Cherokee Nation and local officials recently cut the ribbon at the tribe’s ninth and newest casino near South Coffeyville, Oklahoma. Principal Chief Bill John Baker said, “Of the 135 jobs already filled at this casino, more than 100 of those employees are Cherokee citizens. That’s huge. These jobs provide a good quality of life for our people and generate funding to expand services for those in need.
Celebrating the economic impact of the new casino, Tribal Council member Victoria Vazquez said, “This long-awaited casino and the jobs it creates are a godsend for this area. Cherokee citizens have hoped for economic development in this area for a long time, and now that dream is a reality. I look forward to the future growth of this property and the surrounding area.”
Located off U.S. 169 south of the Oklahoma-Kansas state line, the $10 million, 17,000 square foot facility features 300 electronic games and a bar and restaurant.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the wholly owned gaming, hospitality, retail and tourism entity of the Cherokee Nation. The company operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa and eight Cherokee Casinos, including a horse racetrack, three hotels, three golf courses and other retail operations. CNE employs more than 3,600 workers.
