The Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming is beating its own expectations with the first full-fledged casino on the Wind River Reservation.

The Wind River Casino is only two years old but continues to draw large crowds. Annual revenues are exceeding the $23 million the tribe expected.

“I always thought (gaming) would work here, but I didn't know it would work this well,” Pat Lawson, chairman of the Northern Arapaho Gaming Agency, told The Jackson Hole Star-Tribune.

The casino is unique in several ways. Despite its remote location, gamblers are willing to drive hundreds of miles for casino promotions and events.

And unlike other gaming facilities, the casino doesn't serve alcohol. "We never intend on serving alcohol," Melanie Gambler, the tribe's primary gaming regulator said.

More gaming is on the way too. The Northern Arapaho Tribe plans to add more slot machines at a smaller facility. The Eastern Shoshone Tribe opened its first casino last week and is larger one is already in the works.

Get the Story:
Casino proves big draw (The Jackson Hole Star-Tribune 9/24)
Nearby cities see limited impacts (The Casper Hole Star-Tribune 9/24)
Betting for better (The Jackson Hole Star-Tribune 9/23)
Casino flourishes without alcohol (The Casper Hole Star-Tribune 9/23)