In what’s being described as a decade in the making, Oklahoma’s newest gambling hall, the Golden Mesa Casino, is just weeks away from a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening on Sept. 12.

Established by Shawnee Development LLC, the Golden Mesa Casino sits on 107 acres of land just southwest of Guymon and is 42,000 square feet.

A First of Its Kind

Though there are currently 134 casinos in Oklahoma, World Atlas documented, President of Shawnee Development LLC Chris Floyd describes the Golden Mesa as a first of its kind, "ABC News 7 Amarillo" reported.

“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.

“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 local restaurants, and bringing a new economy we believe to this area.”

Shawnee Development LLC Chairman Greg Pitcher told ABC News 7 that this casino was a longshot and that it took many years to complete and perfect the deal. He added that they got the financing finalized with the assistance of the Chickasaw Nation and Global Gaming.

Pitcher said that for the first time, the Golden Mesa Casino will allow the Shawnee Tribe to be autonomous, and to not have to depend on others and other governments.

Major Expansions Expected for Golden Mesa Casino

The Golden Mesa Casino will feature over 600 electronic games, a minimum of six table games, and a small diner. The location of the Golden Mesa Casino is accessible to four other states: Kansas, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico.

The new Oklahoma casino is expected to provide up to 175 jobs and have an economic influence of at least $36 million a year.

Greg Pitcher said that the establishment was designed for future expansion, The Miami News-Record of Miami, Oklahoma, reported. Pitcher said that they expect the Golden Mesa Casino to become a destination location and an economy booster for years to come.

Future expansions of the casino are expected and will provide 500 additional games, a hotel with a meeting space, an RV park, and possibly an entertainment venue.

Who knows? One expansion could even end up being a sportsbook should the practice be legalized in the state. That still depends on the restructuring of tribal contracts, however.

Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation since 1987, spoke of the new casino to The Miami News-Record.

Anoatubby said that the Golden Mesa Casino is the type of project that helps demonstrate that pursing their mission of enhancing the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people has the “welcomed ripple effect of enhancing the quality of life of our friends and neighbors in the larger community."