THACKERVILLE, Okla. — North Texas jobseekers may have hit the jackpot.

After those layoffs at DISD, Frito Lay and Lockheed Martin to name a few, one company is opening new positions — and even gas allowances — to lure new workers.

Expansion at the WinStar Casino is good for business and employment numbers in Southern Oklahoma.

Every month means another trip for Gloria Schaefer and her friend from Cedar Hill, some 90 miles one-way to Oklahoma for a chance at hitting the jackpot.

"I play the penny machines all day, 20 bucks, 25 bucks," Schaefer said. "Where else can you go for that kind of money?"

The gamblers keep coming to the WinStar World Casino, despite the sluggish economy. The casino's revenues remain strong and its multi-million dollar expansion project is on track.

"There is a lot of construction going on, lots of companies are laying off, and in tough economic times like these we are still hiring," said Mark Reasoner, WinStar World Casino's marketing director.

The casino needs workers and is looking to North Texas, where more than 167,000 people are out of work. Some 400 of them could find a job here.

"We are hiring from north and south," Reasoner said.

The casino is sending recruiters to job fairs in North Texas. They are offering packages with medical coverage, retirement benefits and even gas vouchers.

"If they make under $50,000 and live within 25 miles, 30 miles, they get $25, $50, $75 — just depending how far away they live," Reasoner said.

Right now, half of the casino's staff already lives in North Texas. Now the search is on for more who are willing to make the drive across the Red River.

E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com