Las Vegas may be known worldwide for its bright lights and casino culture, but recent findings from Gambling.com reveal a surprising reality: Oklahoma is home to the largest casino in the United States and three others ranked among the nation’s top ten.
These venues, many of them operated by Native American nations, combine vast gaming floors with extensive entertainment, dining, and resort offerings. Here’s a detailed look at the four Oklahoma casinos dominating the U.S. rankings.
1. WinStar World Casino & Resort – Thackerville, Oklahoma
Established in 2003 and owned by the Chickasaw Nation, WinStar World Casino & Resort is not only the largest casino in Oklahoma but also the largest in the United States — and was once the largest in the world. Located in Thackerville, it spans an extraordinary 519,000 square feet of gaming space.
The casino’s layout features themed areas inspired by iconic cities such as London, Paris, Cairo, and New York. Visitors can enjoy:
Slot machines: Over 7,500 currently, with numbers previously reaching close to 10,000.
Table games: 99 tables spread across three gaming pits.
Poker: 47 tables in an expansive poker room.
Additional gaming: A bingo hall and a sportsbook.
While the number of table games is lower than some competitors, the sheer scale of its slot machine offerings makes WinStar a major draw. Over recent years, parts of the gaming area have been reallocated for non-gaming activities, including:
Entertainment: Lucas Oil Live music arena and the Global Events Center.
Recreation: An on-site golf course.
Dining & leisure: Numerous restaurants, pubs, and bars.
Accommodation includes 1,499 hotel rooms, and there are over 20 dining options. Designed primarily for adults, the property offers limited family-oriented activities outside of its pools.
2. Choctaw Casino Resort – Durant, Oklahoma
The Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, opened in 2006 as the Choctaw Bingo Palace, has since evolved into one of the most popular gaming destinations in the region. It is the seventh-largest casino in the U.S. and a major stop for poker professionals, regularly hosting World Series of Poker Circuit events twice a year.
Key statistics include:
Gaming floor: 219,000 square feet.
Slot machines: 7,400.
Table games: 100.
Poker tables: 30.
The property attracts approximately 1.2 million visitors annually, many from neighbouring Texas, where casinos are prohibited. Beyond the gaming, the resort offers a wide array of family-friendly amenities, such as an arcade, bowling alley, movie theatre, and multiple swimming pools.
Choctaw also operates a racebook and has secured a partnership with a sports betting operator, ready to launch a sportsbook if legislation permits.
The resort has 1,600 hotel rooms and 20 dining outlets, making it one of the most comprehensive casino-resorts in the country for both gaming and non-gaming experiences.
3. RiverWind Casino – Norman, Oklahoma
Owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, RiverWind Casino offers 219,000 square feet of gaming space, matching Choctaw in floor size but with a more compact resort setup.
Gaming facilities include:
Slot machines: 2,800.
Table games: 45, including classics like blackjack and roulette.
Poker tables: 11 in a dedicated cash gaming room.
While it lacks a sportsbook, the property operates an off-track betting facility for horse racing. Its hotel is boutique-sized, with 100 rooms, reflecting its smaller accommodation focus compared to Oklahoma’s larger casino resorts.
RiverWind’s entertainment offerings are a notable highlight, with the 1,500-seat Showplace Theatre hosting big-name acts such as BB King and ZZ Top. Dining options total eight, catering to a variety of tastes.
4. River Spirit Casino Resort – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Ranked ninth among the largest U.S. casinos, the River Spirit Casino Resort is owned by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. With 212,000 square feet of gaming space, it houses both the River Spirit Casino and Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant within its premises.
The gaming selection includes:
Slot machines: 3,100.
Table games: 45.
Poker tables: 12.
The property’s 480-room hotel and 13 dining options elevate it to full resort status. Entertainment is another major feature, with The Cove, a 2,500-seat theatre, hosting concerts, comedy shows, mixed martial arts events, and boxing matches. Live music is a regular weekend draw.
Like WinStar, the venue is geared toward adults, with limited activities for children beyond a tropical-themed pool area.
Other major casinos in the United States
While Oklahoma dominates the list, several other states are home to massive casinos worth noting:
Mohegan Sun (Connecticut): 350,000 sq. ft., two casinos, over 300 table games, family-friendly attractions.
Foxwoods Resort Casino (Connecticut): 344,000 sq. ft., 3,500 slot machines, over 250 table games, owned by the Pequot Tribal Nation.
Yaamava Resort & Casino (California): 290,000 sq. ft., largest slot collection on the West Coast with 7,200 machines.
Thunder Valley Casino Resort (California): 250,000 sq. ft., over 3,000 slots, 100+ table games, large poker room.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Florida): 245,000 sq. ft., largest gaming floor in Florida.
Encore Boston Harbor (Massachusetts): 210,000 sq. ft., luxury five-star resort opened in 2019.
Conclusion
Las Vegas may retain its international reputation as the entertainment capital of the world, but when it comes to sheer scale, Oklahoma has firmly established itself as the epicentre of American casino gaming.
The Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (SKSST) – East London will mark its annual Patotsav – Manthan Mahotsav with a special evening of devotional activities, cultural events, and community spirit on Friday (15).
Members of the Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Parivar UK (SSGP-UK) have confirmed they will attend to show their support and join in the festivities. The programme will begin at 5:30 pm at Swaminarayan Sports World, Blake Hall Road, Wanstead, London E11 2QW. Attendees will be treated to a communal dinner before the India Independence Day celebrations commence at 7:00 pm.
Organisers say the evening will combine traditional religious observances with patriotic pride, offering an opportunity for devotees and the wider community to come together in a spirit of unity and joy. The event is open to all, and guests are encouraged to bring friends and family to share in the celebrations.
Free on-site parking will be available, making it easier for visitors from across London to attend. The organisers look forward to welcoming everyone to what promises to be a memorable and uplifting occasion.
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Seles first began noticing symptoms around five years ago
Nine-time Grand Slam winner Monica Seles diagnosed with myasthenia gravis three years ago
The 51-year-old revealed her condition ahead of this month’s US Open to raise awareness
Disease causes muscle weakness and has no known cure
Former world number one Monica Seles has revealed she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease, three years ago. The 51-year-old, who won nine Grand Slam singles titles, went public ahead of the US Open to raise awareness of the condition, which causes muscle weakness and can affect multiple parts of the body.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Seles first began noticing symptoms around five years ago when she experienced double vision and struggled with coordination. “I would be playing [tennis] with some kids or family members, and I would miss a ball. I was like, ‘Yeah, I see two balls,’” she told the Associated Press. These symptoms eventually led to her diagnosis, which took time for her to come to terms with.
Living with the condition
The former tennis star described the impact of the disease on her daily life as “significant” and said it was initially difficult to discuss openly. Myasthenia gravis currently has no cure, but treatments can help manage its effects. By sharing her experience, Seles hopes to use her platform to educate others.
Career highlights
Seles rose to prominence as a teenager, winning her first Grand Slam at the 1990 French Open aged 16 and claiming eight majors by 19. Her career was interrupted in 1993 when she was stabbed by a spectator during a match in Hamburg. She returned to the sport and won one more Grand Slam before retiring in 2003, having spent 178 weeks as world number one and capturing 53 career titles.
NexGen knee implant linked to high failure rates was used in over 10,000 UK operations.
Concerns flagged as early as 2014; withdrawn from UK market in 2022.
Hundreds of patients required corrective surgery, with costs running into millions.
Manufacturer Zimmer Biomet says patient safety is its “top priority” but will not cover revision costs up front.
Implant used despite early warnings
A knee replacement implant used in thousands of NHS operations was known to have a concerning failure rate eight years before it was withdrawn, a BBC File on 4 Investigates report has found.
The NexGen implant, made by US manufacturer Zimmer Biomet, was fitted in more than 10,000 patients between 2012 and 2022. Concerns were first raised by the National Joint Registry (NJR) in 2014, though insufficient data at the time made it difficult to draw firm conclusions.
The model in question included a modified “stemmed option tibial component” or “tibial tray”, lacking a layer of plastic found in earlier versions. It was marketed as a cheaper alternative for the NHS.
Patients left in pain and needing further surgery
Patients have reported severe complications after their implants slipped out of place, damaging bone and causing lasting mobility issues.
Debbie Booker, from Southampton, experienced severe pain a year after her 2016 surgery, eventually requiring a second knee replacement. She says the failed implant left her addicted to strong painkillers and caused long-term health problems, including the need for a hip replacement.
Another patient, “Diana”, had her implant fitted in 2021. When it slipped and began wearing away her shin bone, her consultant told her she was “standing on a broken leg”.
Surgeons raised repeated concerns
Irish knee surgeon Prof Eric Masterson reported a surge in corrective surgeries after switching to the NexGen implant in 2012. He says his concerns were dismissed by Zimmer Biomet representatives, a view echoed by NHS surgeons.
UK knee specialist Prof Leila Biant said she and colleagues raised warnings as early as 2017, but the company was slow to engage in evaluating affected patients.
Recall and high revision costs
By 2022, NJR data suggested patients with the NexGen implant were almost twice as likely to require corrective surgery compared with the average knee replacement. Zimmer Biomet recalled unused units from the UK market that year.
Studies have estimated failure rates for the tibial tray component between 6% and 19%. Hundreds of patients have undergone revision surgery, with more expected.
Each corrective procedure costs between £10,000 and £30,000, according to Southampton University’s Prof David Barrett, meaning the total bill is likely to run into millions. Zimmer Biomet has told sales staff it will not cover diagnostic, follow-up, or revision costs up front.
Official responses
Zimmer Biomet says it is “committed to the highest standards of patient safety, quality, and transparency” and acts in line with regulations when new data becomes available.
NHS England has confirmed it is “currently reviewing the case involving Zimmer Biomet NexGen knee implants”.
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A growing number of young people are turning away from smartphones
Gen Z is increasingly choosing simpler mobile devices over smartphones to reduce distractions and protect privacy.
The movement is part of a wider ‘retrotech’ revival, including analogue tools like film cameras and paper planners.
Concerns about digital fatigue, constant notifications, and the attention economy are driving the trend.
Many adopt hybrid solutions, pairing basic phones with secondary devices for essential modern functions.
A growing number of young people are turning away from smartphones in favour of simpler devices, such as flip phones and basic handsets, in an effort to reclaim focus, reduce digital distractions, and safeguard privacy. This ‘dumbphone’ revival is gaining traction globally, with the UK seeing its own share of adopters as part of a broader shift towards digital minimalism.
The attention economy backlash
Members of Gen Z, who have grown up with constant connectivity, are increasingly questioning the value of being online around the clock. UK research shows that 69% of people aged 16–21 report feeling worse about themselves after using social media, while nearly half would prefer life without the internet. Similar trends have been observed globally, with surveys showing a decline in average daily social media use among younger users since 2021.
Digital fatigue is often linked to the so-called attention economy – a system in which platforms compete for user time through targeted algorithms and constant notifications. This environment, many argue, fosters anxiety and distraction rather than connection.
Retrotech and Y2K nostalgia
What began as a nostalgic nod to early 2000s devices has evolved into a deliberate lifestyle choice. Flip phones, candy-bar handsets, and minimalist e-ink mobiles are being embraced not only for their retro style but also for their limited functionality. Popular on platforms like TikTok, the trend highlights a desire to break free from the constant prompts and content streams of modern smartphones.
Sales figures reflect the interest. In 2023, global sales of basic phones rose noticeably, with some manufacturers reporting double-digit growth. This resurgence has been accompanied by online communities swapping tips on living without app-driven devices.
The analogue revival
The move away from smartphones often extends into other areas of life. Film cameras, paper notebooks, physical alarm clocks, and stand-alone music players are making a comeback among younger consumers. Many see these tools as a way to regain control over their time, reduce dependence on digital services, and enjoy a more tactile, intentional lifestyle.
In addition to reducing distractions, analogue tools avoid the data collection practices of connected devices. This has made them attractive to those concerned about surveillance and the storage of personal information in the cloud.
Privacy concerns and data control
The shift is also rooted in growing concerns over privacy. In the UK, almost half of adults believe it is impossible to keep personal data safe online. Some young people are responding by choosing devices that operate offline or use open-source software with greater user control.
By moving to basic phones, users reduce the amount of personal information they share with tech companies, while also avoiding the targeted advertising that has become a defining feature of the smartphone era.
Balancing simplicity and modern needs
Completely abandoning a smartphone can be challenging. Navigation apps, mobile banking, and instant messaging are deeply integrated into daily life, making a total switch difficult. Many adopters compromise by using a basic phone for calls and texts, alongside a tablet or minimal-use smartphone for essential online tasks.
Others opt for modified smartphones with restricted features, disabling social media and other time-consuming apps while keeping practical tools like maps or email.
A small but telling shift
While smartphones still dominate the global market, the rise of dumbphones and analogue habits signals a notable cultural shift. For many in Gen Z, the move is less about rejecting technology entirely and more about reshaping it to fit their values.
By consciously stepping back from constant connectivity, they are challenging assumptions about what it means to be “always on” – and demonstrating that, for some, less really is more.
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The incident follows a separate outbreak last month in Sardinia
52-year-old man dies after eating contaminated broccoli and sausage sandwich.
Nine others hospitalised, including family members and other customers.
Authorities recall broccoli nationwide; food truck and produce seized.
Botulism suspected; investigation underway.
A man has died and nine others have been hospitalised in Italy following a suspected botulism outbreak linked to contaminated broccoli. Health authorities have ordered a nationwide recall of broccoli after several people fell ill, all traced to the same street food vendor in southern Italy.
Man’s death linked to contaminated street food
The victim, identified as 52-year-old artist and musician Luigi Di Sarno from Cercola, Naples, became unwell while driving home from a holiday in Calabria. He had stopped with his family in Diamante, Cosenza province, where they bought broccoli and sausage sandwiches from a food truck.
All five members of his group consumed the same meal and later developed symptoms consistent with botulism. Mr Di Sarno’s condition deteriorated rapidly while travelling near Lagonegro in Potenza, forcing him to pull over. Emergency services attended, but he died before reaching hospital.
Hospitalisations and investigation
Two women in their 40s, two 17-year-olds and other customers who had eaten from the same vendor were admitted to hospitals in Cosenza. Two patients were initially reported to be in a serious condition and required intensive care.
Local prosecutors in Paola have seized all jars of broccoli in oil from the vendor, along with the food truck, as part of an ongoing investigation into how the toxin may have been introduced.
Botulism concerns
Botulism is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria and can be fatal in around 10 per cent of cases. The illness attacks the nervous system, leading to muscle paralysis and breathing difficulties. While rare, it is often linked to improperly processed foods, such as vegetables preserved in oil.
The Calabria Region’s Department of Health confirmed emergency protocols had been activated, with the national Poison Control Centre in Pavia coordinating treatment. Only the Ministry of Health is authorised to store and distribute the botulism antitoxin in Italy.
Previous botulism outbreak in Italy
The incident follows a separate outbreak last month in Sardinia, where eight people were hospitalised after eating guacamole contaminated with botulinum toxin at a food festival.