Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola Announces $140 Million Expansion
➤New 7-Story Hotel Tower - 130 Rooms, Resort-Style Pool, Spa
➤Casino Upgrades
Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola is launching a major $140 million expansion that will transform the property into one of the most competitive tribal casino resorts in Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas. The project includes a new 7-story hotel tower, 130 additional guest rooms, a resort-style pool, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center, refreshed casino floor, upgraded poker room, and a full renovation of the existing 118-room hotel.
This future-casino expansion strengthens Pocola's role as a leading Northwest Arkansas casino resort and entertainment destination for the River Valley and LeFlore County.
Past, Present & Future of Choctaw Casino & Resort - Pocola
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
$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 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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