Oklahoma: Osage Casinos expands presence with new Bartlesville property, marking second opening in 2023

Osage Casinos officially opened the doors to its new casino in Bartlesville following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Thursday morning. Osage Casino & Hotel Bartlesville, the second Osage property opening in 2023, was initially announced in 2021, with construction commencing shortly thereafter.

The 153,151-square-foot venue boasts 521 slot machines, a 6,000-square-foot meeting space, and 102 hotel rooms. The hotel encompasses a fitness center, and an outdoor area with a pool and hot tub is available for guest use. A new restaurant and bar named "Scissortail" will be hosted within the casino.

"It's been a long time coming," John Shaw, the General Manager of Osage Casino & Hotel – Bartlesville, was quoted as saying in a KTUL report. "We actually started construction, you know, a little over two years ago and because of COVID and different things, it took a lot longer than normal."

“This will greatly benefit, not only the Osage Nation but also the entertainment industry in Bartlesville and the surrounding area," Principal Chief of the Osage Nation Geoffrey Standing Bear said.

Spanning 125 acres, the venue's extensive size necessitated a collaboration between the Osage Nation and the City of Bartlesville to enhance utility and water services. In a joint effort to accommodate these infrastructural enhancements, the Osage Nation contributed $4 million in shared costs, as per Fox23 News.

“Anyone wanting to experience premiere gaming, dining and entertainment will have a convenient location to do so right here in Bartlesville," Standing Bear said. "We are grateful for the hard work and perseverance by Osage Casino and Hotel leadership, employees, and our partners in construction to get this new location up and running."

With the official opening of the new casino, the existing location ceased operations on November 8.

“Bartlesville is an economic driver for our state. This new casino helps us support our Nation as well as the thriving business community in the area. We are grateful for our partners along the way that helped create an entertainment venue that will be a hub for business and fun in Bartlesville,” Osage Casinos Chief Executive Officer Kimberly Pearson was quoted as saying in the report.

This opening closely follows the inauguration of the Osage Casino and Hotel in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The facility features 47 hotel rooms, a full-service restaurant, 259 slot machines, and over 3,000 square feet of event space. The property is about 25 miles west of Bartlesville.

Osage Casinos currently oversees seven gaming and entertainment properties within Osage County, focusing on gaming opportunities, event venues, hotels, poolside entertainment, and convenience stores.

Established in 2002, Osage Casinos holds a crucial role in generating revenue that supports the requirements of the Osage Nation and the state. The business entity operates under the governance of the Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise Board.