Golden Mesa Casino in Oklahoma to open next month

The foundation has been laid and the walls put up, now all that remains for the Golden Mesa Casino to open its doors are the final touches.

The Shawnee Tribe casino will feature over 600 electronic games and no less than six table games. There will also be shopping and a small diner in the facility, but entertainment is just one thing the casino is bringing to the area.

After regaining tribal status in 2000, the Shawnee were then able to work on getting off-reservation land for the casino.

"I think why they are excited and why we see this as a great opportunity for everyone involved is because it’s the first of it’s kind, top shelf, entertainment venue for the Panhandle," said Chris Floyd, president of Shawnee Development LLC.

He said he expects the casino to have an economic impact of at least $36-million a year and support nearly 175 jobs.

"We are going to bring visitors from all over that are going to come here. They are going to be entertained here at our facility and they are also going to be staying overnight and shopping and eating at the local restaurants, and bringing a new economy we believe to this area," Floyd added.

The casino isn't just something new for the Okla. Panhandle though, the ribbon cutting will be a celebration for the Shawnee Tribe.

"For the first time it will allow us to be self-sufficient and not have to depend on others and other governments," said Greg Pitcher, a board member for Shawnee Development LLC.

"It really was kind of a long shot and it took a lot of years to do it and perfect it, but with the help of Global Gaming and the Chickasaw Nation we were able to finance it, get the job done, and we are looking forward to the benefits that our tribal members will have from that," said Pitcher who also handles government relations for the tribe.

The goal for the Shawnee is to provide for their youth and help tribal members in their twilight years.