The Chickasaw Nation posted more than $1.44 billion in net revenue from its gaming enterprises in the fiscal year that ended September 30, an 11 percent increase over $1.3 billion reported in 2016. Chickasaw Nation spokesman Tony Choate said, “Net profits from our businesses are the highest ever in Chickasaw Nation history. Our casinos continue to do very well. We continue to reinvest in our existing businesses as we diversify our business portfolio.”
Headquartered in Ada, the Chickasaws operate 18 casinos including Remington Park in Oklahoma City, Riverwind Casino in Norman and WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, plus two off-track wagering facilities and two bingo halls. The tribe’s other enterprises include 18 tribal smoke shops, seven motor fuel outlets and two truck stops.
Currently the Chickasaw Nation owns more than 100 businesses. The holding company Chickasaw Nation Industries oversees more than a dozen subsidiaries operating as LLCs. “CNI now has operations in 38 states and employs more than 2,000 workers in occupations ranging from manufacturing to aviation and technology development,” Choate said.
He pointed out the tribe manufactures Bedre’ Fine Chocolate, “which enjoyed a 60 percent growth in sales over the previous year,” Choate said. Assets have increased at the tribe’s Bank2, a full-service bank in Oklahoma City, Choate added. “Bank2 is the largest source of Native American home loans in Oklahoma and one of the largest sources of such loans across the U.S.” In the past year, Chickasaw businesses transferred more than $205 million in profits to tribal government accounts, Choate said. The money has been used to support and expand services. “Our businesses continue to do very well,” he stated.
The Chickasaw Nation now has more than 66,000 citizens. Enrollment has increased by more than 17,000 since 2001.
