Six dignitaries with the Muscogee Nation led a groundbreaking ceremony for the tribe’s latest development in the gaming industry on Thursday, June 13.

The Nation has 10 other gaming operations, including the flagship River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa and a 240-slot machine facility in Eufaula.

This latest project, called Lake Eufaula Casino and Hotel, is the tribe’s second facility to have a hotel.

The tribal officials spoke of what the Lake Eufaula Casino and Hotel will mean to the Eufaula community, to the area and to the Muscogee Nation in general and to its individual members.

Even before the ceremonial groundbreaking, construction crews were already doing the dirt work for the foundation of the 78,000-squarefoot project, which will include a 20,500-squarefoot casino with 500 state-of-the-art electronic slot machines.

There also will be a three-story, 46-room hotel with three suites, fitness center as well as other amenities.

A 90-seat restaurant, Lakeside Bar and Grill, will include a 25-seat private dining room.

A paved parking lot will have spaces for 645 vehicles.

Construction is expected to be completed in November 2025.

The hotel/casino will be located on 10 acres of land at 1045 Birkes Road, which parallels U.S. Highway 69.

City Manager Jeb Jones said the tribe will improve much of the road, which stretches from State Highway 9 on the south at the I Smell Bacon restaurant to old Highway 69 at Love’s Travel Stop on the north.

The current Eufaula Casino, which opened in 2004, is located at 806 Forest Avenue. It has 240 electronic slot machines and 60 full-time employees.

When the old casino closes those employees will be transferred to the new casino, where an additional 50 employees will be hired for a total of 110.”

“The project is more than just a new business venture,” said Principal Chief David Hill, who is serving his second term in office. “It is a testament to our commitment to growing our economic development capacity, expanding cultural tourism, creating jobs and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.

“The new Lake Eufaula Casino and Hotel will attract visitors, showcase the beauty of our historic land and the outstanding hospitality of our team.

“As this project begins to rise on our land, I believe it reflects the vision of our forefathers to see our people grow and prosper here.”

Speeches were made beneath a tent to protect the speakers and the guests from the blazing sun, which produced temperatures close to 100 degrees.

More than 150 people attended the momentous event.

Hill noted that Eufaula is a special place for the tribe.

“…with deep roots in the Muscogee culture,” he said. “It will enhance the getaway experience for those who visit the Lake Eufaula area.

“Today we emphasize and reaffirm our commitment to expand economic opportunities all across our reservation.

“We are growing and seeing the benefits of that growth. The quality of life is increasing in this area.”

Second Chief Del Beaver, who is associate pastor of the Native Stone Baptist Church in Sapulpa, was with the tribe’s environmental agency almost 20 years ago. His environmental impact study helped the tribe purchase the land on which the casino is being built.

“Today is about progress and prosperity,” he said. “What you see today is the result of hard work by people who came before us.

“Everyone makes this a success.

“Our vision hasn’t changed. It is always to provide good paying jobs for our citizens and to make money. That’s it. It’s a simple vision, but takes a lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice to get to where we need to be.”

Randall Hicks, Speaker of the House, emphasized that the tribe is “not only breaking ground on a new facility, but also on new opportunities for people of the Muscogee Nation.

“This will create jobs and stimulate the economy. It will create a first-class entertainment destination and draw visitors to the region.”

Pat Crofts, chief operating officer of Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, called the project, “A testament to our dedication and long-term vision.

“This has been on our strategic plan for many years.”

The site where the casino will sit came up for sale in 2016, about the time the tribe was looking for a place to build a casino.

Plans for the casino were delayed by a flood in 2019 and the COVID pandemic in 2020.

“Both set us back a little bit and taxed our resources,” he said.

Derek Fife, who will be the general manager of the Lake Eufaula Casino and Hotel, re-iterated that the project is about more than just a casino.

“It’s about creating jobs and stimulating the local economy,” he said. “We believe this development will be a cornerstone of the community in attracting visitors and fostering pride among our residents.”

Crofts told the crowd that this was a great day and that he looks forward to returning in November 2025 for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new resort.