SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER
Leaders from the Muscogee Nation and the Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises (MNGE) held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on Monday, Dec. 15, to open the doors on a $69.8 million capital investment, the new Lake Eufaula Casino Hotel.
The 78,000 square-foot development features a 20,500 square-foot casino with 500 new, state-of-the-art gaming machines and a Player’s Club. Additionally, the development will further benefit regional tourism with a modern, three-story, 46-room hotel with three premier suites, concierge services, a fitness center and a paved parking lot to accommodate 645 autos.
“Today marks an important milestone for our Nation as we open a destination that reflects both our heritage and our vision for the future,” Principal Chief David Hill said. “The Lake Eufaula Casino Hotel strengthens our economic foundation, expands tourism and supports continued growth of this vibrant region, and as guests tour the property for the first time, this opening reflects our long-term commitment to expanding world-class entertainment options across our Nation’s reservation.”
The Lake Eufaula Casino Hotel includes a new, full-service, 90seat restaurant and a 25-seat private dining room. The expansive restaurant and bar will serve guests, lake visitors and local citizens year-round. Additional hospitality and service options include Mazzio’s Go, a grab-and-go food counter for guests.
“Our people have always been known for their hospitality, and this property gives us another opportunity to share that spirit with guests from near and far,” Second Chief Del Beaver said. “The Lake Eufaula Casino Hotel reflects both innovation and tradition — creating a space that celebrates who we are while supporting a strong future for this community and seeing the first guests interact with the space brings to life our commitment to cultural representation and design excellence.”
The property boasts two entrances, one directly into the casino and a separate entrance into the hotel lobby. The design includes a spacious walk-through connecting the hotel lobby to the casino and restaurant.
The Lake Eufaula Casino Hotel lobby features commissioned artwork by Muscogee Nation artist Bobby Martin, created to welcome guests and celebrate the rich history of the region. Martin’s work has been exhibited and collected internationally, with his pieces featured in prominent solo and group exhibitions across the United States and abroad.
This large-scale installation spans eight panels, measuring six feet by twenty-two feet in total. Designed as a visual “jigsaw,” the piece incorporates a 1933 USDA soil map of Mc-Intosh County layered with archival imagery, historical references, and patterns inspired by Muscogee design traditions. The work combines painted and wood-carved elements to create a powerful fusion of geography, heritage, and contemporary Native artistry.
MNGE CEO Pat Crofts noted that early feedback during local construction tours highlights the property’s appeal as both a local gathering place and a regional destination.
“This addition reflects our ongoing commitment to making Lake Eufaula a complete destination for entertainment, dining and recreation. As the area continues to thrive, we are creating new opportunities for residents to enjoy world-class amenities close to home, while welcoming visitors who come to experience the beauty and excitement of Lake Eufaula,” Crofts said. “This venue is designed to bring people together — locals and travelers alike — to enjoy the best of what this remarkable community has to offer.”
The new facility replaces the former Lake Eufaula Casino, allowing MNGE to expand both its footprint and its workforce in the region. All 60 full-time employees from the previous property have transitioned to the new casino, ensuring continuity of service and preserving local jobs. In addition, the expanded operation has created more than 100 new fulltime positions, bringing the total workforce to 164 employees who live and work in the Lake Eufaula area and contribute directly to the region’s economic vitality.
“This project is not just about building a casino and hotel; it’s about creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. We are dedicated to hiring and training local residents and citizens of the Nation, providing them with valuable skills and opportunities for career advancement,” Langston said. “We believe this development will become a cornerstone of the community, attracting visitors and fostering a sense of pride among residents.”
Partners in the construction project include Connect Advisors, JCJ Architecture and Crossland Construction.
