MIRAGE, Calif. – Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino has been awarded the prestigious Barona/VCAT Award for Excellence in Indian Gaming Marketing.  The award was announced at the 13th Indian Gaming National Marketing Conference in Mirage, Calif. 

The award was created in 2007 to honor true casino marketing innovators who have achieved superior marketing results. Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino won the coveted award from a field of tribal casinos representing several states across the country. The award recognizes tribal casinos for excellence in marketing based on an organization’s total body of work, not a singular year of performance.

“Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino is honored to receive this award,” said Chief Operating Officer Joe Olujic. “It recognizes the strength and strategic vision of the Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino marketing team. Their integrated marketing efforts paired with their outstanding work ethic have allowed Osage to accomplish our goals in a minimal amount of time,” he said.

Award nominees must demonstrate how they link superior marketing efforts to financial performance, build marketing excellence around key constituencies of customers and communities, and integrate marketing effectively throughout their entire casino operation.

Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino focused its entry around its Thrillseeker marketing strategy, developed in conjunction with local branding and interactive firm Walsh Branding. The campaign utilizes analogies of racecar driving and professional bull riding among others to bring to life the excitement and exhilaration of casino gaming and the bold spirit of its players.

The Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino marketing strategy utilizes all forms of media including television, radio, out‐of‐home, direct mail, social media and events.

“We strive to create an exciting, fun and service‐oriented environment for both our customers and employees,” said Jennifer Bighorse, marketing director. “We take enormous pride in the way we communicate our brand. It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by one of the most well‐respected Indian Gaming marketers in the country.”