Years of Fighting for New Arkansas Casino Finally Comes to an End

Article by : Erik Gibbs Jul 1, 2024

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On June 27, the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) concluded a prolonged legal battle by awarding the Pope County casino license to Cherokee Nation Entertainment. This decision marked the end of a contentious dispute in which Gulfside Casino Partnership initially held the license before losing it due to a legal conflict with Cherokee Nation Entertainment.

The turning point came in October 2021 when the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that Gulfside’s application was invalid because it lacked a required official letter from an elected official at the time of submission, whereas the Cherokee Nation had the proper documentation.

The legal wrangling continued into early 2023. On January 11, the Arkansas Supreme Court opted not to rehear a lower court ruling that had blocked Cherokee Nation from receiving the casino license. This decision redirected the licensing process back to the ARC, ultimately leading to the recent resolution in favor of Cherokee Nation Entertainment.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment has ambitious plans for the Pope County site. The proposed development includes a 50,000-square-foot casino featuring 1,200 slot machines, 32 table games, a poker room, and a sportsbook.

Additionally, a 200-room hotel will be constructed, boasting a resort pool and luxury spa. Dining options will be diverse, with both quick-service and sit-down steakhouse offerings. An event space designed for meetings, conferences, concerts, and special events is also part of the blueprint.

The development will be located on a 325-acre site northeast of Russellville, strategically positioned near Interstate 40 between the Weir Road exit and Bradley Cove Road exit. While Cherokee Nation Entertainment is poised to seek the necessary construction permits immediately, no specific start date for construction has been set.

However, the build is expected to take approximately 18 months once it commences.

Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Entertainment, expressed honor and readiness to commence the project, emphasizing the significance of holding the state’s fourth and final casino license. He highlighted the extensive groundwork laid over the past five years, indicating the company’s preparedness to move forward.

Gulfside Casino Partnership, the initial license holder, had proposed a substantial economic contribution and development plan for Pope County. Their proposal included a $65 million payment to the county and an annual $2 million commitment for economic development.

Gulfside’s 20-acre project was projected to create 1,695 direct jobs, a $60.5 million annual payroll, and generate $29.5 million in annual tax revenue.

The establishment of the Pope County casino license traces back to Amendment 100, approved by Arkansas voters in 2018. This amendment, known as the Arkansas Casino Gaming Amendment, mandated the Racing Commission to issue casino licenses in Oaklawn (Hot Springs), Southland (West Memphis), Pope County, and Jefferson County.

Currently, there are operational casinos in three counties: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis, and Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff.