New Okla. Casino To Also Benefit Arkansas Town

Now the city is betting a $108 million expansion of a Cherokee Casino and hotel in the neighboring Oklahoma town will bring in revenues on top of fees already charged for Siloam Springs water, sewer, and fire protection.

The casino is one of seven in Oklahoma operated by Cherokee Nation Enterprises. It opened its doors this week.

Wayne Mays, president of the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce, says the casino will have a huge impact on Siloam Springs. He says the increased casino traffic coming through the community will stop at restaurants, gas stations, and stores, pumping dollars into the local economy.

Elaine Carr, mayor of West Siloam Springs, says the new 200,000-square-foot Cherokee Casino has the potential to turn her town into a Branson, the popular entertainment strip in Missouri.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)