Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2005 CNO
CATOOSA, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Casino ushered in a new era of entertainment for Oklahoma when the first hands of blackjack and Texas Hold 'Em were dealt today."There are two reasons to celebrate today," said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises, which operates Cherokee Casinos. "First, this day is a symbol of all the hard work put in by educators, state legislators, tribal citizens and horsemen to do something good for Oklahoma and our schools. Second, Oklahomans now have an opportunity to play more of the games they love, right here at home at Cherokee Casino."
Cherokee Casino has been training dealers for weeks and was the first facility in the Tulsa area to begin playing cards under the new compact between the state and tribes. The compacts were signed after nearly 60% of Oklahoma voters approved State Question 712, allowing revenue sharing between tribes and the state as well as the installation of gaming machines at three horse tracks in the state. Revenues from State Question 712 are earmarked for education.
Cherokee Casino offers blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em, Pai Gow and other non-house banked card games.
The Cherokee Casino at I-44 and 193rd E. Avenue will feature 24 blackjack tables and 35 poker tables, and promises to be the largest card facility in the state.
"Cherokee Casinos will be Oklahoma’s industry leader in table games and poker," said Steven Loyd, vice president of gaming for CNE. "We will offer our customers the most options and the best entertainment experience."
Soon after the first cards are played in Tulsa, other Cherokee Casinos will follow suit. Cherokee Casino in Roland will have 12 tables each for poker and blackjack. The Cherokee Casino in West Siloam Springs is putting in 11 poker tables and 12 blackjack tables and hiring nearly 70 new employees to staff the card games. Loyd says CNE is looking to hire up to 400 additional employees to handle the table and poker games at all Cherokee Casinos.
CNE operates casinos in Catoosa, West Siloam Springs, Roland, Fort Gibson and Tahlequah as well as two Cherokee Outpost convenience stores, seven Cherokee retail tobacco shops, two gift shops and two golf courses. The company employs more than 1,950 people throughout northeastern Oklahoma.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |