Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola
Located in Pocola, Oklahoma, just minutes from Fort Smith, Arkansas, Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola is one of eastern Oklahoma's premier gaming and entertainment destinations. Operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the property features a casino, hotel accommodations, multiple dining venues, live entertainment, and player rewards programs that serve guests from across Oklahoma and the Arkansas River Valley.
Last Major Update: November 2026 - Added coverage of the $140 million expansion project, new hotel tower, resort-style amenities, and anticipated economic impact.
Major Resort Expansion Underway
Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola is undergoing a transformative $140 million expansion and renovation project. The investment represents one of the largest development projects in the property's history and will significantly expand the resort's hospitality offerings.
The project includes a new seven-story hotel tower with 130 additional guest rooms and suites, a resort-style pool with private cabanas, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and a new coffee and tea bar. Extensive renovations are also planned throughout the existing hotel, casino, restaurants, bars, and public spaces.
According to details announced during the groundbreaking ceremony, the completed development is expected to create more than 150 new jobs and generate an estimated $20 million economic impact for the region.
"As the largest employer in LeFlore County and the second largest resort in the Choctaw Casinos & Resorts 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."
- Chief Gary Batton, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Project Status: Groundbreaking Nov. 5, 2026
Investment: $140 Million
Major Additions: 130-room hotel tower, resort-style pool, spa, fitness center, upgraded casino amenities, and refreshed dining venues.
► Read our latest news coverage of the Choctaw Pocola expansion
► Read the detailed plans of the hoctaw Pocola expansion project
Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola
Overview
What began as a bingo hall in 1994 has evolved into one of Oklahoma's leading tribal gaming destinations. Today, Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola attracts visitors from throughout eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas with extensive gaming options, hotel accommodations, dining venues, promotions, and special events.
Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola
Past, Present & Future
The Past: A Regional Gaming Landmark
Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola has served the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas region for decades, growing from a modest gaming facility into one of the largest entertainment destinations operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Over the years, the property has expanded its gaming floor, added hotel accommodations, introduced new dining venues and established itself as a reliable employer and tourism driver for LeFlore County.
The Present: A Full-Service Casino Resort
Today, Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola offers a complete mix of gaming, dining, hotel and entertainment amenities that attract guests from Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and the broader Northwest Arkansas metro. The property features a 118-room hotel, a vibrant casino floor, multiple dining options, live entertainment and a strong reputation for guest service.
The Future: A $140 Million Transformation
With the launch of a $140 million expansion, the resort is entering a new era of growth. The project includes a new 7-story hotel tower, 130 additional rooms, a resort-style pool, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center, refreshed casino floor and upgraded dining and entertainment venues. These additions will elevate Pocola into a premier destination casino resort for Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola
Current Casino Features
Gaming at Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola
Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola offers one of the largest gaming experiences in eastern Oklahoma, featuring approximately 1,700 slot machines, electronic gaming options, live table games, a dedicated poker room, and off-track betting. The casino floor accommodates both casual players and experienced gamers while providing access to promotions, tournaments, and the Choctaw Rewards Club.
Popular gaming options include traditional reel slots, modern video slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. The property's location near the Arkansas border makes it a convenient destination for visitors traveling from Fort Smith and surrounding communities.
Gaming Highlights
- 1,700+ Slot Machines - Hundreds of popular and classic titles
- Table Games - Blackjack, craps, roulette and more
- Poker Room - Live games and tournaments. Opens 10am Monday-Saturday and Noon Sunday
- Off-Track Betting - Simulcast racing and wagering. Hours: Monday - Tuesday Closed | Wednesday - Sunday open 11:00am - 9pm
- Choctaw Rewards Club
- Promotions and special gaming events
Hotel Accommodations
The resort features on-site hotel accommodations.
- 118-room hotel with modern amenities
- King and double-queen room options
- Convenient access to the casino floor
Dining
- Seven Ponies with regional favorites
- Trophy's Bar & Grill featuring cocktails and entertainment
- Square Pie Pizza Co.
- Coffee Cafe
- Oak Tree Lounge
Entertainment
- Centerstage and weekend performances
- Special events and promotions throughout the year
Guest Services
- Reward Club - rewards and promotions
- 24/7 guest services and security
- Free parking and easy access from Fort Smith
NOTE: These features remain fully available during the expansion.
Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola
$140-Million Expansion Project
Project Overview
The $140 million Choctaw Pocola expansion will reshape the property into a full-scale destination resort serving Northwest Arkansas, the River Valley, and LeFlore County.
Key elements of the expansion include:
- New 7-story hotel tower
- 130 new guest rooms and premium suites
- Resort-style pool with cabanas and bar
- Full-service spa
- 24-hour fitness center
- New coffee & tea bar
- Complete refresh of the existing 118-room hotel
- Casino floor upgrades (lighting, carpet, restrooms)
- Relocated poker room and off-track betting (OTB)
- Restaurant and bar rebranding
Expansion Features
New 7-Story Hotel Tower
The centerpiece of the expansion is a new 7-story hotel tower adding approximately 130 guest rooms, including premium suites designed for high-value leisure and casino guests. Once complete, the project will effectively double the resort's hotel capacity, enabling larger events, tournaments and weekend tourism.
The tower will feature contemporary design, upgraded in-room technology and modern finishes aligned with the Choctaw Casinos & Resorts brand, reinforcing Pocola's status as a destination casino resort.
Resort-Style Amenities
The expansion introduces a full suite of resort-style amenities that move Pocola beyond a gaming-only property:
- Resort-style pool with cabanas and bar: An outdoor pool area featuring private cabanas, lounge seating and a dedicated bar, creating a social hub for guests during warm-weather months.
- Full-service spa: A new spa offering massage, skincare and relaxation services, giving visitors a wellness-focused complement to the casino experience.
- 24-hour fitness center: A modern fitness facility equipped with cardio and strength-training equipment, available around the clock for hotel guests.
- Coffee and tea bar: A new concept featuring specialty coffee drinks, teas and grab-and-go items for early-morning guests and late-night players.
These amenities broaden the appeal of Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola, making it more competitive with other Oklahoma casino resorts and attractive to couples, groups and leisure travelers seeking a full-service destination.
Casino Floor Upgrades
The casino floor will receive a comprehensive refresh, including:
- New carpet and lighting throughout the gaming floor
- Upgraded registration area for smoother check-in
- Renovated restrooms with modern finishes
- Relocated poker room in a redesigned space
- Relocated off-track betting (OTB) area with improved visibility
These upgrades are designed to improve guest flow, comfort and overall experience, keeping Pocola competitive in the tribal gaming market.
Dining & Bar Enhancements
Restaurant and bar venues across the resort will be rebranded and refreshed, with:
- New branding and concepts
- Updated interiors and decor
- Elevated menus featuring regional and contemporary cuisine
- Craft cocktails and expanded beverage programs
The goal is to align Pocola's food and beverage offerings with current dining trends and guest expectations in the tribal casino resort market.
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Jobs & Economic Impact
Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola is already recognized as LeFlore County's largest employer. The expansion will:
- Create hundreds of construction jobs during the build-out phase
- Add new permanent hospitality and operations positions
- Increase tourism from Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and the Northwest Arkansas metro
- Strengthen the regional economy through expanded tribal gaming and hospitality
Leadership has emphasized that the project is both a hospitality upgrade and a significant investment in jobs and community impact.
Construction Timeline
The Choctaw Pocola expansion will be built in phases to minimize disruption to current operations:
- Fall 2026: Official groundbreaking
- 2026-2027: Phased construction of hotel tower and resort amenities
- Casino upgrades: Rolled out gradually as areas are completed
- Dining rebrands: Final phase of the project
During construction, Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola plans to maintain regular gaming, dining and entertainment offerings while introducing refreshed spaces and new amenities as they come online.
Project Partners
The expansion is being developed in partnership with:
- Tutor Perini Construction - Lead construction partner
- JCJ Architecture - Design and architecture partner
Both firms bring extensive experience in large-scale resort and gaming projects, supporting the Choctaw Nation's vision for a modern, competitive tribal casino resort.
Location
Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola
3400 Choctaw Road
Pocola, Oklahoma
(800) 590-5825
(800) 590-LUCK
The resort is located just minutes from Fort Smith, Arkansas, near the I-540 / I-40 corridor, and within easy driving distance of the Northwest Arkansas metro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the casino staying open during construction?
Yes. All gaming, dining and entertainment operations will remain open during the phased construction process.
Will parking or entrances change?
Temporary adjustments to parking and entrances may occur during certain phases of construction, but the resort will provide clear signage and updates to guests.
When will the new hotel tower open?
The new 7-story hotel tower is expected to open after the main construction phase following the Fall 2026 groundbreaking, with specific dates to be announced as the project progresses.
What Happens Next
The Choctaw Nation will release additional updates as construction moves forward, including:
- Hotel tower renderings and interior previews
- Pool and spa concept art
- Dining and bar rebrand announcements
- Construction milestone updates and opening timelines
Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola
Latest News
Choctaw Nation Breaks Ground on $140M Expansion at Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola November 5, 2026 - The Choctaw Nation broke ground on a $140 million expansion of Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola, adding a new hotel tower, resort-style pool, spa, and ... Read more 
Tutor Perini Building Corp. Selected for $140 Million Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola Expansion July 26, 2026 - The project will add a new seven-story hotel tower that will add approximately 130 guest rooms, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center ... Read more Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola Unveils $140 Million Expansion With New 7-Story Hotel Tower June 26, 2026 - Pocola is adding a new 7-story hotel tower, 130 additional rooms, a resort-style pool, full-service spa, dining ... Read more 
Choctaw Nation casino resorts join Wyndham Hotels & Resorts January 31, 2026 - The Choctaw Nation has signed a deal with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to add four Choctaw Casino & Resorts with nearly 2,000 rooms to the Wyndham ... Read more
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