"What Oklahoma has needed from casinos for a long time is happening — the transformation into destination gambling spots.

This past week, the Cherokee Casino and Resort became the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. The Hard Rock name will draw many more people, those interested in gaming and those seeking musical and other types of entertainment, from outside Oklahoma.

The Cherokees are not the only tribe to upgrade one of its casinos. That has happened across the state in the last few years, including recently the Creek Casino along Riverside in Tulsa.

It’s safe to say that in years past, much of the gambling here was done by Oklahomans. But the expansions are certain to bring in a higher percentage of out-of-state money."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Casinos’ expansions (The Muskogee Phoenix 8/8)

Another Opinion:
Vernon Courtwright: Tribe needs to rethink energy, money future (The Muskogee Phoenix 8/10)