Northern Oklahoma Casino Roundup

Casinos have become a major attraction in the Kay County area during the past four years, attracting many visitors from out of state and boosting the area economy.

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 is First Council Casino, owned and operated by the Otoe-Missoura Tribe.
The casino opened in February of 2008 and houses more than 700 slot machines. It features a buffet style restaurant and a stage for live performances.
Black jack and poker are also available along with a gift shop. The casino is located nine miles north of Newkirk on Highway 77 near the entrance to the former Chilocco Indian School.

Next door to First Council is the Lil' Bit of Paradise casino located inside the Otoe Missouria Travel Plaza.
The enterprise is also owned by the Otoe-Missouria Tribe. 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.

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.

The Kaw Tribe operates the Kaw Southwind Casino located just 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.

The Ponca Tribe owns and operates Blue Star Casino, located in White Eagle, south of Ponca City. The 20,000 square foot facility contains 160 slot machines and a 300 seat bingo hall. The Ponca Tribe plans to build The Fancy Dance Casino near the Oklahoma- Kansas border in the near future.