WinStar in Oklahoma – Largest Casino in the U.S., and the place I lost my shirt.
I lost my shirt in Oklahoma. On Christmas.
Ok, so I didn’t really lose my shirt. Mostly because I didn’t have enough money to gamble with in the first place. But it was fun, and I got to check another state, and another Largest/Smallest oddity off my bucket list.
Pye wanted to try gambling. I figured she’d done enough of that the time she stowed away in the RV chassis for 150 miles.
Christmas in a Casino – It’s not sinning if you’re winning.
Yup, I spent Christmas in a casino. But it wasn’t just any casino: WinStar World Casino is the largest casino in the U.S. It’s in Thackerville, Oklahoma, just across the Texas border on Highway 35.
Some folks considered gambling on Christmas blasphemous. I’m not one of them. And it seems I’m not alone – the place was booked solid. There were no more rooms available.
I went with a friend from the RV park in Pizzaville (population: 12, probably). We met up with my sweet Calif/Texan friend. I lost all my money. They both won. A lot.
I blame my family for my gambling losses.
No, really. As family lore goes, we had a great-grandfather or great-great someone, who had a lot of money (which he may or may not have stolen from the church where he was a priest or something). Unfortunately for the generations to follow him, those of us relatives who might have had a chance at inheriting some of the gains, ill-gotten or not, he was a gambler. But not just any gambler. He was a bad gambler. “Bad” as in he lost our the fortune.
And now we are all cursed with the “bad gambling gene” as we like to call it.
WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma, Largest Casino in the U.S….
It is huge, but didn’t feel larger than some I’ve been to in Las Vegas. The billboard on the approach calls WinStar the “World’s Largest Casino”. Not sure how they’re measuring it, or maybe they haven’t heard “truth in advertising”. Just sayin’.
My search of the internet extensive investigation revealed it to be the largest in the U.S., and in the top ten in the world. The two largest casinos in the world are both in Macao, China.
My crappy photos are below… it’s a good thing you all come here for the *cough* articles.
Entering Oklahoma…
An exceptionally poor photo of the WinStar sign as you enter Oklahoma.
View of WinStar Casino from an overpass.
Main entrance to WInStar Casino (hotel around back).
And my favorite… These bling dragons are about nine feet in length, and made entirely of BLING… thousands and thousands of small crystals.
Bling dragons at WinStar. These are AWESOME! I want one for the ceiling in my rig.
And that is the only photo I got to take of the interior. Apparently you’re not supposed to do that. Ooops. All I asked was that a cute cop be the one to frisk me. Hey, a good groping is the least I should get considering they took all my money. (No, Mom, I did not get frisked. Unfortunately.)
UPDATE: They found my shirt. Just kidding. Actually, after I returned home Pye, my furry monster-child, peed on my bed three times in ten days. Do you think she was pissed I went without her? I had to wash ALL of my bedding three times in ten days. Once more and she would’ve been an outdoor kitty. As it was, she got to spend three chilly hours outside after the last time. I think that may have given her a good idea of what was in store if she did it once more. I’m happy to say she hasn’t peed since. Of course, I haven’t been anywhere since then, either.
I think it maybe square footage of gaming floor that they go by and not total resort size…. Your friends both won? Hey that’s kool, maybe next time they should bet for you:))
I was thinking they probably included the hotel in the square footage. I’m sure they do that in Vegas.
Yes – my friends should bet for me next time! 🙂
The “Friends” strategy would totally work, unless you’re a “cooler,” meaning someone whose luck is so bad, it chills the luck of anyone at the table.
Hope you enjoyed your Christmas. Remember, we all gamble every day, whether it’s at a casino, or just crossing the street. 🙂
Hi Bluz! Huh, a cooler? I might have that affliction. My friends did better when I wasn’t with them. That sucks. I don’t want to be a cooler. How does one change that? Good luck charms? Sacrifice to the Gods?
To reverse bad luck, I usually count on Game Jersey Mojo, but I don’t think that would be applicable to you. Maybe if you wore something you had on the last time you got lucky… I mean, had good luck. Like, what were you wearing the day you found Pye in your RV Chassis? That might work…
Ah, good thinking! When Pye materialized from under the chassis, I know I was wearing a sundress that I’d just changed into to go meet my friend, but I don’t remember which one! Hmmm. Maybe I’ll wear each one to the market, get a lotto ticket, and see which one wins.
I’m glad you were with friends over Christmas. We must be related somewhere down the line for I too have the unlucky gamblers gene. We lived in Vegas for 23 years so I had to become a non gambler in my first month. With all of the Buffets I thought professional eater would be a good gig, I know how to eat. But when I saw that skinny Japanese kid put down 300 hotdogs in a hour, I new I was out classed. Oh well Caesars Palace doesn’t pay for all that Gold out front by paying off winners. I am sure the MGM Grand is much bigger if you count bars, showrooms, retail space, it would dwarf the Winstar. The Winstar must have the largest gaming area. Most importantly I wish 2015 is full of joy, much better health, laughter, financial stability and all around Happiness. Keep living the dream for no one knows when it will time to wake up!
Hi Trey!
Happy New Year! Thank you for the wonderful 2015 blessings!!
My apologies if we are related… that “cooler” gambling gene is lousy. Good for you giving it up for 23 years while living in Vegas! I don’t gamble much at all, but I don’t know that I’d be that strong. LOL
Wishing you and yours all the best for 2015!
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