A River Valley casino is getting a facelift and hopes to bring some of Las Vegas to Oklahoma.
The Cherokee Casino in Roland, Okla. originally opened as a bingo hall in 1990. Plans are in the works to turn the property into a six-story hotel and casino.
Casino officials said the space will morph into a 170,000-square-foot facility filled with 850 electronic and table games, as well as a private high-limit poker room.
"Wow, actually wow. It's going to be phenomenal to see something like that in this area," said casino patron Ricky Hennis.
Hennis also said the new additions will be an economic jackpot to the River Valley, adding, "Anything to boost the economy is awesome."
The space will include a live music venue and a Las Vegas-style buffet.
"Without going over to Vegas, you don't see anything like that," Hennis said.
Mary Neihouse said she visits the casino frequently, sometimes twice in one day.
"How much am I going to have to lose to help pay for it?" said Neihouse. "This is addictive. I'm the first to tell you. I love it---any opportunity, I'm there."
Gamblers at the casino said the current space is too tight, and the upgrade is long overdue.
Casino officials said they are set to break ground April 29.
The new hotel will have 120 rooms. Casino officials will release sketches of the new casino at the ground breaking.