaming
they have always received at the Q-Club desk, Bergquist said. “Some people are not comfortable using the kiosks or just want to talk to someone,” she said. “So the friendly staff can still take care of all of their card services. Also, our staff is always willing to come help someone get started on the kiosks, you can see them out there all the time assisting our guests.” For most of the promotions that use kiosks at the casinos, a win can either be instant or whether you win something special or not, your swipe gives you an entry into either daily, weekly or monthly drawings. Some restrictions may apply. For Mary Zimmerman of Galena, Kansas having the convenience of getting entries so
easily paid off for her in a big way in July at Downstream when she won a Sun Tracker pontoon boat valued at $25,000 in July. “I would go in there all the time and swipe my card at the kiosk,” she said. “Of course, we go there a lot when we have company in town, so I would sometimes get some extra entries then.” Zimmerman said she remembers the days at Downstream Casino when you had to stand in a long line to swipe your card to get your entry, then for the big drawings where you had to be present to win, she said players would stand in line in order to deposit their entries into the hopper. “That’s all changed now, it’s so much easier, you just go up to the kiosk and swipe your card and it asks you if you want to deposit your entries – you choose yes and you’re done.” Birthday free play couldn’t get any easier or more fun since Downstream also uses the
kiosks to give players free play game to play on either their birthday or their birthday month. Downstream Casino has made the kiosks available for a number of applications and located them at several key places throughout the casino. While several are conveniently located beside the Q-Club desk getting the most traffic and visibility, guests can also swipe their card for dining points right before heading into the buffet. “Guests can check right then and there to see if they have enough points to get a free buffet and they can print out their ticket,” Bergquist said. With this type of technology, guests can even access their win/loss statement at the touch of button… or rather the touch of a screen. Can swiping and winning get any easier than that?
11 11
WWW.GRANDLAKECASINO.COM • HWY 10 • N. OF GROVE 12
indulge
By Cody Dyer | NEOK Casino Connection
L
abor Day is more than just another excuse to skip town for a long weekend or enjoy a traditional barbecue with family and friends. It is the unofficial end of summer. Sure, this may bring tears to the eyes of kids returning to school or the Northeast Oklahomans dreading the occasional snowstorm in the coming months. However, there is a select group of passionate souls who have been counting down the days to this week since January 6 and February 2 — football fans. Yes, Labor Day Weekend signals the start of both the college and NFL seasons. For the next few months, Saturday and Sundays will consist of overcrowded bars full of fans cheering on their favorite teams — and of course, their fantasy league teams. Now that football season is back, you might be looking for a place to catch a game and a bite to eat during the football season other than that crowded bar. It goes without saying sports bars provide everything a football fan needs: lots of TVs, signature menu items, specials, beer and WiFi to keep track of your fantasy football team. Whether it’s Saturday or Sunday, here are some things you’ll notice a all have in common: great specials, plenty of HD TVs, and the NFL Sunday Ticket and the ESPN College Game Day packages. That means they can put your game on, no matter what part of the country your team hails from. Club 60 West, located inside Wyandotte Casino, 100 Jackpot Place, Wyandotte, OK 74370 Bottom line: Club 60 West already has that cool, urban thing going for it. Although a few STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 14 13
indulge
can watch their favorite sports, play billiards or shuffleboard, and roll a few games on bowling all in one place,” Ellett said. “Add this in with our great dining options, live entertainment every weekend, and of course our gaming floor and you have ton of entertainment options all STORY CONtinued from PAGE 13 at one location.” Legends Sports Bar, located inside Downstream Casino Resort, promotions and events haven’t been confirmed yet, Casey Ellett, 69300 East Nee Road, Quapaw, OK 74363 Wyandotte Nation Casino corporate marketing manager, said NFL Bottom line: Legends Sports Bar, a go-to for college and professional Sunday Ticket will likely be acquired, airing every NFL game. Ellett sports, continues to be a main-stay for sports fans. With a large projecnoted Club 60 West, which features 20 HD TVs, will also show several tion screen, large seating area and diverse food and beverage menu, Pay-Per-View UFC fights in the future. Legends continues to be a leader for die-hard and casual sports fans. “This would be huge for UFC fans with over 20 high-definition TVs Recommended eats: Fried pickles ($6.95); Legends chili nachos small featuring some of the biggest fights in the sport,” Ellett said. ($5.49); Legends chili nachos full ($9.49); pulled pork sliders ($9.49); Recommended eats: Nachos Half ($5.99); nachos full ($9.99); wings chicken wings (sold by the sixes starting at $6.39 for boneless and $7.49 ($.75 each or orders of 6, 12, 18, 30 or 50 count); loaded potato skins for original); black bean burger wrap ($10.29); french dip ($11.49). ($6.99); large thin-crust cheese pizza ($10.99). Specials: Miller and Miller Lite bottles $2.50 offered during all teleSpecials: “Our food and beverage team is brewing some incredible vised Cardinals or Royals baseball games and during all televised NFL specials for this upcoming football season,” Ellett said. Bottom-less pre-season football games; turkey, swiss and fig sandwich $9.99 with a cup specials, all-you-can-eat wing specials, all-you-can-eat slider side salad. specials, among some other great food and drink specials. Why you should go: Legends Sports Bar, according to Sean Har“Plus, we will be launching a new Club 60 West drink and dining rison, Downstream Casino Resort public relations manager, “is a great menu any day,” Ellett said. venue for watching the biggest games on an incredible huge flat panel Why you should go: “Club 60 West has several differentiating facprojection screen and more than a dozen big screen televisions.” tors, according to Ellett, compared to most of the sports bars in the Legends Sports Bar, every Friday and Saturday, features live bands area. “There are not many locations in the area where a guest or party from around the four-state region. 14
indulge
Ad:SWCC15229521; Format(203.17mm x 130.16mm) 15 Date: 06/15/2015 10:39 EST
entertainment Downstream Casino’s Country Music Festival — Rebels, bands and beer
Chase Rice By Melinda Stotts NEOK Casino Connection
For two nights, not just one, Country Music fans will have a chance to hear six live, real, on-fire top bands and artists all in one festival at one of the best venues offered at area casinos. “This is our first music festival, and we are very excited about it,” Downstream’s Public Relations Manager Sean Harrison said. “We have been hearing a lot of very positive feedback and great anticipation from our guests and the greater community.” Downstream Casino’s Country Music Festival presented by Miller Lite opens Friday, Sept. 4 with the Josh Abbott Band, Pat Green, and Whiskey Myers kicking off the music festival at Downstream’s outdoor venue. The second night, Saturday, Sept. 5 swings back hard with even more entertainment and music from the Eli Young Band, Chase Rice and Waterloo Revival. Gates open at 5 p.m. each night with shows starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the Heckaton Gift Shop 918-919-6099, by calling WaterlooRevival
16
1-888-DWNSTRM(396-7876) or online at www.downstreamcasino.com “We work with an outside concert promoter for our bigger concerts, including all of the summer shows in our outdoor venue, “ Harrison said. “When the idea of a two-day country festival came up, we talked about it and liked the sound of it. So our promoter went to work to see what could be put together. It probably is a big challenge. Think about six different full-time touring acts and how many moving parts must exist for each individual tour. But you know, there are agents and promoters who specialize in festivals, and there are hundreds of festivals every summer. Lots of times, certain acts are grouped together because the bands operate under the same record label, or through the same management groups and agencies. So these bands have probably done other festivals or shows together. Thankfully we didn’t have to bring everything together ourselves; we can leave that to the experts.” At the Downstream Country Music Festival bands and artists at the top of their musical careers will give fans and music lovers the opportunity to enjoy two evenings of these popular entertainers giving it their all. Harrison said, “Country music festivals (and rock festivals, blues festivals, etc.) are very popular all over the country and in foreign countries especially during the summer months. It creates a big party atmosphere, and gives patrons an opportunity to hear a variety of good acts in one trip and in one place. So we felt like it would be a lot of fun for our guests and the region’s country music lovers — and fun for us too! We put it on the Labor Day weekend because it sort of marks the end of the summer and one last big
hooray leading into a new school year, and football season.” The staff at Downstream anticipates a large turnout and hopes to schedule more music festivals in the future. “We’re anticipating a big turnout and a lot enthusiasm for some great country music this weekend, “ Harrison said. “We will be ready with plenty of cold beer and soft drinks, hotdogs and other festive food. Inside Downstream we will brace for a big crowd, and the restaurants will be busy, the bars will be packed, the casino games will be rocking — we are all going to have a rowdy country music party this weekend.”
Friday Night The Josh Abbott Band took their rightful place in Country music with the breakout success of “Oh, Tonight” and the title track from 2010’s regional smash “She’s Like Texas,” created a stir that reached all the way to music executives in Nashville and New York City. Starting out a fan of Texas and Red Dirt music in his college years Josh Abbott set his mind on being on stage. Abbott with his banjo-playing fraternity brother, Austin Davis, fiddle player Preston Wait and drummer Edward Villanueva came onboard, and the fledgling Josh Abbott Band was off to a start. “Maybe that was a little naïve at the time,” he admits with a laugh, “but the truth is, I guess I’ve always felt like if I’m going to do something, then I just can.” And so he did. “We didn’t record a demo until 2007, which was ‘Taste,’ and then we didn’t even get a booking agent and start touring outside of Lubbock until 2008,” says Abbott. “But after that, everything started happening so fast for us that we really weren’t ready for it at first. We’d start
Pat Green
showing up at venues and there’d be a lot of people there, and we didn’t even have enough originals to play 90 minutes. And it was kind of a weird deal for us because there were a lot of bands on the scene that were a lot more tenured, and they went from not even knowing who we were to all of a sudden playing these co-bills with us within like a two-year span. I mean, we definitely paid our dues, but it all came together a lot faster than we’d anticipated. For that, we’re so grateful.” Whiskey Myers is proudest of making honest music — loud and proud, they sing about what they know with a refreshing directness and clarity. Some call it rebel music, but it’s more like everyday soul. Their songs are stories, with relatable characters and situations. Stories of celebration, of mourning, of trials and triumph. Through the quality of these songs, and the band’s undeniable power in concert and on record, Whiskey Myers has attracted a devoted army of outspoken fans who pack venues, sing the band’s praises online, and continue to make them a growing word-of-mouth sensation. STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 17 Whiskey Myers
entertainment
STORY CONtinued from PAGE 16
Grammy nominated Pat Green has earned the respect of many artists and fans throughout his 15 year career in music both singing and writing. “I’d much rather be me and comfortable in my own skin than trying to be five different guys to get to the top,” he has said. He’s co-written songs with Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Jewel and Rob Thomas. Appeared on such national TV shows as Austin City Limits, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show With David Letterman. Been hailed by Billboard, USA Today, Esquire, People and Country Weekly. Toured with the likes of Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and the Dave Matthews Band. And become a concert force in his own right, regularly selling out venues from Los Angeles to New York
Saturday Night Calling themselves a brotherhood, the Eli Young Band, a talented close-knit foursome can certainly make that claim with thousands of concerts behind them.
The band’s strong musical and writing talent is undeniable with bassist Jon Jones, drummer Chris Thompson, lead vocalist Mike Eli, and guitarist James Young. The band has three No. 1 hits under their belt as well as a Grammy nomination and an Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year for their hit “Crazy Girl.” The double platinum single became the # 1 most played country song of the year on Billboard’s 2011 year end chart and earned them the ACM Award for Song of the Year. There have been many miles traveled over the years for the Eli Young Band and that’s why 10,000 Towns felt like the right title for their new album. “There’s a general theme between small town America where every town is different, but in some ways, they are the same,” says Young. “We felt like the title encapsulated the best years of us driving all over the country playing music. Chase Rice is up to the challenge pulling no punches when he takes the stage, he has said of performing, “You’re gonna be mine and I’m gonna be yours for an hour and a half. We’re
gonna be in each other’s face. If you don’t like that, walk out the door.” The Florida-born, North Carolina-raised, football-playing, music-lover followed a football scholarship at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill, a stint working on a NASCAR pit crew, hit Nashville and began writing with the members of Florida Georgia Line. Rice began journaling in high school, a practice he’s maintained even as his touring life got crazy and hectic, which helped him evolve into an artist and songwriter. His songs “ GonnaWanna Tonight,” “Ready Set Roll,” “Ride,”prove the point. Waterloo Revival hit the Austin music scene, found a connection with fans and started for Nashville. The duo Cody Cooper and George Birge have been friends since middle school in Austin. “Hit the Road,” a product from one of their first Nashville sessions, encompassed both Cody and George’s quest to spread Austin’s music scene across the country. Through a chance connection, George arranged a meeting with Toby Keith’s manager, TK Kimbrell, who promptly signed the boys to TKO Artist Management after hearing “Hit the Road.” Downstream is offering more fun and more music with After Hours Parties
both nights after the concerts end. “This two-day event was scheduled as part of our outdoor summer concert series. Although — and this is important — we are expanding the outdoor festival to the inside on both nights for an After Hours Party on Legends Stage, and that is free to everyone: We are bringing in some very good country acts to play on the Legends Stage and keep the country music going, “ Harrison said. Here are details on that After Hours Party: On Sept. 4, after the outdoor festival, Milton Patton (finalist, “America’s Got Talent”; http://www.miltonpattonmusic.com) will perform at 10pm, and Derryl Perry (http://www.derrylperry.com/home.html) will perform at 12am. On Sept. 5, after the outdoor festival, Makenna & Brock (finalists, “The X Factor”; http://makennaandbrock.com) will perform at 10pm; and local heroes LiveWire (http:// www.livewirecountry.com) will perform at 12am. On both nights, inside on Legends stage — celebrity DJ NVS (http://djnvs. com/about/) will rock the stage from 5:30-7:30pm
Date night, ladies night, or
just plain fun! Only at the Stables Casino!
Miami, OK: Exit 313 off I-44, then west one mile (530 H Street SE) 918-542-7884 • 877-774-7884 • thestablescasino.com 17
event
Miami becomes.....
boxing Mecca By Patrick Richardson NEOK Casino Connection
18
MIAMI — Miami has become something of a boxing Mecca of late and the reasons come down to two men — legendary boxing promoter Tony Holden and former head of the Christian Favalora / NEOK Casino Oklahoma Boxing Commission and current General Manager Jesse “Left Hook” Cook (right) stands across Patrick Boozer at Bufof Buffalo Run Casino Resort falo Run Casino. Steve Bashore. Holden, originally from Miami, has managed such famous boxers as Tommy Morrison, Alan Green, Johnny Tapia and Joe Mesi. He is now promoting the Four State Franchise, which include Morrison’s sons Trey Lippe-Morrison and Kenzie Morrison as well as Dillon and Jesse Cook and Jarrett Rouse. Holden said one of the reasons he’s brought boxing back GARY CROW / NEOK Casino to Miami is simply that — it’s Jarrett Rouse (right) lands a solid punch to the face of Casey Phelps his hometown — but, moreover, during their fight here in October. Rouse, a member of the Four State the fan base is phenomenal. Franchise, will be in action again Saturday night.
Patrick Richardson/NEOK Casino
Legendary Boxing Promoter Tony Holden announced Thursday he will be leaving retirement to promote Dillon and Jesse Cook, of Seneca, Missouri, and Trey Lippe-Morrison, of Vinita. The three fighters have been termed “The Four State Franchise” and will fight several times a year at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami.
event
PATRICK RICHARDSON /NEOK Casino
Members of the Four State Franchise boxing team include (from left) Kenzie Witt, Jarrett Rouse, Jesse Cook, Trey Lippe Morrison and Dillon Cook. Witt, the team’s newest member, Rouse, Jesse Cook and Lippe Morrison will be in action Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino. Dillon Cook is sidelined while recovering from elbow surgery. The five are a combined 43-0 with 26 knockouts. “What keeps boxing in Miami is the amazing fans and turnout, they’re sincere fight fans,” Holden said. But it all started for Miami on April 2, 2002, when he promoted a card which was televised by ESPN2 from downtown Miami with the Coleman Theatre serving as the backdrop. Since then, Holden has brought multiple shows to Miami, including Showtime and ESPN. “I’ve worked with those networks for 25 years,” he said. Bashore said he got to know Holden when Bashore was head of the Oklahoma Boxing Commission. “Tony promoted most of the fights in the state,” Bashore said. “He was just bringing these people from all over the country.” Bashore said at the time most of the boxing was being done in casinos in western Oklahoma — in one case the casino had to pull gaming machines off the floor to make room for the ring — and added that ESPN, which
JIM ELLIS / NEOK Casino
With promoter Tony Holden (far left) looking on, heavyweight fighter Trey Lippe-Morrison makes comments during a February press conference. Pictured are (from left), Holden, Buffalo Run GM Steve Bashore and Four States Franchise members Jarrett Rouse, Lippe Morrison, Kenzie Morrison, Dillon Cook and Jesse Cook. All five will be in action Saturday night during a card at Buffalo Run. was televising some of the fights, normally likes to show the skyline of the city where the fights are held but was unable to. “In their backdrop they just showed cows,” Bashore said
“What keeps boxing in Miami is the amazing fans and turnout, they’re sincere fight fans” Tony Holden
STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 24 19
Expansion
Casino Expansion Updates
An artist’s rendering of the proposed Castle Rock Casino Resort. If approved by the Kansas Gaming Commission the resort could begin construction in July of 2015.
three competing proposals. Castle Rock’s bid was for a $145 million project for A new lawsuit has been U.S. 400 near Interstate 44 in filed against the Kansas Cherokee County, and was Crossing Casino by one of the largest proposal. the companies which was Castle Rock’s proposal was competing for the contract to build in the Southeast Zone. not only more than twice the size of Kansas Crossing’s On July 31 attorneys for but was expected to bring Castle Rock Casino Resort filed a 555 page lawsuit chal- in nearly 1 million visitors per year — mostly from out lenging the decisions of the of state — about double the Kansas Lottery and Gaming expectations from Kansas Facilities Review Board and the Kansas Lottery and Gam- Crossing. However an independent ing Commission to award the review questioned Castle contract to build a destination casino in southeast Kan- Rock’s ability to meet its debt service and to remain viable sas to Kansas Crossing. long-term. Russell Jones, with the District Judge Larry D. Polsinelli law firm, which Hendricks declined to issue represents Castle Rock, said a preliminary injunction Thursday the group believes requested by the Also on July the commission not only made the wrong decision, but 31, Cherokee County Board of Commissioners which failed to follow the law. “We don’t think the facility would have prevented Kanreview board and the gaming sas Crossing from moving forward with plans for the commission did what they were supposed to do and pick final state-owned casino in the best contract,” Jones said. Kansas — citing in part that “We feel strongly that Castle independent review. However, in its filing, CasRock had the best proposal.” The review board awarded tle Rock alleges the boards never referenced those the contract to the Kansas concerns in turning down the Crossing proposal, which company’s proposal. totaled some $70.2 million, “The Lottery Review Board in June. It was the smallest of NEOK Casino Connection
20
and the Commission now claim that the Review Board harbored concerns regarding Castle Rock’s financial capabilities” the filing reads. “However these concerns were not articulated as the basis for any Board member’s vote against Castle Rock, and according to the operative statute, Castle Rock had been approved, by the commission as having ‘sufficient access to financial resources to support the activities required.’” The suit also alleges improprieties in the selection process, “including the lastminute inclusion of ‘sweeteners’ in contradiction of prior Lottery direction,” but does not elaborate on what those sweeteners might be. Jones said while the filing is currently separate from Cherokee County’s Castle Rock is seeking to have both lawsuits combined. Pittsburg City Manager Daron Hall said it was unfortunate the selection process had ended in a flurry of lawsuits. “The dificult thing about everybody suing everybody else it is limits the opportunity to talk,” he said. “What we need is to sit down and talk with Cherokee County (about
what’s good for the area.) “Three hundred jobs are a good place to start.” Jones said it would likely be sometime in 2016 before the lawsuit comes to trial. TOPEKA — Construction on the Kansas Crossing Casino may continue while a lawsuit contesting the decision by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission to award a contract to build a casino in Crawford County moves forward, District Judge Larry D. Hendricks ruled July 31. Hendricks declined to issue a preliminary injunction requested by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners which would have prevented Kansas Crossing from moving forward with plans for the final stateowned casino in Kansas. The review board awarded the contract to the Kansas Crossing proposal, which totaled some $70.2 million, in June. It was the smallest of three competing proposals. The largest investor is Bruce Christenson, of Houston, Texas, A competing proposal, Castle Rock Casino Resort, was a $145 million project
expansion for U.S. 400 near Interstate 44 in Cherokee County, was the largest proposal. Brothers Rodney and Brandon Steven of Wichita are the largest investors in that project. Cherokee County has contended that the gaming board violated state law, which required them to award the bid to the proposal which would “best maximizes revenue, encourages tourism and otherwise serves the best interest of the people of Kansas,” by awarding the contract to the smallest of three proposals which was expected to bring in roughly half of the 1 million visitors per year the Castle Rock proposal projected. However, one independent
review of the Castle Rock proposal said it was unlikely Castle Rock would make projected earnings, nor be able to make debt service. Union Gaming, which was hired by the gaming commission to conduct the review, said not only would Castle Rock not have enough cash to pay off its debt on an annual basis, but “questioned Castle Rock’s ability to operate as a going concern.” “The plaintiff (Cherokee County) relies on the possibility of 15 years of injury based upon financial numbers of an applicant that one expert states would not be able to service the debt and further questions whether the project has the ability to
operate as a going concern,” Hendricks wrote in his decision. “In other words Castle Rock might not be in operation 15 years or even 5 years. The Court finds at this point that the plaintiff has failed its burden to show irreparable future injury.” In a release, Christenson said he was pleased with the decision. “I am grateful for the judge’s decision. Our team agrees with the finding that the Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board conducted a substantial and thorough process,” Christenson, lead investor and developer of Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel said. “I hope the parties can all move forward
together now, knowing that Kansas Crossing will have significant positive impact throughout the region.” Cherokee County Commission Chairman Richard Hilderbrand said the county was still evaluating the judge’s decision, but was moving forward with the lawsuit. “We just want the same thing we’ve always hoped for,” he said by telephone Tuesday. “We just want them to follow the state statute and follow the law.” Word also came in August that Castle Rock had joined the lawsuit against the gaming commission. Hilderbrand said he had no response to Castle Rock’s filing.
21
faces & places Gerald Parker wins $10,000 at Downstream Casino.
Timothy Henson wins $$16,000 at Downstream Casino.
Garrett Frost wins $12,679.44 at Downstream Casino.
Grazyna Machnik wins $24,000 at Downstream Casino.
A spectator takes a photo of the Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at Buffalo Run Casino Resort.
Mike Love — one of the original members of The Beach Boys — points to the crowd during the concert at Downstream Casino.
Tony Holden (far left) looking on, heavyweight fighter Trey Lippe-Morrison makes comments during a February press conference. 22
faces & places
Vickie won a 2015 Can-Am Spyder at Wyandotte Casino. Heavyweight Kenzie Morrison won by decision in four rounds agaisnt Lucas Overstreet.
Trey Lippe Trey Lippe Morrison at the Buffalo Run Casino. Blasters DH Austin Gallagher signs autographs with fans after a Joplin home game.
Pamela won $13,984 at Wyandotte Casino.
Catherine won a 2015 Bass Tracker Bass Boat at Wyandotte Casino. 23
event STORY CONtinued from PAGE 19
with a chuckle. But about five years ago, Holden retired from boxing — although he was still helping to mount fights at Buffalo Run for other promoters. “Trey got me back into the sport. He came to me and said he wanted to box and I did everything I could to talk him out of it,” Holden said.” He told me he was boxing with or without me.” Holden said having Bashore and his boxing commission experience at Buffalo Run is “absolutely very helpful. “Steve and I are boxing guys,” Holden said. “It’s a very natural process for us.” While there have been multiple televised fights — and indeed the last 4SF fight was televised regionally — in Miami, the current series is different. According to Bashore, having local fighters in the game, makes all the difference in the world. Lippe-Morrison is from the Vinita area, the Cook brothers from Seneca, Missouri, and Kenzie Morrison is from Colcord and Rouse is from the Bartlesville area. “I think that’s a huge factor, people can identify with those fighters,” Bashore said. “It all starts with the local favorite, the grassroots boxing is where it all starts.” Holden said as the fighters advance, he’s seeing something special happen. “It has exceeded all expectations,” he said. “Nothing has been done like this before. These kids are knocking on the door of opportunity to be great fighters. “If Trey were to break into the top 10 it would be huge for the area. If any of these guys do it, it would be the biggest sporting event in the history of the Four States.” 24
DELIVER YOUR MESSAGE to the RIGHT CUSTOMERS at the RIGHT TIME MAXIMIZE YOUR ADVERTISING DOLLARS BY TARGETING THOSE WHO MATTER MOST.
Female with children
within 20 miles
Amplify your message and extend your reach. With targeted display advertising, your business can micro-target customers by age, gender, income, zip code, and more!
searched for dental care
CALL TODAY! 918-542-5533 Partnered with PROPELMARKETING.COM
Ad:SWCC14221232; Format(129.6mm x 266.67mm) Date: 12/22/2014 16:41 EST
STORY CONtinued from PAGE 8 (Baker)
“Today we are no different. This is not a time to follow, but a time to lead. We will set our own mark, and we will achieve it. The Cherokee Nation has never been in a better position to advance its goals than today. If we work together, arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder, we will prevail and succeed like we always have.” Chief Baker avoided a runoff after being reelected in the tribe’s general election with 52.62 percent of the vote against three other candidates. Deputy Chief Crittenden took
62.57 percent of the vote with one opponent. “Building homes, expanding quality health care and creating career and educational opportunities is changing our tribe for the better day in and day out,” Crittenden said. “These are the things most important for our kids, our families and our tribe not only to survive, but to thrive. These are the building blocks and foundation for our success and for our future as a tribal government.” District 3 Tribal Councilor
T tribA L K
David Walkingstick and District 12 Tribal Councilor Dick Lay begin their second terms in office. Both won reelection in the June general election. District 1 Tribal Councilor Rex Jordan, District 6 Tribal Councilor Bryan Warner, District 8 Tribal Councilor Shawn Crittenden, District 14 Tribal Councilor Keith Austin and At-Large Tribal Councilor Wanda Hatfield all begin their first terms as members of the legislative body. District 13 Tribal Councilor Buel Anglen returns to office after sit-
ting out four years. Anglen previously served on Tribal Council from 2002-13. The inauguration ceremony also featured performances by the Cherokee National Youth Choir, Cherokee Adult Choir, Cherokee Baptist Choir, plus Nashville recording artist Becky Hobbs and world-renowned opera singer Barbara McAlister, both Cherokee Nation citizens. A traditional meal was served to the community immediately following the ceremony.
governments; and to ensure that tribes are the primary beneficiaries of their gaming activities, the Commission has adopted the following principles: • Act within appropriate agency authority to address and mitigate activity that jeopardizes the integrity of Indian gaming and, by extension, the valuable selfdetermination tool that it represents; • Swiftly act on anything that jeopardizes the health and safety of the public at gaming establishments, including employees and patrons • Engage in sound regulation without unnecessarily stymieing lawful economic development activities; and, • Protect against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes. “As someone who has witnessed the undeniable benefits the Indian gaming industry has provided to many Native communities, I know the importance of protecting it,” said Chaudhuri. “An efficient, wellfunctioning, and effective regulatory structure protects the industry and promotes
its integrity and health.” The NIGC’s GGR release provides the most comprehensive look at the revenues of the Indian gaming industry each year. GGR also provides a regional view of revenues figures for the more than 450 gaming establishments, associated with nearly 242 tribes across 28 states.The 2014 GGR is calculated based on 459 independently audited financial statements received by the NIGC through July 8, 2015. Financial statements are submitted by Indian gaming operations in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Gaming revenues represent the net win from gaming activities, which is the difference between gaming receipts and payouts. The National Indian Gaming Commission is committed to the prompt and efficient regulation of the Indian gaming industry spanning more than 450 gaming establishments, associated with nearly 242 tribes across 28 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the $28.5 billion Indian gaming industry.
STORY CONtinued from PAGE 8 (rEVENUES)
use gaming revenues to fund economic development activities on reservations and more effective provision of tribal government services, including health services, early education programs and language and cultural preservation activities.In 2014, 88 Indian gaming operations reported gaming revenue less than $3 million, 76 Indian gaming operations reported gaming revenue between $3 million and $10 million and 96 Indian gaming operations reported gaming revenue between $10 million and $25 million. “The Indian gaming industry is driven by the demographics of each area. Many tribal gaming operations are in rural parts of the country where jobs are greatly needed for both natives and non-natives alike,” said Chaudhuri. “Tribal gaming revenue – unlike commercial gaming – is heavily regulated, purposed specifically to support Tribal governmental services, to benefit Indian Nations.” The largest increase in GGR of 4.4 percent or $305 million occurred within the Sacramento Region, which consists
of 68 gaming operations across California and northern Nevada. The Oklahoma City Region, which consists of 65 gaming operations in Texas and western Oklahoma, had the largest percentage increase from 2013--7.5 percent or $141 million. “Over the last several years our regulatory review has provided much needed reform to meet the needs of the changing industry and provide flexibility and consistency for tribes and tribal regulators. I believe that regulation has played a key role in the stability of the Indian gaming industry by providing consistency and predictability, a requirement for any financial market,” said Chaudhuri. “And to that principle, I have set policy that I believe effectively balances tribal sovereignty with our regulatory responsibilities and will continue to provide consistency and predictability within the industry.” To fulfill the NIGCs mandate to maintain the integrity of the Indian gaming industry; promote tribal economic development, selfsufficiency and strong tribal
25
the perks
You say it’s your birthday?
Buffalo Run Casino Free play during the month of your birthday. Reward value based on the color of your card Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs Win up to $500 rewards play when you play the Birthday game Downstream Casino Swipe your Q-Club card the month of your birthday and receive $10-50 free play Grand Lake Casino $10 free play applied to your players club card High Winds Casino $5 free play any one day during your birthday month Indigo Sky Casino $7 in free play the month of your birthday Bordertown Casino and Arena $7 in free play the month of your birthday Outpost Casino $7 in free play on your rewards card on your birthday Lucky Turtle Casino $5 free play the day of your birthday Prairie Moon Casino $5 free play the month of your birthday Prairie Sun Casino $5 free play the month of your birthday Quapaw Casino $5 free play the day of your birthday Stables Casino $5 free play the day of your birthday Wyandotte Casino Prize based on players past 12 months of carded play $5 -$25 plus Twin Bridges Restaurant offer
26
27
SUCCESS is in the cards
Advertise with us Affordable. Targeted. Now.
THE MIAMI NEWS-RECORD Call the office • 918-542-5533 ext. 3041 • casino@miamiok.com
Looking to promote your hotel to thousands of readers and clients?
NEOK CASINO CONNECTION • 918-542-5533 ext. 3041 • casino@miamiok.com
Miami is home to more than 500 hotel rooms. With so many attractions to visit, and events to enjoy, we know you will love your stay with us! 27
calendar of events
September 3 Indigo Sky Casino Phil McGarrah & Runin on Empty
September 4 Bordertown Casino and Arena Dewayne Bowman
September 5 Downstream Casin Country Music Festival 6:00 pm
September 4 Indigo Sky Casino Phil McGarrah & Runin on Empty
September 4 Downstream Casino Country Music Festival 6:00 pm
September 5 Indigo Sky Casino Another Alibi
September 4 Wyandotte Casino Centrefire(Club 60 West)
September 4 & 5 Loony Saloon Jeremy “Jer-dog� Danley
September 5 Bordertown Casino and Arena Blane Howard
September 10 Indigo Sky Casino Rachelle Turner Tribute to Queens of Country September 11 Wyandotte Casino Big Smitty Band (Club 60 West) September 11 Bordertown Casino and Arena Jamie Wolfe and the Wranglers September 11 Indigo Sky Casino Dirty Saints September 11&12 Loony Saloon Mickey Thomas September 12 Indigo Sky Casino Dirty Saints September 12 Bordertown Casino and Arena Brandon Butler
28
calendar of events
September 18 Indigo Sky Casino Diversity
September 19 Bordertown Casino and Arena Justin Heskett
September 26 Wyandotte Casino Stonehorse (Club 60 West)
October 2 Indigo Sky Casino Oreo Blue
September 18 Bordertown Casino and Arena Bobby D Band
September 19 Indigo Sky Casino The Uncrowned Kings
September 26 Indigo Sky Casino Boombox Revival
October 2 Wyandotte Casino Merle Jam (Club 60 West)
September18 Bordertown Casino and Arena Confederate Railroad
September 24 Indigo Sky Casino Solid Gold
October 3 October 2 Bordertown Casino and Arena Wyandotte Casino George Brothers with Leslie Wright The Hi-Fidelics (Club 60 West)
September 18 Wyandotte Casino The Hi-Fidelics (Club 60 West)
September 25 Wyandotte Casino Stonehorse (Clube 60 West)
September 18 & 19 Loony Saloon Ron Sweet
September 25 Bordertown Casino and Arena Thomas Martinez
September 19 Wyandotte Casino The Hi-Fidelics (Club 60 West)
September 25 Indigo Sky Casino Rocked N Loaded
September 19 Downstream Casino Larry The Cable Guy 8:00 pm
September 25 & 26 Loony Saloon George Gallo 29
calendar of events October 3 Bordertown Casino and Arena Derryl Perry
October 16 Wyandotte Casino Uncrowned Kings (Club 60 West)
October 3 October 17 Joe Giles & The Homewreckers Wyandotte Casino Uncrowned Kings (Club 60 West) October 8 Indigo Sky Casino October 17 Dewayne Bowman Bordertown Casino and Arena Blane Howard October 9 Bordertown Casino and Arena October 17 Southern Green Bordertown Casino and Arena Kentucky Headhunters October 9 Indigo Sky Casino October 17 Eddie Valen Indigo Sky Casino Blane Howard October 9 Wyandotte Casino October 23 Joe Worrel (Club 60 West) Wyandotte Casino Paul Bogard (Club 60 West) October 10 Wyandotte Casino October 23 Joe Worrel (Club 60 West) Bordertown Casino and Arena Brandon Butler October 10 Bordertown Casino and Arena October 23 Brian Odle Indigo Sky Casino Soldi Gold October 10 Indigo Sky Casino October 24 Big Smitty Indigo Sky Casino Leah and the Mojo October 15 Doctors Indigo Sky Casino Southern Ground October 24 Bordertown Casino October 16 and Arena Indigo Sky Casino Kinsey Sadler Milton Patton October 24 October 16 Wyandotte Casino Bordertown Casino and Arena Travis Kidd (Club 60 Southern Ground West) 30
October 29 October 31 Indigo Sky Casino Bordertown Casino and Arena Rachelle Turner Tribute to Queens Backroad Anthem of Country October 31 October 30 Indigo Sky Casino Bordertown Casino and Arena Eddie Valen Bobby D Band October 30 Indigo Sky Casino Midwestern Playboys October 30 & 31 Wyandotte Casino DJ Deeko (Club 60 West) October 31 Wyandotte Casino Members Only (Club 60 West Event Center)
TICKETS START AT
5
$
CLUB 60 WEST EVENT CENTER SPECIAL HALLOWEEN SHOW • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 Doors open at 8PM • Show starts at 9PM
Don’t miss the nation’s premier ‘80s tribute band, playing your favorite pop classics from the decade that gave us the Rubik’s Cube, Atari and feathered bangs! Tickets start at just $5 at the casino cashier or online at www.wyandottecasinos.com.
100 JACKPOT PLACE | WYANDOTTE, OK 74370 866.447.4946 | WWW.WYANDOTTECASINOS.COM Must be 18+. Rules and restrictions apply.
31