Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the retail, gaming, entertainment and hospitality segment of Cherokee Nation. CNE is a federally chartered tribal corporation managed by a board of directors who are appointed by the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation and approved by the Tribal Council's 17 members. CNE gives 30 percent of its net profits to the Cherokee Nation in the form of a dividend. The money is used to help fund tribal health, education, community services and housing programs. CNE operates casinos in Fort Gibson, Roland, Sallisaw, Tahlequah, Tulsa and West Siloam Springs, as well as two Cherokee Outpost convenience stores, seven Cherokee retail tobacco shops, two gift shops and two golf courses. The company also owns and operates Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, a 236-acre horse racetrack (racino) just east of Claremore. CNE employs 3,554 people throughout northeastern Oklahoma.
CNE Payroll
2008 - $131.7 million