It was time to leave Leisurlee Acres Cattle Company (the Oklahoma cattle ranch of our friends, Randall and Julie) and head for Branson, Missouri. We left later in the afternoon when Mike completed his workday, so we knew there would be a stop somewhere for the night. We planned on a Wal-Mart for a quick sleep, but noticed there were many casinos while we drove through Oklahoma. We’d heard of other RVers stopping for the night in casino parking lots, so we figured we’d give it a try.
We were driving through the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and saw billboards for the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort. Mike looked for the exit while I called their general information number to see if overnight RVs were allowed. A friendly voice on the other end welcomed us to park for the night and gave us directions to their preferred lot. We parked the RV and noticed we were one of two RVs and a couple 18-wheelers. Security was patrolling and we stopped one of them to double check our parking spot. They told us to pull out the slides and make ourselves at home–something we would not have done without the specific invitation to do so.
We wanted to show our appreciation by giving them our business, as we usually do for a stop-to-sleep stay in a parking lot–be it Wal-Mart or other arrangements. We bought a couple of drinks ($5 margaritas since it was Cinco de Mayo) and selected two slot machines that were open. Mike and I aren’t gamblers, but we committed to the process and set ourselves a small limit to play. Mike won first. Then, I won. Then, our winnings won. We didn’t win a huge amount, but it was enough to get us excited and feel a little lucky. We probably could have kept playing our winnings, but money is way too hard to come by to throw it all away.
We really tried to give the casino some money, but the odds were in our favor. We got a free night of lodging, won back the margarita money, and walked away with almost $100. It was a win/win situation for us. Not to mention all the lights, bustling activity, and sounds were an excellent mental reboot to prepare for the long travel day in the morning.
We pulled up stakes and got on the road early the next morning after a good night’s rest and a positive casino experience. We may consider doing this in the future for those stop-to-sleep nights while traveling. It’s safe and free. It’s also a fun way to be able to show appreciation by spending our dollars in their beautiful casino and resort. They have great meals, as well, for both late night and breakfast.
We left the Citizen Potawatomi Nation feeling rested, grateful, and ready for some road time. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality.
Watch out, Missouri, here we come.
Safe travels,
Dawn
Don’t worry, Dawn. The house always ends up coming out on top… always. It just was your turn.
I’m so NOT a gambler. That’s why we quit while we were ahead. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Oh my you were right down the road from us!! 😊
We loved Oklahoma and can’t wait to go back!
Way to go walking out with profit!! I never do. I always just play until I have nothing left. But I also only bring in like $50 and leave my wallet in the car so I’m not tempted to play more money. I need those machines with the coins, so I can have one cup with my original money, and one cup with my winnings and just never touch the cup with my winnings
I just quit while we are ahead! 🙂
I’m a “one more time can’t hurt!” type of person lol It doesn’t always end well haha
How fun is that! We love going to the casinos but usually spend more than just overnight there! Congrats on leaving with some of their money! Safe travels.
It was a great place to get off the road and get some rest. I loved the fact that we didn’t go in the hole while we were there. 🙂
We’very overnighted at a couple of casinos, but never had a string of luck like that! Safe travels.
I’m convinced we were just one push button away from losing what little we won! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! Safe travels.
I’m a new follower, and I love your blog. Words and photos in your hands make a delightful story.
Thank you so much for reading and the wonderful compliment! I’m so glad you stopped by. I love your writing and the snippets of life, memories, and wisdom you share. Dawn
I could definitely see us doing that, except for the winning part. Glad it was a positive experience! Great post as always!
I guess we gotta take the stroke of luck whenever we can get it. 🙂
Oddly enough, after almost a year on the road, we still haven’t done an overnight in a walmart or a casino. We’ve always been at campgrounds. But I think it’s time we tried it out, and I’m thinking a casino might be the best option. At least there’s a CHANCE we could make money on the deal. 🙂 Anyway, glad it worked out for you guys!
The Wal-Mart overnight is not my favorite thing to do, but the casino was a nice change–everything was jumping and the people-watching was still pretty amazing! Safe travels! Dawn
Casinos are definitely a good option. We’ve done it a couple times, too. Seven Feathers in south OREGON has a beautiful RV park. if you get up that far north, be sure to check it out.
We will have to try to do that–I love Oregon. Some of the casino campgrounds are beautiful I’ve heard, so we will probably do this option more often.