Arkansas To Begin Accepting Applications for New Casino

Article by : Erik Gibbs May 9, 2024

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The Arkansas Racing Commission has once again stirred attention by initiating a fresh 30-day application window for the state’s final casino license, targeting Pope County.

This decision, made amidst a backdrop of previous legal challenges and community contention, reflects the ongoing saga surrounding the issuance of casino permits in this jurisdiction.

To ensure transparency and accessibility, the commission mandated that applicants submit both digital and paper versions of their applications by June 11. This move aims to streamline the process and encourage wider participation.

To further publicize the opportunity, a statewide notice will be published in Sunday’s newspaper, commencing on May 13.

Central to the commission’s protocol is the formal conclusion of the application period, slated for a meeting on June 12. This commitment to due process underscores the commission’s diligence in managing the licensing procedure.

This latest endeavor by the commission marks its third attempt in five years to issue a permit in Pope County, a region where voters have previously endorsed the operation of four casinos across the state.

However, past efforts have been plagued by legal hurdles, with court rulings nullifying licenses granted to Gulfside Casino Partnership and Cherokee Nation Business/Legends Resort & Casino.

Casey Castleberry, legal representative for Gulfside Casino Partnership, expressed gratitude for the clarity surrounding the application period and outlined proactive steps to engage with local authorities before the deadline.

Similarly, Cherokee Nation Businesses CEO Chuck Garrett praised the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in streamlining the process and voiced confidence in their status as the sole qualified applicant.

The genesis of this process can be traced back to 2018 when voters ratified Amendment 100 to the Arkansas Constitution, paving the way for the operation of four casinos within the state.

While the first two venues were swiftly established in West Memphis and Hot Springs, the journey towards licensing in Pope County has been marked by resistance and competition among casino operators.

Reflecting the diversity of opinion within the community, Local Voters in Charge, a ballot question committee, has emerged, advocating for a ballot initiative to revoke the authorization for a casino in Pope County.

Conversely, Investing in Arkansas, a newly formed committee, champions the economic development benefits associated with the casino and seeks to safeguard Amendment 100.

With Attorney General Tim Griffin’s endorsement of ballot initiatives, both sides are gearing up for a potentially decisive vote on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

Jennifer McGill, a community relations specialist at Cherokee Nation Businesses, serves as the committee’s chairperson. Natalie Ghidotti, the president and CEO of Ghidotti Communications, assumes the role of vice chair, while Cale Turner from Bi-Partisan Strategies fulfills the duties of treasurer.