Texans can play online casino games next time they cross the border into Oklahoma.
The Chickasaw Nation, owners of WinStar World Casino and Resort, joined forces with Anaxi, Aristocrat’s real-money iGaming division, to debut an online gambling platform exclusively for tribal gaming operators.
Anaxi’s Mobile on-Premise platform debuted at WinStar, the “World’s Biggest Casino,” on Dec. 5. It’s available for all casino guests on trust land.
Oklahoma effectively becomes first Central time zone state to offer iGaming
WinStar’s new online casino app comes less than two months after the Chickasaw Nation gained approval from the National Indian Gaming Association to offer Class II online gaming. Despite the approval, Oklahoma and Texas online casinos both remain illegal on a state level.
Even so, patrons on the Chickasaw reservation can partake in online casino gaming, effectively making Oklahoma the seventh state to offer legal iGaming, said Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Dan Boren.
“We are constantly looking to improve the player experience across our properties. There’s no denying that the mobile gaming trend is here to stay, so we’re thrilled to launch this first-ever mobile offering with our WinStar guests and look forward to expanding upon this partnership with Anaxi in the future.”
Outside of the Chickasaw Nation, the only states offering iGaming are outside the Central time zone.
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
Rhode Island legalized iGaming in June and plans to launch on March 21.
This news is huge for Texans, especially North Texans who want to take part in a growing iGaming industry. Alternatively, Texans can play at sweepstakes casinos, which operate similarly to online casinos, using virtual currencies that allow players to earn cash prizes.
The Class II gaming app allows only electronic bingo-style machines, the same games offered at Texas tribal casinos.
Aristocrat titles in the palm of your hand
Through its partnership with Anaxi, WinStar’s mobile casino app features three fan favorites from Aristocrat’s Class II suite of titles.
- Mr. Money Bags
- Polar High Roller
- Hot Red Ruby
This is a first for a tribes in Oklahoma, said Anaxi’s SVP of iGaming product & technology, Josh Morris.
“Groundbreaking partnerships of this kind are the driving force in continuing to move our industry forward, and we’re eager to see our Mobile on-Premise solution now live, helping elevate the gaming experience offered by tribal gaming operators. We also thank our integration partners that have been part of this journey, helping to deliver this innovation solution.”
WinStar and Anaxi plan to add to the list of offerings in the coming months, citing “an ever-evolving entertainment experience.”
Continued missed opportunities for The Lone Star State
Oklahoma casinos across the Texas border thrive as a result of retail casinos remaining illegal in The Lone Star State. Despite losing hundreds of millions of dollars in potential revenue, all efforts to legalize resort-style casinos have died in the Texas House.
Other gambling expansion efforts gained steam this year, but all failed. A bill to legalize Texas sports betting passed the House but never stood a chance in the Senate – another missed opportunity, considering sports betting remains illegal in Oklahoma.
Among us commoners, the discussion around Texas casinos is only getting louder. There are undeniable connections between Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and his empire of Golden Nugget Casinos. Mark Cuban has perceivably upped the ante by recently selling a controlling interest in the Dallas Mavericks to gambling magnate Miriam Adelson.
Even so, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said chances remain slim for casinos to come to Texas anytime soon.
In the meantime, tribes like the Chickasaw Nation continue to grow. Its new Lakecrest Hotel and Casino will open in the spring of 2024, serving as an upscale alternative to its behemoth sister, WinStar.
