Pocola, Okla. (June 24, 2026) – Choctaw Casino & Resort – Pocola has announced plans for a $140 million expansion and renovation project that will add a new hotel tower, luxury amenities and upgrades across the property.
What started as a bingo hall in 1994 has grown into a premier entertainment destination serving guests throughout Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Over the past 30 years, the property has expanded to include a hotel, large gaming floor, multiple dining venues and over 7,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
“Choctaw has long been a proud part of this region, growing alongside the community and contributing to its vitality and success,” said Chief Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. “As the largest employer in LeFlore County and the second largest resort in the Choctaw Casinos & Resort portfolio, Choctaw – Pocola plays a vital role in driving economic growth and opportunity in this region. This investment will allow us to welcome more guests while delivering an even higher level of hospitality and resort experience.”
The upcoming refresh and expansion project will include:
- New hotel tower – a 7-story tower featuring 130 additional guest rooms including premium suites
- Resort-style pool – complete with private cabanas and an outdoor bar
- Full-service Spa – offering elevated wellness and relaxation experiences
- Fitness center – open 24 hours with modern fitness equipment
- Coffee & Tea Bar – will offer custom coffee drinks and a wide variety of teas
- Hotel Refresh – Renovation of the 118-room hotel with new carpet, lighting, bathroom tiles and fixtures and modern furnishings
- Casino Refresh – the casino floor, registration and restrooms will also receive new carpet and lighting
- Poker Room, Off Track Betting and Rewards Club – will move to new upgraded locations
- Restaurant Refresh – all restaurants and bars will receive a refresh and rebrand with elevated food and craft cocktail offerings
“We’re excited to share our latest expansion and renovation project with our guests and the community,” said Christy Chaser, General Manager of Choctaw Casino & Resort-Pocola. “This investment not only transforms our property by doubling our hotel capacity and introducing contemporary, elevated amenities, but also reflects our ongoing commitment to the people and businesses here.”
“By enhancing the guest experience, we’re positioned to attract more visitors from across the region and beyond, helping to drive tourism, support local economic growth, and create new opportunities for our community to thrive,” Chaser said.
Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola is partnering with Tutor Perini Construction and JCJ Architecture on the project. The official groundbreaking for the expansion project will be held later in the fall.
About Choctaw Casino & Resort-Pocola
Choctaw Casino & Resort in Pocola, Okla. is a one-stop entertainment destination that offers distinguished amenities, premier dining and gaming throughout the Fort Smith metro area. The property features a spacious casino floor, oversized rooms, a lounge, more than 7,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a variety of on-site restaurants. For more information, visit http://www.choctawcasinos.com/choctaw-pocola/.
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