Oct. 11, 2019

A multiyear expansion and renovation at Royal River Casino & Hotel in Flandreau has transformed the entire complex.

The project is mostly done, and Royal River will celebrate a “relaunch weekend” today through Sunday.

Improvements included renovations to all 120 guest rooms, updating carpet, paint and room furnishings such as a convenience refrigerator and microwave, along with converting the hotel to a smoke-free complex. Twelve rooms are suites with separate living rooms and luxury bathrooms featuring a mix of Jacuzzi tubs and double-head walk-in showers. The hotel corridors and lobby were renovated as well.

Additional phases included completing a new administration building, expanding the casino gaming floor by repurposing a former bingo hall and adding a high-end VIP lounge with a non-smoking bar off the casino floor.

The table games area also was relocated, and a center gaming bar was added. The snack bar was expanded and renovated as well.

The casino floor now is set up to accommodate more than 700 slot machines.

“To date, over $25 million has been invested in the floor-to-ceiling renovation and expansion project,” said senior operations director Tim Morrissey.

“With each phase of the project, guests to the casino have continued to enjoy the exceptional guest service the property has become known for, while also benefiting from the continued improvements in air quality, aesthetic and overall gaming experience.”

The project was funded through a strategic investment from the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe to the casino resort, which it has owned and operated since 1990.

The final phase just wrapping up included the completed casino floor expansion along with an expanded full-scale restaurant and buffet. Throughout the final phase, new air-handler units to provide state-of-the-art air filtration have come online, as well as new HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems.

The architect was Leo A Daly and the general contractor was Henry Carlson Co.

This weekend’s events include a ribbon cutting and fireworks show at 7:30 tonight followed by a concert featuring Lonestar. The Eli Young Band will headline a concert at 8 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, one guest will win a new GMC Yukon.

“The $30-plus million investment is consistent with the casino and tribe’s mission to continuously position Royal River Casino & Hotel as the premier entertainment destination in the region, offering the newest and best gaming, dining and entertainment option to our guests,” Morrissey said.