DEVOL, OKLA. — FEB. 16, 2021 — In continuation of its longstanding commitment to the community, Kiowa Casino has temporarily shut down all gaming machines and suspended business operations across its three casino properties and hotel to assist with local power grid overloads.
All three locations and the hotel have been closed to the public since Saturday evening at 11 p.m., when team members were proactively sent home in advance of the historic winter storm that struck the area Sunday morning.
As of Monday morning, all machines across its three locations — Kiowa Casino & Hotel, Kiowa Casino Carnegie, and Kiowa Casino Verden — had been powered down in an effort to conserve energy for surrounding communities. Kiowa was the first casino in the local area to take these important precautionary measures.
“We based our decision on the safety of our community. That is, and will always be, our number one priority,” Jill Peters, Kiowa Casino Operations Authority (KCOA) trustee said. “As a community leader, Kiowa has a responsibility to our neighbors, guests, and team, and we will continue to take all necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.”
For team members who lost power during the storm or felt unsafe driving, hotel accommodations and food were provided at no cost, one room per family. As of Sunday, all hotel rooms are in use by tribal members or team members. Additionally, a combination of https://kiowacasino.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/KIO_Casino_001.jpg and paid time is being utilized to help support team members.
“When this unprecedented storm struck, we acted fast for our team,” Steve Abangan, Interim COO/GM said. “It matters to us that our team members are provided for, both during emergencies and on a daily basis. It’s the right thing to do.”
Kiowa Casino will continue monitoring the ongoing inclement weather on a daily basis to determine a safe date for the team members and guests to return. Should power grid challenges continue after operations resume, Kiowa Casino will continue its energy conservation efforts as its responsibility to the community.
Kiowa Casino & Hotel is located 15 minutes north of Wichita Falls, Texas, off I-44 Exit 1.
