Cherokee Nation Entertainment
- Founded
- 1990-01-01 in Roland, Oklahoma, USA
- Headquarters
- Catoosa, Oklahoma, USA
Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE) is the hospitality, gaming, and retail arm of Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB), a wholly owned holding company of the Cherokee Nation. Employing more than 4,000 people, CNE operates 11 properties across Oklahoma and Mississippi, including the flagship Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, nine Cherokee Casinos, and the forthcoming Legends Resort and Casino in Russellville, Arkansas. The company's roots trace to November 1990, when the Cherokee Nation opened its first gaming venture—a bingo hall in Roland, Oklahoma—underpinned by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. Steady expansion through the 1990s and 2000s built CNE into one of the largest tribal gaming enterprises in the United States. Today, beyond casinos, CNE owns hotels, restaurants (including the award‑winning steakhouses Flint Creek and White Wolf), entertainment venues (Hard Rock Live, Track 5), a horse‑racing track, golf courses, retail shops, and fuel‑convenience stores. In 2025, the company launched Status Plus Rewards, a revamped loyalty program with a mobile app and a premium Reserve tier. CNE's growth strategy includes commercial gaming outside the reservation and a major new resort in Arkansas, with a projected $3.15 billion economic impact over ten years. All profits support the Cherokee Nation's mission of job creation, language preservation, and cultural perpetuation.
Detailed Review
History & Founding
Cherokee Nation Entertainment began with a single bingo hall in Roland, Oklahoma, opened in November 1990 under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This initial venture, Cherokee Bingo Outpost, proved successful and spurred a series of casino openings through the 1990s and 2000s. In 2004, the Cherokee Nation established Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) as a holding company, and CNE was formally transferred into CNB’s portfolio in 2006. From a local bingo hall, the enterprise evolved into a multi‑state hospitality and gaming powerhouse, now operating 11 properties across three states.
Operations & Properties
CNE’s portfolio is diverse and includes major destinations. The flagship Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Catoosa, Oklahoma, spans 1.4 million square feet with over 2,000 slot and table games, 450 hotel rooms, multiple dining venues including the acclaimed Carvers on 19, Hard Rock Live concert venue, and the Cherokee Hills Golf Club. In Tunica, Mississippi, Gold Strike Casino Resort represents CNE’s first commercial‑gaming venture outside the Cherokee Nation, offering upscale hotel amenities and extensive gaming. Nine additional Cherokee Casinos are scattered across northeast Oklahoma, including two resort‑style properties and a horse‑racing track, featuring award‑winning steakhouses Flint Creek and White Wolf. The upcoming Legends Resort and Casino in Russellville, Arkansas, is a major development projected to draw 1.1 million annual guests, include a sportsbook, luxury amenities, and an outdoor music venue, with an estimated $3.15 billion economic impact over ten years.
Technology & Loyalty
In summer 2025, CNE launched Status Plus Rewards, a modernized loyalty program replacing One Star Rewards. The program includes a mobile app for real‑time point tracking, tier progress, and personalized offers, as well as a premium Reserve tier focused on elevated service. CNE also leverages analytics tools from Cendyn (Guestrev and Revintel) to drive revenue growth and has deployed Irisity’s video search technology to enhance security operations.
Financial & Economic Impact
CNE is a major contributor to the Cherokee Nation’s budget. The tribe’s proposed FY2026 comprehensive budget totals $3.65 billion, with gaming revenues forming a significant portion. CNE’s operations fund tribal government programs, language preservation, education, and infrastructure. The company’s 30‑year track record has generated thousands of jobs and billions in economic output across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
Community & Mission
CNE’s founding purpose—to create jobs and generate revenue for the Cherokee Nation—remains central. A portion of profits is reinvested into tribal government (currently 30% under the Dividend Act of 2005), supporting health care, education, language programs, and cultural initiatives. The company also partners with local school districts, distributing $7.26 million to 107 Oklahoma school districts in FY2026 alone.
Key Products
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa
Flagship resort casino with over 2,000 slot and table games, 450 hotel rooms, Hard Rock Live venue, golf course, and multiple restaurants.
Gold Strike Casino Resort
Commercial‑gaming resort in Tunica, Mississippi, offering upscale hotel amenities and extensive gaming.
Cherokee Casinos
Nine properties in northeast Oklahoma, including two resorts, a horse‑racing track, and award‑winning steakhouses Flint Creek and White Wolf.
Legends Resort and Casino
Upcoming resort in Russellville, Arkansas, with sportsbook, outdoor venue, projected 1.1 million annual guests.
Cherokee Hills Golf Club
18‑hole championship golf course at the Hard Rock Tulsa property.
Hard Rock Live
Entertainment venue hosting concerts and events.
Track 5
Music‑themed venue celebrating Oklahoma’s musical heritage.
Status Plus Rewards
Modernized loyalty program launched in summer 2025 with mobile app, accelerated points, and Reserve tier.
Cherokee Bingo Outpost
The company’s original bingo hall in Roland, Oklahoma (historical).
Offices & Headcount
4000 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
Bill John BakerExecutive Chairman, Cherokee Nation Businesses
Mark FultonPresident, Cherokee Nation Entertainment
Chuck GarrettChief Executive Officer, Cherokee Nation Businesses
- Doug Evans
Chief Financial Officer, Cherokee Nation Businesses
Notable past members
- Bill John Baker — Tribal Councilor
- Barry Diller — Chairman
- Bill John Baker — Principal Chief
Recent News
AGA Reveals Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Honoring Four Industry Visionaries
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced the four distinguished inductees for its 2026 Gaming Hall of Fame class: Holly Gagnon, Bill G. Lance Jr., Scott Olive, and Timothy J. "Tim" Wilmott. These industry leaders are being recognized for their significant and diverse contributions across commercial, tribal, and supplier segments of the legal gaming industry, with a formal induction ceremony set for this fall at G2E in Las Vegas.
2026-07-08