Grand opening festivities celebrating the completion of the SouthWind Casino’s phase II of its gaming facility in Braman, Oklahoma were kicked off on December 9.

The Kaw Nation’s casino, just south of the Kansas border on Interstate 35, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and press conference before opening its doors to the public. The event was attended by numerous members of the Kaw Nation Council and Board. Phase II added 301 new gaming machines offering $.01 to $10 betting with jackpots of up to $80,000, plus 10,000 square feet to the existing SouthWind Casino.

COO of Gaming and Entertainment for the Kaw Nation’s Pam Shaw said, “Not only will the Kaw Nation achieve its goal of increasing revenues, but 47 new jobs have been added to the local economy while I-35 travelers will have an even better facility where they can relax and play. We could not be more pleased with this addition,” according to Indian County Today.

Construction for Phase II was done by Red Stone Construction and the design by Tulsa’s BLK Architecture. In addition to the new gaming machines and floor space, the new 231 Bistro & Bar is open 24 hours and features a full bar with local craft beers, custom cocktails, paninis and salads. The tribe also has plans for future development which include a resort and hotel.

The Kaw Nation also operates a small casino in the Kanza Travel Plaza on the same acreage, as well as the SouthWind Casino Newkirk.  Phase III of Southwind Casino Braman consists of opening a larger casino  with hotel and resort in a few years.

The Braman developments are located on land which was placed in trust under provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Kaw Nation is the first and only Oklahoma tribe to complete the two-part determination process allowing them to build casinos off-reservation.