A New Lodgepole Opened its Doors in Elk City
31 October 2026
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have embarked on an ambitious multi-phase expansion of their Lucky Star Casino resort in Elk City, Oklahoma. The $85 million project, described as the tribes' most aggressive development effort to date, broke ground in late July 2026. Spread out over multiple phases, the resort aims to bolster gaming, hospitality, and tourism along the Interstate 40 corridor.
Phase 1 of the development focuses on the casino and hotel core. A 56,000-square-foot casino will feature around 750 gaming machines when complete. Adjoining the casino is a 65,000-square-foot hotel, with approximately 100 guest rooms for visitors. To support the patrons, this opening phase also includes a food court, a steakhouse, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Plans don't stop at the initial casino-hotel component, though. As the expansion unfolds, later phases will add even more amenities to attract both gamblers and general travelers. Phase 2 brings a convention center, a family-focused arcade, and an outdoor pool to court convention goers and families. Phase 3 includes a full-service convenience store and a truckers lounge, providing practical services for drivers and long-distance travelers.
Finally, Phase 4 will complete the resort with a dedicated recreational vehicle (RV) park. This last piece connects the ambitious development to the state's growing RV tourism industry, diversifying the resort's appeal. The full build-out will take some time, but when complete, the Elk City Lucky Star resort will offer a broad array of gaming and lodging options for patrons on the I-40 corridor.
The resort's location south of Interstate 40 in Elk City positions it to attract gamblers, travelers, and convention-goers as they pass through western Oklahoma. The tribes estimate that the project will deliver welcome community and economic benefits, including the creation of new jobs and a boost to local economies.
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"Through this expansion, we will offer more opportunities for gaming, dining and entertainment, in combination with comfortable hotel rooms. It will be a great option for visitors to Elk City and western Oklahoma," said John Doe, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Chairman.
Local leaders have praised the tribes' development efforts, which provide an economic shot-in-the-arm for the region. "Projected job growth and increased visitor traffic will give a nice boost to our local businesses," commented Mayor Jane Smith of Elk City.
While the initial casino-hotel opening is impressive in its own right, it's important to remember that the project is still in its early days. Stay tuned as this development continues to unfold in the coming years, with significant additional phases to follow. When completed, the Elk City Lucky Star Resort will have made a notable impact on gaming and tourism in western Oklahoma.