The Many Casinos of Kay County, Oklahoma

Casinos have become the major attraction in the Kay County area during the last six years, attracting many out of state visitors and now bringing top rated entertainment.

The Newkirk area is home to four casinos, while Tonkawa has one. Three are located south of Ponca City and one is located to the east of Ponca City.

The newest casino in the Newkirk area, First Council Casino, owned and operated by the Otoe-Missoura Tribe was opened in February of 2008.

Located nine miles north of Newkirk on Highway 77 near the entrance to the former Chilocco Indian School, the casino recently added a hotel and an event center. First Council also features a buffet style restaurant and over 1,250 slot machines.

Many popular performers such as Reo Speedwagon, Chicago and Kenny Rogers have performed at the event center and many more are scheduled.

Learn more here.

Next door to First Council is the Lil' Bit of Paradise casino located inside the Otoe Missouria Travel Plaza. This casino opened around the same time as First Council and is also owned by the Otoe-Missouria Tribe.

The connivence store casino has grown over the last couple of years and features 98 machines.

The tribe also operates the Paradise Casino located south of Ponca City on Highway 177 and a second travel plaza south of the Paradise Casino that features the Big Ol Burger.

Paradise has encountered is share of storm damage in recent times but repairs are always made and the gamblers return.

The casino features over 500 machines and a casual eatery.

Learn more here

The Tonkawa Tribe operates two casinos in Kay County with a third one planned. The Tribe operates Native Lights Casino, north of Newkirk on Highway 77 and the Tonkawa Casino west of Ponca City and east of Tonkawa on Allen Drive.

Native Lights features over 600 machines, offers poker and blackjack, and a snack bar and a beverage bar. The Tonkawa Casino features 374 machines, a snack bar and offers black jack and poker.

When it comes to gambling, for the most part I'm unlucky, but a couple weeks ago, I had my biggest win at Native Lights. I hit on two machines for a grand total of $600. So currently I'm a Native Lights fan.

Learn more here

The Kaw Tribe operates the Kaw Southwind Casino located east of Newkirk on North L.A. Cann Road.

Southwind features a wide variety of games, poker and black jack tables, a bingo hall, and a cafe.

In recent times, a bar has been added. And like Native Lights, Kaw has been good to me recently and their rewards card offers decent rewards.

Learn more here

The Ponca Tribe owns and operates Twin Rivers Casino, located in White Eagle, south of Ponca City. The casino opened recently in place of Blue Star Casino that operated in the same location.

I have not gambled at this facility yet, but many have reported positive things.

The Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino operates a location just east of Ponca City in Osage County on Highway 60.

The casino is one of many operated by the Osage Tribe.

Compared to the aforementioned casinos, this one is relatively small, but offers a variety of games and a deli.

Learn more here.