jili tutorial

PGA Championship Has an ‘Official Casino’ for the First Time in Tournament’s 111-Year History

By jili tutorial · September 2, 2026

PGA Championship Adds First-Ever ‘Official Casino Resort’ in 111-Year History

The 2027 PGA Championship will mark a historic first for the tournament: an “Official Casino Resort” for the very first time in its 111-year run. Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has been named both the “Official Casino Resort” and the “Official Community Partner” of the event.

What Makes This Partnership Historic?

The PGA Championship, the second of four men’s major golf tournaments, is scheduled for May 17–23, 2027, at PGA Frisco in Texas — about 25 miles north of downtown Dallas. The announcement came Monday, August 31, from Choctaw Casinos & Resorts.

“The 2027 PGA Championship represents a historic opportunity for the state of Texas, and we’re proud to partner with the PGA of America to help deliver an unforgettable experience for golf fans,” said Heidi Grant, senior executive officer for the Choctaw Nation.

The PGA of America, which first conducted the tournament in 1916, expects 200,000 spectators on site next May. Tickets for all four championship rounds (Thursday through Sunday) are already sold out more than nine months in advance.

“The enthusiasm surrounding the 2027 PGA Championship continues to exceed every expectation,” said Jason Mengel, championship director. “Choctaw Casinos & Resorts shares our commitment to creating memorable experiences, making them an outstanding community partner as we prepare to welcome the first men’s major championship in Texas in more than five decades.”

PGA’s Growing Embrace of Gambling

Like the PGA Tour (a separate entity), the PGA of America has increasingly embraced sports betting and casino gambling. While the Choctaw partnership is the first time the PGA Championship has had an “Official Casino Resort” sponsor, it’s not the tournament’s first betting-related deal.

In 2024, the PGA of America announced ESPN Bet as its “Official Sports Betting Sponsor” through the 2026 tournament. That arrangement was terminated early after ESPN Bet ceased operations in December 2025. This time, the Choctaws will be around next spring when the world’s top golfers arrive in Texas.

The Choctaw Nation markets its tribal casinos in southeastern Oklahoma to Texans, who often make the short drive to its four casino resorts and four slot venues. Notably, sports betting remains illegal in both Oklahoma and Texas — two of only 11 U.S. states without any form of legal sports gambling.

Choctaw VIP Experience: Ice House Hospitality

As part of its PGA Championship sponsorship, Choctaw Casinos & Resorts will transform the Ice House at PGA Frisco — a sports bar and golf venue — into an all-inclusive, climate-controlled, premium daily hospitality venue. This ranch-style space will offer exclusive food and beverages, specialty cocktails, branded gifts, and interactive activations designed to celebrate the partnership.

“Choctaw Ice House ticket holders will also receive access to a dedicated viewing area located behind the ninth green, allowing spectators to enjoy up-close views of major championship golf,” according to a Choctaw release.

The tribe confirmed that daily VIP tickets for the Choctaw Ice House experience are already “completely sold out.”