Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation spokesperson, said the demolition of the buildings on the land should be completed in the near future and construction on the casino should start soon after.
The 25,000-square-foot casino will employ 120 people and will be open 24 hours a day, David Stewart, Cherokee Nation Enterprises Inc. (CNE) chief executive officer, said at a Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce meeting in June.
CNE operates gaming enterprises within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation, which includes Sequoyah County.
Stewart said the Sallisaw Cherokee Casino will have a stucco-type exterior and a Native American interior theme.
While the facility will not offer bingo, it will have 400 electronic games, live entertainment, and a restaurant. He also said beer will be served in limited areas.
The site for the new casino is on the northwest corner of the intersection of Ruth Street and U.S. Highway 59. The Cherokee Nation already owned the trust land that the casino will be on, which has two service buildings. CNE purchased adjoining land, including the Southern Hearth Inn, which they will use for parking.
