Tri-state casino adding hotel, Oklahoma jobs

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JOPLIN, Mo. A casino that sits in the tri-state area of Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas is adding a seven-story hotel to its casino complex that officials say will boost the local economy by bringing in hundreds of jobs into the area.

Downstream Casino Resort, operated by the Quapaw Tribe, is building a hotel in the tri-state area. DRAWING PROVIDED

Downstream Casino Resort is planning to build a second hotel that will add 400 construction jobs and 40 casino-related employment jobs, said Sean Harrison, casino spokesman.

The expansion takes aim at raising the bar for destination resorts in this part of the country, Harrison said. The extravagant amenities are designed to add to the overall attraction of the casino so as to reach beyond its current 100-mile radius.

The casino and resort, operated by the Quapaw Tribe is located four miles west of Joplin, Mo., in the northeastern corner of Oklahoma with its parking lot located in Kansas and the main entrance located in Missouri.

With 2 million visitors a year to the casino, it quickly outgrew its current 222-room motel. The casino-resort employs more than 1,200 full-time workers and has a $42 million payroll, including benefits and tips.

We have a strong economic impact in this region, Harrison said referring to the tri-state area.

Harrison said the new $50 million hotel would be open in December and have 152 rooms, a spa and an indoor pool.

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Tri-state casino adding hotel, Oklahoma jobs