Although Tulsa, Oklahoma, was known as an oil boom town in the early 20th century, today visitors can seek their riches from the comfort of one of the area casinos, many of which have attached hotels. The casinos are just a short distance from the city center, a bustling cultural hub that is home to the Philbrook Museum, a world-renowned institution with 8,500 pieces of art and 23 acres of English gardens, the Deco District, a downtown region dotted with art deco churches, homes and schools, and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, a four-theater complex that hosts the Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera and Tulsa Symphony.
Set along the banks of the Arkansas River, River Spirit Casino in Tulsa is just 15 minutes south of downtown. Although the casino itself does not have its own accommodations, it partners with four nearby hotels -- Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills, Crowne Plaza Tulsa-Southern Hotels, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tulsa-Warren Place and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Jenks -- to provide discounted rates and transportation for parties of 10 or more between the casino and hotels. The casino has a host of dining options, including a buffet, 24-hour fast food eatery and sports bar with 14 televisions. The casino also includes an event center and lounge that showcases major and intimate musical acts, respectively. In addition to gaming tables and slot machines, River Spirit Casino includes bingo and poker tournaments.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa is in Catoosa, 15 minutes east of Tulsa. The hotel offers upscale accommodations, including some high-end suites outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble column entryways, whirlpool tubs and his and her bathrobes. Book special packages and you’ll find additional in-room perks upon your arrival, such as bottles of wine or Champagne, keepsake glasses and chocolate-covered strawberries. The casino is also home to Cherokee Hills Golf Club, an 18-hole course dotted with rock formations, brooks and tree-lined fairways. Stroll through the casino floor, filled with 40 tables, including poker, craps, roulette and blackjack, and more than 2,600 electronic games and slot machines. Take in a major concert or stand-up act at the Joint, the hotel’s 2,700-seat theater.
Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs in Claremore is a little more than 15 minutes east of Tulsa. The casino is attached to a race track, where quarter and thoroughbred racehorses compete along a mile-long track and 2,700-seat grandstand. Test your luck on the casino’s 250 slot machines or tear up the dance floor at the on-site saloon featuring live music and DJs. The same spot serves three meals daily, including a buffet breakfast each morning. Accommodations are available in the form of 400 RV and tent sites, complete with full hookups, laundry and shower facilities, barbecue grills, picnic grounds, horseshoe pits, playgrounds and a dog park.
Osage Casino Skiatook is just 25 minutes north of downtown Tulsa. The hotel has luxurious grand suites complete with double-sided televisions, tubs with televisions and terrycloth robes. Enjoy a leisurely swim in the hotel’s outdoor pool outfitted with underwater speakers and set alongside a hot tub and sundeck. Big name rock, comedy and country acts perform shows at the on-site Osage Event Center throughout the year. Sidle up to one of the casino’s more than 215 electronic games or one of its blackjack or poker tables.
