Choctaw Nation Begins $140 Million Pocola Casino Expansion With 130 Hotel Rooms

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma began work on a $140 million expansion of its Pocola casino on November 5, 2026, adding 130 hotel rooms and 150 jobs, with completion targeted for early 2029. Talk Business & Politics reported that more than 200 people gathered at the site for the ceremonial start.

Choctaw Nation's Pocola Expansion Details

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is a federally recognized tribal nation headquartered in Durant, Oklahoma, with gaming and hospitality among its operations. The Pocola site, near the Arkansas border and Fort Smith, opened as a bingo hall in 1994; the Nation opened a $60 million casino and hotel there in early 2013 with more than 148,000 square feet of casino and hotel space and a 118-room hotel.

The new work refreshes all 118 existing rooms and the restaurants and adds a 7-story, 130-room hotel, according to the Nation. The casino floor gets new lighting and carpet, and the poker room, off track betting and rewards club move to a new space. Plans also include a resort-style pool with private cabanas and an outdoor bar, a full-service spa and fitness center, a coffee and tea bar, and upgrades to registration and restrooms. Emeril's, part of the Emeril Group of restaurants, will be part of the expansion.

Choctaw Nation said Tutor Perini Construction and JCJ Architecture will manage the work, estimated to take 28 months. Chief Gary Batton said the completed expansion will produce a $20 million annual economic impact, with annual payroll at the casino estimated at $4.8 million. During construction, the Nation expects the project to support 1,050 area jobs, a $179 million economic impact and an estimated $53.8 million in payroll. The Pocola operation employs around 850.

"As the largest employer in LeFlore County and the second largest resort in the Choctaw Casinos & Resorts portfolio, the expansion of Choctaw Casino & Resort – Pocola provides significant opportunities for area residents and will drive economic growth in the region," Batton said in a statement.

Choctaw Nation's Scale And Recent Moves

According to akta.pro company records, the Choctaw Nation serves more than 230,000 tribal members across 10,864 square miles in southeastern Oklahoma and has more than 13,000 associates. The same records list a June 2026 joint venture with the Indian Health Service to build a health clinic of more than 100,000 square feet in Hugo, targeted for completion in approximately three years.

Earlier Choctaw Nation Developments

The Journal Record reported that the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council approved a $3.1 billion expense budget for fiscal 2027 in September 2026, including $617 million in investments. In August 2026, the Nation and partners announced more than $30 million in funding for a new water treatment facility for the Sardis Lake Water Authority, The Journal Record reported. The Journal Record also reported a nine-year partnership announced in September 2026 making the Choctaw Nation the naming rights sponsor of USA Softball's new Oklahoma City fieldhouse.

What Comes Next For Pocola

The Choctaw Nation estimates the Pocola work will be complete in 28 months, with the expansion targeted for early 2029.