The wife and stopped into the new FireLake Casino on East I-40 the other evening.

We are not gamblers but have enjoyed several trips to Las Vegas in the past and even a trip or two to Remington.

Our first impression was how nice the building looked from the outside at night. It was lit up well, parking was not a problem and the valet service seemed to be moving cars along.

We were greeted as we entered and if I didn't know better, I would have thought I was in a Vegas casino.

We mostly wanted to look around and people watch so we scoped out the blackjack and poker tables.

We didn't go into any of the restaurants but people we spoke to had good things to say about them. But don't go looking for a cheap buffet (Vegas style), while there is an extensive buffet it is a bit expensive.

We decided to spend a quick $20 at the slots. Within 20 minutes we were up $100 and decided to cash out and treat ourselves to a nice meal the next evening with our winnings.

Our only complaint - after only 15 minutes in the casino, the cigarette smoke was so bad it had both our eyes red and watering. We were only in the casino for a total of 45min to an hour but when we left we smelled like we had been in a crowded bar all night.

Unfortunately, that is enough to keep us from going back. But, we probably are not the heavy gamblers they want to attract anyway.

I just hate it because we go to Shawnee for business on a regular basis. I'd love to pop in to gamble $20-$100 on my way back to OKC. But I don't want to stink afterwards.

Has anyone been to Riverwind or another large casino that had better ventilation?

I didn't notice a problem at Riverwind at all.. a few smokers but it wasn't horrible and I'm very sensitive to smoke.

So, smoking is legal there?

So, smoking is legal there?

Firelake? Not only is it legal - it almost seems required!

Firelake? Not only is it legal - it almost seems required!

LOL!

Yes, I think Riverwind is smoker friendly too. Now that I think about it, I seem to remember leaving smelling like cigarettes after Hootie and the Blowfish, but that was a concert... I don't think the casino was that bad.

I didn't notice a problem at Riverwind at all.. a few smokers but it wasn't horrible and I'm very sensitive to smoke.

I agree: I've only been twice, once right after it opened, and once with some folks from out-of-town a few weeks ago. The smoke wasn't overwhelming. They must have some powerful scrubbers going because there were definitely plenty of cigarettes burning.

We won enough to pay for a buffet meal: the selection was very extensive and the food was good. I'm not a gambler, so I won't be back often, although I'm only 10 minutes away. But if I do go back I'll probably go there for the buffet rather than the games of chance.

BTW, one of the waitresses told me that they expected to be able to serve hard liquor on the floor in the near future. Anyone know anything about that?

Yes I have been to firelake couple of times, as for the smoke....its SO MUCH BETTER than Remington Park! The smokers are everywhere, but I think Firelake is better than most on the smoking issue, it must be its size.
I can say we had the buffett, and it is not worth the price. Food was ok, and yet it was still pricey.
I like that they have more penny slots! <~~~~~cheap gambler here!
The alcoholic beverages I can say are worth the money...the tequila sunrise I had was great!! Been awhile since I had a strong drink...not watered down.

Riverwind made it a point to have a pretty significant system to put in keep the air moving so it wouldn't have the smoke haze of the smaller casinos.

As far as smoking and casinos...you tell someone going in dropping a few hundred...grand...that they can't smoke, and you won't see them again. :) Fastest way to kill a casino is cut out the smoking...which is why I doubt there are many anywhere.

Haven't made it to Firelake's new one yet...hopefully soon. Riverwind is where I go most of the time...though taking a break after a nice week in Vegas. The only problem with the local casinos...there is really no benefit to playing at them or playing a lot. Hardly any kickbacks at all. I wish they would link up with Harrahs, MGM, or someone...so you can at least get a few trips out to one of their other casinos every now and then. Not to mention...the overall casino experience would be a bit better. I miss having a casino host wait on me. :)

I heard Atlantic City is considering a smoking ban in all casinos. Anyone know if it has passed yet?