Arkansas regulator approves licensing for Cherokee Nation Entertainment to build casino
The Tribe has tried for several years to bring its casino to Pope County.
The Arkansas Racing Commission has awarded a license to Cherokee Nation Entertainment that will allow the company to build a casino, according to a recent Associated Press report.
The commission’s panel approved the license award by a unanimous vote.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment has been working for the last several years to build a casino in Pope County but up until now has been met with resistance.
The Tribe has experienced a series of legal setbacks in recent months.
Last fall, the Arkansas Supreme Court denied the Cherokee Nation’s casino bid for its Legends Resort and Casino. The court ruled against the Tribe in a 5 to 2 decision.
The Cherokee Nation’s bid involved building a $225m casino on its property in Russellville, Arkansas, which the Nation purchased for $35m.
In addition to denying the Tribe a casino license, The Arkansas Supreme Court recently upheld a decision in the lower court that said allowing the commission to award a Pope County casino license to Legends Resort and Casino and Cherokee Nation Businesses “is in violation of the Arkansas Constitution’s Amendment 100.”
Now that the Tribe has the green light, plans to construct its 50,000-square-foot casino northeast of Russellville can move forward. The company said it also plans to build an outdoor music venue, a conference center and 200-room hotel.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment CEO Chuck Garrett said in a statement that the company is ready to move ahead with the project.
He commented, “With the license in hand, we are prepared to finalize the remaining permitting and administrative processes so we can commence construction.”
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