WinStar World Casino
WinStar World Casino and Resort, located in Thackerville, Oklahoma just south of the Texas-Oklahoma border, holds the distinction of being the world's largest casino by gaming floor space. With over 600,000 square feet of gaming space, eight themed gaming plazas, and a seemingly endless array of entertainment options, WinStar is a destination that justifies the approximately 5-hour drive from Houston.
The gaming floor is divided into eight themed plazas — London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Vienna, Beijing, Cairo, and New York — each with its own architectural style and atmosphere. Together they house over 8,500 electronic games and 100 table games, plus a dedicated poker room and a high-limit gaming area. Given the 5-hour drive from Houston, many Texas players also enjoy online casino alternatives for everyday gaming. The scale is genuinely awe-inspiring.
The Lucas Oil Live concert venue seats 3,500 and regularly books major national acts — country stars, rock legends, comedians, and more. Past performers include Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Jerry Seinfeld, and dozens of other big names. The WinStar Golf Club, designed by D.A. Weibring, offers 27 holes of championship golf.
Multiple hotels on the property range from the WinStar World Casino Hotel to the Inn at WinStar, offering over 1,400 rooms total. Dining ranges from upscale steakhouses to casual buffets and quick-service restaurants.
Visitor Tips: The drive is about 5 hours — consider making it an overnight trip. Book concert tickets early for popular shows. The Players Club card earns points across all gaming and dining. The Dallas-area casinos are closer alternatives, but nothing matches WinStar's scale. Thursday through Saturday offers the best entertainment lineup.
