The United States displayed two different gaming speeds on 24 July 2026; the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes launched an $85 million casino resort in Oklahoma, while Florida’s eight commercial casinos reported a 3.4% year-over-year decline in slot revenue.
Governor Reggie Wassana led the groundbreaking ceremony for Lucky Star Casino Elk City alongside Lieutenant Governor Hershel Gorham and Elk City Mayor Micah Kilhoffer. The complex will be developed at 327 South Eastern Avenue in Elk City.
The first of four phases comprises a 56,000-square-foot casino with 750 gaming machines, a food court and a steakhouse, alongside a 65,000-square-foot hotel with 100 rooms. Later phases will add a convention center, arcade, convenience store, truckers’ lounge and an RV park with 40 hookups. No opening date, employment figures, contractor or hotel operator has been disclosed.
The development will be regulated by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Gaming Commission under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 and Oklahoma’s tribal gaming compact. The National Indian Gaming Commission provides federal oversight.
In Florida, the Florida Gaming Control Commission reported $53.77 million in June slot revenue, compared with $55.67 million in June 2025 and 11.4% below May. Magic City led with $11.54 million, down 1.7%; Harrah’s Pompano generated $10.31 million, up 7.8%; Hialeah Park, $7.56 million, down 6.7%; Casino Miami, $6.67 million, down 8%; Calder, $6.45 million, down 13.7%; Gulfstream Park, $4.49 million, down 3.2%; Dania Beach, $3.87 million, down 10.6%; and Big Easy, $2.87 million, up 12.4%.
The 6,794 machines processed $821.37 million and generated $18.82 million in state taxes, reflecting the 35% rate established under Section 551.106. The July 2025–June 2026 fiscal year closed with $706.31 million in revenue, up 2.2%, and $247.21 million in taxes. The FGCC is chaired by Julie Brown; Alana Zimmer is executive director, while Joe Dillmore leads Pari-Mutuel Wagering.
