The Million Dollar Elm Casino is owned by the Osage Indian Tribe, and the Casino’s name honors a real chapter in the Osage Tribe’s history. The Osage Tribe’s original Oklahoma reservation consists of the entirety of modern-day Osage County, Oklahoma. Although the surface of the land in Osage County is owned by various people and entities, the Osage Tribe retained ownership of the mineral estate which lies below the surface. The mineral rights are leased to various people and companies, and the income from the leases belongs to the Osage Tribe. The story of oil and the Osages is one of the most glamorous facets of the oil industry in America. It began with the drilling of the first well in the Osage in October 1897.

The story of the “Million Dollar Elm” begins in 1922 when the first of the mineral auctions was conducted for the Osage Tribe. Symbolic of the impact oil had on the Osage people is the "Million Dollar Elm." It was given this name because in its shade millions of dollars worth of Osage oil leases were auctioned. It was planted at this site sometime during the latter part of the 19th century as an ornament and for shade. The name was not given by tribal leaders but by reporters and magazine writers dramatizing the events when important heads and founders of the world's greatest oil companies came in person to bid.

A re-creation of the “Million Dollar Elm” adorns the entrance of the casino at Sand Springs as a symbol of good fortune to all who pass under her.

MILLION DOLLAR ELM GAMING CENTERS
Indian gaming was initially conceived to create jobs for Native Americans in areas of relatively high unemployment and low income. Tribal gaming is regulated by federal law which states, “A tribe shall use net revenues from any tribal gaming… for one or more of the following purposes:

• To fund tribal government or programs
• To provide for the general welfare of the tribe and its members
• To promote tribal economic development
• To donate to charitable organizations; or
• To help fund operations of local government agencies….”

Million Dollar Elm Casino-Sand Springs
The Million Dollar Elm Casino, just off 129th Street, in Sand Springs is in the forefront of gaming entertainment attractions for the local area. It opened in July 2004 and employs more than 150 people. The casino offers its guests more than 600 state-of-the-art electronic gaming devices, a Player’s Club, Food Court, and Bar. Table games will be introduced in 2005.

Million Dollar Elm Casino-Hominy
The MDEC-Hominy Casino, located four (4) miles north of Hominy, Oklahoma, offers its customers a wide variety of electronic gaming devices. The Hominy Casino was originally opened in 2001 and operated by Osage Nation Gaming. As of January 1, 2005, the Hominy Casino came under the Million Dollar Elm Casino umbrella and is operated by MDEC. The casino employs about 45 people. The casino was remodeled and expanded in Spring 2005 to allow for additional electronic gaming devices as well as table games.

Million Dollar Elm Casino-Pawhuska
The MDEC-Pawhuska Casino, located at 15th Street and Highway 99 east of Pawhuska, began operation in June 2003 and features unique gaming devices in a small and friendly environment. As of January 1, 2005, the Pawhuska Casino came under the Million Dollar Elm Casino umbrella and is operated by MDEC. The casino employs about 30 people serving as guest service representatives, cashiers, and security officers.

Million Dollar Elm Casino-Tulsa
The Million Dollar Elm Casino-Tulsa, located at 36th Street North and the L.L. Tisdale Parkway in Tulsa, opened in August 2005 and offers its gaming guests a wide variety of gaming and entertainment attractions. The gaming and entertainment complex employ in excess of 400 people. The casino offers its guests more than 1,000 state-of-the-art electronic gaming devices, table games, a Player’s Club, a 250 seat specialty restaurant, deli, and entertainment lounge with bar.

COMING SOON: Million Dollar Elm Casino-Bartlesville
The Million Dollar Elm Casino-Bartlesville is expected to open in 2006 and will employ approximately