The first of the Cherokee Nation’s casinos and the last to be replaced, the new million Cherokee Casino & Hotel in Roland, Oklahoma will have a soft opening May 19, with a grand opening planned for early July, said General Manager Chad McReynolds. But Cherokee Nation executives and tribal officials recently got a sneak peak of the facility, which was converted from a sewing factory into a bingo hall in 1990.
The current 170,000 square foot property features a 50,000 square foot casino with 850 new electronic games, plus a 120-room hotel and convention space. The design incorporates the Cherokee Nation’s four sacred elements—earth, air, fire and water.
McReynolds noted, “Our goal was to create an entertainment destination. As soon as you walk in, you get a touch of every amenity, from the table games to the band stage. There is a clear line of sight in the cosmetics of this casino and when you pull up to the front, you definitely feel like you have just arrived somewhere.” He added the facility is a “notch above anything in Vegas.”
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said, “It’s such a wonderful space. But the real story here is that its creating 300 new jobs in a part of the Cherokee Nation that needs employment desperately. And the dollars generated here will be used for health clinics and emergency services for elders. What this building represents is how we invest these dollars. It’s a gift that just keeps on giving.”
McReynolds said job fairs were held to fill 250 new casino jobs and 50 more will be needed at the hotel, which is still being built. Baker added the minimum wage for Cherokee Nation jobs recently was raised to $9.50 per hour and employees receive a comprehensive benefits package.
In 2013, an economic impact study showed the Cherokee Nation had an economic impact of $1.3 billion for Oklahoma. A new updated report will be released this week.
