Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma, near the future site of the Muscogee Nation's $70 million casino and hotel project. (Image: Wirestock, Inc. / Alamy)

In the American state of Oklahoma, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has begun work on its $70 million Lake Eufaula Casino & Hotel in hopes of being able to open the new 46-room development by the end of next year. 

The federally-recognized tribe told local television broadcaster KJRH-TV the coming three-story venue is set to replace its existing Lake Eufaula Casino and will feature a 20,500 sq ft casino hosting a selection of some 500 slots alongside a full-service restaurant capable of accommodating as many as 90 diners.

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Prominent Proprietor

With approximately 85,000 members, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is already responsible for nine casinos spread across eastern Oklahoma including the giant River Spirit Casino Resort in the city of Tulsa. 

The 483-room development is joined by much smaller gambling-friendly enterprises in the communities of Bristow, Checotah, Eufaula, Holdenville, Okemah, Beggs and Muskogee as well as Okmulgee’s 18,500 sq ft One Fire Casino. 

The tribe, which was forcibly relocated to Oklahoma in the 1830s, recently spent some $17.5 million via its Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises vehicle to transform the buffet bar within its River Spirit Casino Resort into the state’s largest sports viewing lounge. 

This 14,000 sq ft space could eventually become the first sportsbook in ‘The Sooner State’ should local lawmakers pass proposed enabling legislation.

Superb Setting

The Principal Chief for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, David Hill, told KJRH-TV the 78,000 sq ft Lake Eufaula Casino & Hotel is taking shape next door to the tribe’s existing Lake Eufaula Casino with an envisioned opening date sometime in November of 2025. 

Hill additionally explained the future facility will be in an excellent position alongside US Route 69 and within a three-hour drive of major urban conurbations such as Oklahoma City, Dallas and Little Rock. 

“This right here is a prime location with easy access off the highway,” Hill said. "It's going to attract a lot of people.”

Positive Projection 

The Chief Executive Officer for Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, Pat Crofts, told television broadcaster KTUL-TV the coming Eufaula Casino & Hotel is to furthermore feature a 600-space paved parking lot, a 25-seat private dining room, a grab-and-go food counter and a fitness center in addition to a lakeside bar and grill. 

He also forecast the enterprise could eventually hire about 50 new members of staff to take its employee count in the small community of Eufaula to beyond 110 people. 

“We’ve been working on a casino at Eufaula for many years and we’ve had some delays,” Crofts said. 

“This is something we’ve been working on for many years and it’s just really heartening that we’re finally at the point where we’re breaking ground and starting on the project.”