Key Takeaways
- The Cherokee Nation Entertainment recently celebrated its 35th anniversary of gaming and hospitality enterprise.
- The celebration was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Oklahoma, with leaders highlighting the growth of Cherokee Nation Entertainment into one of the region’s largest gaming and hospitality enterprises.
- The Cherokee Nation’s gaming story began in the late 1980s, with the passage of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Gaming Act in 1989.
- Today, Cherokee Nation Entertainment generates over $1 billion in revenue and employs more than 4,000 people.
- The company operates 11 casinos, including locations throughout the Cherokee Nation, and has made significant contributions to its communities, including investing in road and bridge improvements, health centers, and charitable organizations.
Introduction to Cherokee Nation Entertainment
The Cherokee Nation Entertainment, a leading gaming and hospitality enterprise, recently celebrated a major milestone – its 35th anniversary. The celebration, held on December 8 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Oklahoma, was attended by prominent leaders, including Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, and Cherokee Nation Businesses CEO Chuck Garrett. The celebration marked a significant achievement in the history of the Cherokee Nation, which has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 1980s.
The Birth of Cherokee Nation Entertainment
The Cherokee Nation’s gaming story began to take shape in the late 1980s, when then-Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller championed an unconventional vision for economic growth. Mankiller advocated for the passage of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Gaming Act, which was eventually passed by the tribal council in 1989. The act aimed to improve the lives of Cherokee citizens, and its passage marked the beginning of a new era for the Cherokee Nation. The first step towards realizing this vision was taken in 1990, with the opening of the Cherokee Nation Bingo Outpost in Roland, Oklahoma. This small outpost, which employed 64 people, would eventually become the Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland and pave the way for further expansion.
Growth and Expansion
The early 1990s saw the opening of additional bingo outposts in Catoosa and West Siloam Springs, marking a significant expansion of the Cherokee Nation’s gaming operations. By 2004, the Cherokee Nation had advanced its operations by transitioning its bingo facilities to Class III gaming, beginning with a major expansion in Catoosa. This move laid the foundation for the modern casino and hospitality business that exists today, generating over $1 billion in revenue and employing more than 4,000 people. The growth of Cherokee Nation Entertainment is a testament to the enduring strength of the company’s shared values and the collective effort of its workforce.
Contributions to the Community
Cherokee Nation Entertainment has made significant contributions to its communities, investing in road and bridge improvements across Oklahoma, contributing to a $100 million investment by Cherokee Nation Businesses to construct four health centers across the Cherokee Nation, and supporting financing to enhance municipal infrastructure for clean water in communities such as West Siloam Springs, Grove, and Claremore. The company has also donated to charitable organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association. These contributions demonstrate the company’s commitment to improving the quality of life within the Cherokee Nation and its surrounding communities.
Modern Operations
Today, Cherokee Nation Entertainment operates 11 casinos, including locations throughout the Cherokee Nation. The company’s gaming operations include a horse racing track, four resort hotels with more than 1,800 rooms, multiple restaurants, entertainment venues, and a golf course. The recent acquisition of Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi, has made Cherokee Nation Entertainment one of a few tribally owned gaming enterprises competing in commercial gaming jurisdictions. With its diverse range of operations and commitment to its communities, Cherokee Nation Entertainment is well-positioned to continue its legacy as a leader in the gaming and hospitality industry.
Conclusion
The 35th anniversary celebration of Cherokee Nation Entertainment marked a significant milestone in the history of the Cherokee Nation. From its humble beginnings in the late 1980s to its current status as a leading gaming and hospitality enterprise, the company has come a long way. With its commitment to its communities, diverse range of operations, and strong workforce, Cherokee Nation Entertainment is poised to continue its growth and success in the years to come. As Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. noted, the vision of the Cherokee Nation’s early leaders has transformed lives and built a brighter, healthier, stronger, and more prosperous future for the Cherokee Nation and its surrounding communities.