Choctaw Casino Pocola Begins $140 Million Expansion

Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola has broken ground on a $140 million expansion and renovation project. The project will add a new hotel tower, expand the facility's luxury amenities, and make improvements to the existing structure. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate an economic impact of approximately $20 million and provide more than 150 new jobs.

The 28-month project will add 130 guest rooms to the seven-story hotel tower. The rooms will include upscale suites. The project also includes a pool, a spa, and a fitness center.

The existing hotel, lobby, and guest check-in area will be renovated. Improvements will also be made to the casino and poker room. Interior work will begin on November 29, and as a result, some restaurants will be relocated.

The facility opened in 1994 as a bingo hall. Over the past 30 years, the property has grown into a hotel with a large gaming floor, a variety of dining venues, and a 7,000-square-foot meeting and event space. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton said the expansion will bring significant opportunities to people in the region and support regional economic growth. Facility manager Christy Chaser said the project will transform the property into a full-service resort and that they aim to attract more visitors from the area and beyond.