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"Cherokee Tribal Council members Bill John Baker and Audra Smoke-Connor join Cherokee Nation Enterprises CEO David Stewart, Principal Chief Chad Smith and Deputy Chief Joe Grayson at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Cherokee Casino in Tahlequah, Oklahoma." TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The newly constructed Cherokee Casino Tahlequah is open for business. The spacious 20,000 square foot casino employs 180 people and boasts 405 electronic games, three poker tables, six table games and the delicious River City Café, which serves all-American cuisine with a local flair. The dazzling new $7.5 million casino took just over one year to complete. Like all Cherokee Casinos, it is adorned with traditional Cherokee symbols, colors and its own unique Cherokee artwork. “Cherokee Casino Tahlequah is proof-positive of Cherokee Nation’s commitment to creating jobs while boosting the local economy,” said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises, which operates Cherokee Casinos. “It is an exciting time for the Cherokee Nation and for the local community.” Besides being a top-notch entertainment facility, Cherokee Casino Tahlequah has a positive impact on the community in many ways. The new facility employs twice the workers as the previous operation. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package as well as 401k matching. The modular buildings that formerly housed Cherokee Casino Tahlequah will be put to good use as well. They will be refurbished and moved to a new location to serve as the new home for the Cherokee Language Emersion School for young Cherokee children. Public education is a winner as well. More than half of the electronic games are compact games. Revenue from such games is allocated to the state of Oklahoma, directly benefiting public schools. Adults are invited to experience the entertainment first-hand at Cherokee Casino Tahlequah, located four miles south of Tahlequah on State Highway 62. For more details call 800-760-6700 or visit the Cherokee Casino online.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

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 Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

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 Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org