BRYAN CO., OK - A major change happening on the Choctaw Casino floor, nearly six months in the making. At the grand opening in February 2010, you couldn’t even get a drink inside. But the casino has come a long way since then, and now they’ve added alcohol to the casino floor.

"Not that you have to have alcohol to have a good time, but it does add to it a little bit,” said Jim Wade, a guest staying at the Choctaw Casino and Resort.

Guests like Jim Wade come to the new Choctaw Casino and Resort to relax and get the Las Vegas feel close to home.

"Well it's just part of it, being on vacation and having a good time, he said.

And he’s not alone, many patrons said they wouldn’t have the same experience if they couldn’t enjoy a drink while playing the slots or at one of the card tables.

"The alcohol just adds the Vegas type of feel, where everyone's coming to you and everyone's in a relaxed environment, enjoying a drink,” said another guest, Felix Guerra.

But when the new casino and resort first opened, the Choctaw Nation wasn’t comfortable with serving alcohol on the casino floor.

"Even opening up this property has been a big step for our tribe and we just have to take issues one at a time. And I think that's been the best way for us to accept it and be successful with it,” said Janie Dillard, Executive Director of Gaming for the casino.

Now you can not only get a drink at any restaurant or by room service, but now it’s available at bars, on the floor and at the pool. Dillard said she believes it will be better for business and provide customers with what they want.

"You know, the number one request of our guests was of course alcohol. And to compete in the market now you just really need to have all of the services,” said Dillard.

But the Choctaw Nation itself doesn't own the liquor license. All alcoholic beverages are served through a third party company, Delaware North.

"All of our associates have gone through special training with the [Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement] ABLE Commission, and also all of the Delaware North employees, so I feel really good that we do a good job of watching out for our guests,” said Dillard.

Because Delaware North operates all alcohol services, they are accountable for being in compliance with the ABLE Commission. Dillard said it is easier for Delaware North to run the alcoholic service, and better for the Choctaw Nation.

Because all alcohol has to be purchased from a bartender, and patrons have to show their license at the time of purchase, the Casino does not have to be 21 years old and up.

These are the hours and locations of operation for alcohol services at the Choctaw Casino and Resort:

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily for Diamondback, Platinum, floor service, Midway Bar and Center Stage bars.

Pool Bar:
Friday 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.