The Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel in Oglala is widely known as one of the best gaming complexes in the region. It has a fantastic games selection, plenty of on-site attractions, loads of promotions and loyalty benefits, and comfortable, overnight accommodation. Furthermore, it’s located right in the heart of the South Dakota (S.D.) Prairie, so it boasts wonderful natural surroundings. Learn more about the venue as we continue down to our Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel review!
In following the sections, you can expect to get a complete and impartial rundown of the Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel. Leaving no stone unturned, we look at all the individual aspects of the venue and offer honest ratings, so you can learn all the pros and cons as you plan your trip. For more immediate answers to questions we are often asked, skip ahead to the FAQ section at the end.
Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel: What to Expect
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In addition to the top-notch casino facilities, Prairie Wind is located in a very remote area on the Pine Ridge Reservation, so it offers visitors the chance to learn about the area’s native history and culture. Enquire directly at the venue and the staff will be happy to help you explore the stunning natural surroundings and get in touch with the Lakota people. To skip ahead to the section on non-gambling related attractions, use the content navigation tool above.
Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel Casino Games
After looking at the Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel games selection, we must say we were very impressed. To start with, there are loads of slot machines (over 380 in total) and the range is nice and varied. You’ll find classic Vegas-style slots, more high-tech video slots, and slots that simulate the live table gaming experience. In addition, you can play with full assurance that all games are tested for fairness by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming.
As well as loads of slots, the Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel games selection includes live table games. Traditional poker and blackjack, as well as a few fun variations, are available here. In addition, you’ll also find roulette, craps, and bingo: you really are spoiled for choice at Prairie Wind! To see the full list of games available, take a look at the list element below.
- Traditional Slots
- Video Slots
- Three-card Poker
- Three-card Progressive
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Craps
- Bingo
All in all, we were really impressed with the Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel games catalog. There really isn’t much more you could ask for here. There’s a huge selection of slot machines, loads of live table games, and bingo, so all types of gamblers will feel at home here. In addition, there are regular tournaments and meetings held in which beginners, experienced players and experts are all welcome, and the floor staff are known for being extremely helpful and friendly.
No Online Games at Present
Due to strict laws currently in place in S.D, you won’t find any online games at the Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel at present. There may be the odd venue where you can place online bets on some niche markets, but these will be very few and far between and no real money transactions will be taking place. However, the state is currently reconsidering its hardline stance and is preparing to vote on whether online betting should be made legal, so there’s every chance we may see online betting introduced in the future. Be sure to check back here for updates.
Lots of Promotions
We are pleased to report that the Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel promotions range is well stacked. If you weren’t planning on staying a few nights, you should probably think again: there are some great deals to be redeemed in the hotel. The venue offers special weekend Stay and Play promotions where you can get special room rates, meal coupons, and free slot plays! There are also some neat deals where if you stay so many nights you get an additional night free!
In addition to the hotel promotions, you’ll also find some neat deals at the Stronghold Restaurant! Buy one get one free specials and meal deal combos are common. There are loads of promotions for gamblers also, such as hot seat cash draws, and free slot plays, but you have to be a member of the loyalty program in order to be eligible for most of them. We’ll go into more detail in the following section, but for now, see the full monthly promotions program on the official site.
Shooting Stars Loyalty Club
The Shooting Stars Loyalty Club at Prairie Wind ensures there are a few benefits for regular players. It’s a points-accumulation-based system whereby the more points you earn, the more prizes you win. Points can be earned by playing slots and table games and can be redeemed in the form of hotel discounts, free slot plays, or entry to special promotions! The full promotions range is only available to members — all the more reason to join! Be sure to enquire at the venue directly on your next visit and get access to all the great benefits.
No Sports Betting
Unfortunately, sports betting is severely restricted in S.D at this time. This is largely due to the strict laws and regulations currently in place. However, it would appear as though the state legislature is ready to reconsider its position, so it’s quite likely we may see fully regulated sports betting services introduced in the not too distant future. Be sure to check back here regularly for updates and keep a close ear to news reports. If there is a breakthrough, and sports betting becomes legalized, we’ll be among the first to know.
If you’re anything like us, whenever you hit a gambling complex it’s straight to the gaming room. However, it’s always nice to have the option to explore alternative attractions. It’s a good thing, then, that there’s lots to explore in and around Prairie Wind. As we mentioned earlier, it’s located on the very remote Pine Ridge Reservation, so there’s the opportunity to get in touch with nature and learn about Native American culture. Keep reading the sections below and discover more.
Great Overnight Digs
| Hotel Rooms | 72 rooms + 6 suites |
|---|---|
| Price per Night: | $60 – $156 |
| Pool: | Heated indoor pool |
| Room Service: | Available |
| Gym/Fitness Studio: | Available |
| Address: | 112 Casino Dr, Oglala, SD 57764 |
Due to its location, the hotel here at Prairie Wind is the only option for quite a few miles. However, it’s a good choice that has a wide range of accommodation options to suit most travelers. Basic rooms start from around $60, although this is subject to change during busier periods. You’ll also find a few leisure facilities here such as a pool and fitness area to unwind in after a long day or night of gambling!
You would think traveling to such a remote location would prove difficult; the venue is, however, quite easy to get to. If you’re traveling by road it connects nicely with the Interstate 90, 25, and 80, so it doesn’t really matter which direction you’re coming from: it’s easy to reach. If you’re arriving by air, the nearest airport is just under 80 miles away in Rapid City — about an hour and 20 minute transfer.
Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel Events and Activities
If you’re looking for things to do away from the gaming floor, there are a few attractions on-site and in the surrounding area. The complex has a couple of dining options, so you can relax and enjoy a meal — by all accounts, the food is great and there are lots of options on the menu! There’s also a heated indoor pool and fitness area: take a dip or work up a sweat on the treadmill!
If you want to venture away from the complex, we advise you to explore the surrounding vistas and organize a cultural tour!
General Company Info
| Owner: | Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe |
|---|---|
| Phone Number: | +1 605-867-6300 |
| Gaming License Class: | Class III |
| Number of Games: | Around 400 |
| Hours: | 24/7 |
| Opened: | 1994 |
| Website: | Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel |
| Social Media: | Not Available |
Prairie Wind first opened back in 1994 as a humble, limited gaming complex. In the beginning, it mostly served as a quick stopover for people passing through the area on the way to Deadwood or natural attractions such as Mount Rushmore or the Black Hills. However, it has since evolved into a popular, all-purpose gaming destination with great casino and leisure facilities. It is now, arguably, one of the best casino and hotel complexes in the region.
Prairie Wind has a Class III license, so visitors can enjoy a great selection of around 380 slot machines, table games, and bingo 24/7 in a comfortable, laidback environment. It’s been proudly owned by the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe since it first opened and remains committed to providing meaningful employment opportunities for first nations peoples. To stay up to date with events, promotions, and more, follow the link to the official website in the table above.
A Top Gaming Complex
That’s it: we’ve put Prairie Wind through its paces and it’s time for the final round-up. On balance, we were very impressed with how the venue performed. It boasts really great casino facilities, lots of promotions and loyalty benefits, comfortable and affordable on-site digs with a few leisure facilities, and some unique cultural attractions in the area. Simply put, it didn’t put a foot wrong, and it’s one of our favorite casinos in S.D. If you enjoyed our Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel review, there are plenty more like it on the homepage!
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve made it to the final section of our Prairie Wind Casino and Hotel review, so let’s get stuck into the FAQ section. We are sure we’ve covered all the most important points in our main review, but just in case we’ve missed a few things, you can get fast answers to questions we are often asked in the following section. Failing that, use the contact tab and reach out to us directly via email.
Is there a way to get discounted room rates?
Yes. There are lots of promotions on offer here at Prairie Wind, many of which extend to the hotel. If you want to learn more, we’d recommend you to head back up to our promotions section. You can find out what promotions are available at the hotel as well as the casino and restaurant.
Is there a loyalty program?
Yes. The loyalty program here at Prairie Wind is known as the Shooting Stars Club and offers some pretty neat benefits for regular visitors. In addition to cool restaurant and hotel perks, members also get access to loads of cool monthly promotions in the casino. For more in-depth info, check out the loyalty program section.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes. The Stronghold Restaurant is located on site and has a large, varied menu. There’s also a coffee shop and a space that can be hired for banquets, parties, or other large events. To learn more about the catering options and other Prairie Win Casino and Hotel events and attractions, check out our section on non-gambling related activities.
How do I find Prairie Wind?
Despite being in an extremely remote location, Prairie Wind is easy to get to. It connects nicely with a few different interstate highways, so it’s easy to reach by car. Plus, the nearest airport is just over an hour’s drive away. Get all the details in our paragraph about the hotel.
What is the games selection like?
Simply put, awesome. With a catalog of close to 400 games, which includes slots, live table games and bingo, there’s not a lot else you could ask for. Another casino with a great selection of games is Tin Lizzie in Deadwood, which is about 125 miles north of Prairie Wind.