Wallain said she has played blackjack before, but the classes were an eye-opener.

“There’s so much more to it than I ever imagined,” Wallain said.

She said her job is great.

“I make more money at 60 than I’ve ever made in my life,” Wallain said.

She said the casino pays 100 percent of the health insurance premium in a package that includes dental and vision coverage. There’s a matching 401(k) plan in which she participates. The casino provides uniforms and one free meal in the employee dining area. A second meal is $5. There are frequent breaks.

“They make you feel like you’re part of the family,” she said.

She said she has fun and she makes sure the people at her tables have fun.

“I have never enjoyed a job more than this one, going to play cards all day,” she said.

She said many of the casino visitors are from Springfield and Branson, in Missouri. Harrison said visitors also have come from both coasts and probably every state.

Harrison said plans for a second hotel have been placed on the back burner, as has a planned spa. He said progress on the plans will depend largely on the economy.

A 10,000-square-foot pavilion, suitable for large groups, will open at the end of the month, he said. It can accommodate conventions, large group dinners and concerts.

John Berrey, chairman of the Quapaw Tribe’s business committee and the Downstream Development Authority, said he was happy with what has been accomplished for the area.

“We’ve been holding our own in a tough economy,” Berrey said. “That is something to celebrate with our communities, but we also have a long way to go.”

Wallain said she would continue working there until she no longer can.

“We have a lot of fun,” she said.