New Casino to Open in Oklahoma

A new casino is scheduled to open Tuesday night near Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The casino will be operated by the Osage Nation.

According to tribal officials, the $11 million, 42-thousand-square-foot, Million Dollar Elm Casino, will employ over 300 people. Among the casino's amenities are live music venues, more than 600 slot machines and several table games. Food and beverage venues on the property will include a restaurant, bar and deli.

The Osage Nationare is positive that the casino will have a big economical impact and will enhance tribal programs. One of the primary goals of opening the casino is to create training, jobs and career opportunities for the Osage tribe.

The Million Dollar Elm name is derived from the history of the tribe. In the early 1900s, a prominent elm tree near the Osage tribal building was the location of oil lease auctions.  On November 11, 1924, 18 oil leases were sold for a total of $1 million, and from that day forward the tree was called the Million Dollar Elm.