Tribe ‘topping out’ new Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland

New casino and entertainment destination to add 100 new jobs, plans summer opening

ROLAND, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation is building an $80 million casino and hotel in Roland, and officials gathered today to celebrate the topping out of construction on the new entertainment destination. The new Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland is bringing 100 new jobs and more entertainment, dining and hotel options to the region.

“Today marks a significant step toward completion of our Roland expansion. The Cherokee Nation’s growth means more money for infrastructure, roads and schools in Sequoyah County. That is good for the Cherokee Nation citizens and good for our partners at the municipal, county and state levels,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “The new hotel and casino are not only going to be bigger and better, but they will create more quality career opportunities in this region of the Cherokee Nation.”

The casino will offer 850 electronic games, table games and a poker room. Guests can choose from two dining options, a grab-and-go café and Las Vegas-style buffet. Along with the expanded gaming options, guests can enjoy a cocktail and live music at the entertainment venue.

The plans include a resort-style hotel, featuring 120 rooms, along with convention space to host conferences, special events, weddings and trade shows.

“It’s an exciting time in our company when we can come full circle. We are bringing our guests the best in gaming entertainment and hospitality,” said Shawn Slaton, chief executive officer for Cherokee Nation Businesses. “The new structure allows us to bring the newest and most exciting options to our guests, while bringing growth to the community where we got our first start. It’s a great day for Sequoyah County and this region.”

Crews expect to complete the new 170,000 square-foot facility this summer.

“This new casino and hotel is a wonderful thing for Sequoyah County,” said Janelle Fullbright, Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor representing district 6. “It means more employment opportunities for the area and is something we’ve waited a very long time to have. We are really excited and happy about the growth it will bring to the area.”

“Councilor Fullbright and I have longed for this day for 15 years,” said David Thornton, Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor for district 5. “I want to thank Chief Baker for his vision and the business team for getting this done. It’s going to be a great thing for Sequoyah County.”

The first Cherokee Nation Bingo Outpost was opened in Roland in 1990. Twenty-five years later, the property has become one of the region’s leading entertainment venues.

Today, the 50,000-square-foot property features more than 600 electronic gaming machines, seven poker tables, six table games and a 24-hour diner. Cherokee Casino Roland employs 320 people.

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; seven Cherokee Casinos, including a horse racing track; three hotels; three golf courses; and other retail operations. The region’s entertainment leader employs more than 3,500 people.

Cherokee Casino Roland is located off Highway 64 on Cherokee Boulevard in Roland. For more information on Cherokee Casinos, visit www.cherokeecasino.com or call (800) 256-2338. All guests must be at least 21 years of age to attend.