DURANT, Okla. - The Choctaw Nation won big at the 2026 SBC Awards Americas Wednesday night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The SBC Awards Americas recognizes the achievements of gaming and online betting operators in North and South America.
Choctaw Casinos & Resorts was named Tribal Gaming Operator of the Year, recognizing the brand’s commitment to innovation, guest experience, community impact and sustained growth across its portfolio of properties. Heidi Grant, senior executive officer for the division of commerce, was also honored as Tribal Gaming Leader of the Year.
With 28 years of experience, Grant has built a distinguished career leading initiatives that strengthen operations, drive innovation, and enhance the guest and associate experience at the Choctaw Nation. Starting as a bingo clerk in 1997, she rose through the ranks, holding key roles such as general manager and executive director of gaming. Today, Grant oversees a diverse portfolio including resorts, gaming properties, and emerging technology initiatives. Her leadership continues to expand economic opportunity and prosperity for Choctaw Tribal Members, advancing the Nation’s mission for future generations.
“To receive the individual Tribal Gaming Leader of the Year recognition from the SBC Awards is such an honor,” said Grant. “But it’s even more special to see Choctaw Casinos & Resorts earn such high praise. The Tribal Gaming Operator of the Year Award reflects the passion, innovation and dedication of our associates across every property. This recognition belongs to the teams who consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences, support our communities and help drive economic opportunity for the Choctaw Nation. Their work continues to position Choctaw Casinos & Resorts as a leader in tribal gaming.”
The Tribal Gaming Operator of the Year recognition follows a landmark year for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, marked by significant investments in guest experience, property enhancements, innovative gaming offerings and community engagement initiatives across the brand’s portfolio.
Throughout 2025, Choctaw Casinos & Resorts delivered more than $5 million in prize winnings through major promotions at its flagship properties, including million-dollar giveaways at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grant and Choctaw Casino & Resort – Pocola, as well as the continued success of Durant’s signature “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” promotion. As part of its commitment to giving back, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant also donated $30,000 to charitable organizations selected by promotion winners.
The brand continued investing in its properties with enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience. Choctaw Casino & Resort – Grant completed renovations to the Chop House bar, while Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant reopened its remodeled adults-only OASIS pool and transformed the Grand Casino with updated lighting, flooring and finishes, creating an expanded non-smoking gaming environment.
Choctaw Casinos & Resorts also expanded its gaming offerings through the opening of a new game room at The Link, featuring a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Aristocrat, Light & Wonder and Gaming Capital Group. The innovative partnership brings together some of the industry's most popular gaming titles in a unique entertainment destination exclusive to Choctaw guests.
Choctaw Casinos & Resorts was also a finalist for Marketing Campaign of the Year, and the Choctaw Nation was a finalist for Employer of the Year.
The dual honors underscore the Choctaw Nation’s continued leadership in the gaming industry and its commitment to creating economic opportunity while delivering premier entertainment, hospitality and gaming experiences across southeastern Oklahoma. Together, the awards recognize both the strength of Choctaw’s leadership and the excellence of the associates whose work continues to drive success for the Nation, its guests and future generations.
