$70 million project includes hotel, RV park, restaurant, larger gaming floor
GUYMON, Okla. – Shawnee Tribe Chief Ben Barnes, along with tribal and local leaders and officials with Global Gaming Solutions, LLC (GGS), participated today in the official groundbreaking ceremony for a $70 million expansion of Golden Mesa Casino.
The expansion project will include a recreational vehicle park, a new 100-room hotel and full-service restaurant, and will double the size of the casino gaming floor to include more than 1,000 electronic games. GGS, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation, will continue to manage operations of the casino while the Shawnee Tribe maintains ownership.
Golden Mesa Casino, located about two miles southwest of Guymon on U.S. Highway 54, opened in September 2019, creating a new tourism and entertainment destination in the region. When it opened, the casino brought with it 175 jobs and about $4 million in annual payroll. The expansion will increase the size of the casino to 80,000 square feet and increase the daily workforce to roughly 250 employees.
“We are excited to expand our entertainment offerings in the Panhandle and beyond,” Barnes said, “and we’re grateful to be doing so through a meaningful partnership with Global Gaming and the Chickasaw Nation. The rapid growth our tribal nation has undergone just since 2019, and the resources and services we’re now able to provide to our citizens, none of it would have been possible if not for this partnership and the warmth with which the Guymon community has welcomed us out here. I’m thrilled to see the continued fruits of these labors.”
Golden Mesa Casino is the only casino in the Oklahoma Panhandle and attracts visitors from Oklahoma and surrounding states. The casino currently features about 600 electronic games, six table games, a restaurant, bar and retail shop.
“We are pleased to be part of this collaborative effort with the Shawnee Tribe, the city of Guymon, and Texas County to bring the Golden Mesa project to fruition,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said. “We believe this project will increase tourism, enhance local business growth and improve employment opportunities. Today, we salute the leadership of the city of Guymon, Texas County, the Shawnee Tribe and the citizens of the Oklahoma Panhandle for working together to bring economic benefits, new jobs, and entertainment diversity to this region.”
During the construction phase, about 500 unique workers will contribute to the project, with a maximum daily workforce of between 200 and 250 employees on site. Flintco, LLC in Oklahoma City will lead construction efforts on the RV park, hotel and casino floor expansion. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
“Our local partners in Guymon have been crucial to laying the groundwork for this expansion,” said Chris Floyd, President of Shawnee Development. “It’s been a pleasure watching Golden Mesa grow in this community, and we’re excited to see the impact of this phase of growth will be able to make on Texas County and the surrounding areas.”
The casino will remain open during the expansion project, officials said.
“We have enjoyed working with the Shawnee Tribe, local leaders and the hard-working citizens of the Oklahoma Panhandle, who have welcomed us to the community and partnered with us in this project,” Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Dan Boren said. “We believe Golden Mesa has delivered economic diversification and enhanced tourism opportunities to this region and we expect the expansion of the casino, as well as the addition of the RV park and hotel, will increase the opportunities and the positive impact in the area.”
About the Shawnee Tribe & Shawnee Development
The Shawnee Tribe is a sovereign nation of more than 4,000 citizens living across North America and abroad. Tribal headquarters are located in Miami, Okla. Shawnee Development, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Shawnee Tribe with a mission to create a diverse and sustainable economy by pursuing and investing in ethically profitable business for the long-term benefit of the Shawnee people. For more information, visit shawnee-nsn.gov.
About Golden Mesa Casino
Golden Mesa Casino offers 600 electronic games, table games and a restaurant and bar in the 40,000-square-foot facility. Located 2.5 miles southwest of Guymon, Okla., in Texas County, Golden Mesa Casino presents unrivaled gaming action 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information visit our website at goldenmesa.com.
About Global Gaming Solutions
Global Gaming Solutions, LLC (GGS), is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation with a primary business focus of pursuing entertainment, gaming and racing-related opportunities in emerging jurisdictions in the United States and overseas as well as acquisition of regional gaming and entertainment assets.
On October 22, 2025, the Shawnee Tribe was notified that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would pause operations during the month of November due to a protracted government shutdown. In response, the Shawnee Tribe developed the Temporary Emergency Food Benefit Assistance Program, which was established by October 29, 2025, to support Shawnee Tribe families […]
Meet Magdalene “Mag” Walls, a proud Shawnee citizen born on February 25, 1921, in Ramona, Oklahoma. Her early years were spent in Ramona before her family moved to White Oak, where Mag attended grade school and met her first husband. Together, they had two wonderful children, Deloris and Jim. In 1942, Mag embarked on a […]
On Monday December 8, the new Chief Ron Sparkman Shawnee Tribe Council Chambers, located at 29 S. Main Street, held its naming, dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The newly designed interiors included the main tribal chambers, private tribal chambers, kitchen and prep space, restrooms, and a private meeting space all adorned with modern flooring, walls, lighting, […]
Shawnee language learners of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Shawnee Language Immersion Program for the 2026 Language Fair, Dinner and Stomp Dance on Saturday, July 25 in Miami, OK. Citizens of all three Shawnee nations are eligible to participate. Over $6,000 in prizes will be awarded to the top three winners […]
Did you know that the average US Citizen throws away an average of 70 lbs. of clothing annually? The fashion industry is a major contributor to global pollution, generating about 10% of annual CO₂ emissions. Reusing, donating, or recycling clothing helps reduce its environmental impact. Clean Out Your Closet—Responsibly Finished cleaning out your closet and […]
Hello! My name is Jenean Perryman, and I’m so grateful to join the Shawnee Tribe as the Education Outreach and Special Projects Director. I’m honored to be part of this community and appreciate the opportunity to work alongside tribal youth, families, and our education partners. I am a citizen of the Choctaw Nation – Halito […]
The Shawnee Tribe’s Behavioral Health Program is providing information in February for Dating Violence Awareness Month. This is a time dedicated to raising awareness about a serious issue that impacts people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Dating violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to gain power and control over a partner in […]
On December 24, 2025, The Oklahoman published Chief Ben Barnes’ op-ed on important priorities for the state in 2026. As Oklahoma prepares for an election year and the 250th anniversary of the United States, this is a fitting moment to reflect on who we are as a state and what kind of future we want […]