Where Were the Casino Scenes in the TV Show Longmire Filmed?

In the critically acclaimed television series Longmire, the casino scenes are primarily filmed at the Wind River Casino in Riverton, Wyoming. This decision by the production team reflects the show's deep connection to the region's Native American culture and the unique dynamics of life in rural Wyoming. While the production utilized various locations throughout Wyoming for different scenes, the Wind River Casino stands out as a key setting in the storyline.

Wind River Casino in Riverton, Wyoming

The Wind River Casino in Riverton, Wyoming, has served as the iconic location for many of the casino scenes in the series. Filmed here, the casino not only provides a recognizably authentic backdrop but also highlights the cultural significance of Native American communities in the area. Riverton, being a small town with a rich history of Indigenous culture, adds a layer of authenticity to the storytelling.

Further Discoveries

While the primary filming location in Wyoming is the Wind River Casino, there have been speculations about other potential filming locations. A search for specific Indian casinos in Wyoming led to the identification of three: Wind River Casino, Santa Clara Casino, and Shoshone Rose Casino and Hotel.

The Santa Clara Casino, located near Espanola, New Mexico, was initially considered as a possible filming site. However, after further investigation, the production seems to have opted for filming in New Mexico through Season Four.

Season Four Filming in New Mexico

According to the article found on Netflix's Longmire Season Four to Film in New Mexico, it is highly likely that the casino scenes in this season were filmed not at the actual casinos but on a movie set near Santa Clara Pueblo. This suggests that while the show maintained its Western setting, it took advantage of the sophisticated filming facilities available in New Mexico.

The choice of New Mexico for filming the localized scenes in Season Four could be attributed to better lighting, more extensive sets, and advanced special effects capabilities. Although this shift might not be immediately apparent to viewers, it can significantly enhance the quality and realism of the scenes.

Possible Backlot Filming in Hollywood

Another possibility is that the scenes were shot on a movie set in Hollywood. Given the complexity of filming in remote areas, the production team might have opted to create a realistic replica of the casinos to ensure consistent lighting and filming conditions. This choice would allow for easier scheduling and potentially better control over the environments seen in the show.

Shoshone Rose Casino and Hotel in Lander, Wyoming, is one location that was also considered due to its resemblance to the casino seen in the show. Despite this, it is less likely to be the primary filming location as it is a smaller venue and may not have the necessary facility to support extended filming.

Conclusion

The filming locations for the casino scenes in Longmire reflect a balance between authenticity and practicality. The Wind River Casino in Riverton, Wyoming, serves as a crucial location, enhancing the cultural and historical context of the series. For the more recent scenes, the production likely leveraged the advantages of filming in New Mexico, either on a movie set or at actual locations, depending on the specific requirements of the scenes.

Whether the scenes were filmed in New Mexico or on a movie set, the intention of the production team was clear: to provide a cinematic and authentic portrayal of the casinos and their role in the narrative of Longmire.