A groundbreaking was recently held for the 7,000-square-foot expansion at Bok Homa Casino near Laurel, Mississippi, owned by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
Members of the tribal council and 2022-23 Choctaw Indian Princess Cadence Nickey were in attendance, along with several officials from Pearl River Resorts, the parent company of Bok Homa.
The project will include a new restaurant to be named Red Creek, the Choctaw translation of “Bok Homa.” Chief Cyrus Ben said, “The name of the restaurant is a little way of sharing our language and its translation with the patrons of the casino.”
The expansion also includes the new Timeout Lounge and the relocation of the sportsbook to make room for additional slots and larger administrative offices. Construction will be completed in December, in time for the casino’s 13th anniversary, Ben said. “We look forward to many great days that our patrons can come to Bok Homa Casino here in the Pine Belt and enjoy the new Sportsbook Lounge and dining area,” he said.
He added, “Our goal has always been to make forward progress for the tribe and also our entities in Pearl River Resort and here at Bok Homa Casino. We want to continue its growth and also provide not only growth for the tribe and the resort, but also give more amenities to our customers and patrons that come to our properties.”
Director of Operations Michelle York said, “We are excited about the expansion and the people it will bring in. An expansion is long overdue, and it will not only greatly benefit the employees but provide a great experience for our guests. We are small but mighty, and we will continue to prevail.”
York said 1,000 to 3,000 visitors come to Bok Homa Casino daily, including locals and guests from Alabama, the Gulf Coast, North Mississippi and beyond. The venue, which opened in 2011, offers 700 slots and eight table games. The tribe also operates the twin Silver Star and Golden Moon casinos at Pearl River in Neshoba County.
