Arkansas County Circuit Judge Tim Fox struck down a license issued to the Cherokee Nation to build a casino in the Natural State. The Tribe planned to build a casino in Pope County, one of four states where casinos have been given construction approval – via a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2018.
However, Fox ruled that the state Racing Commission did not have the authority to issue a license jointly to Legends and Cherokee Nation Businesses. He also ruled that Legends, a hotel resort chain, was not eligible for a license as it does not have prior casino experience.
Cherokee Nation Businesses and Legends Resort and Casino filed notice on Friday afternoon saying they planned to appeal the ruling. An attorney representing the two parties also stated they intended to expedite the case.
The Tribal company has purchased over 180 acres of land for the casino, but construction had not yet begun. Its CEO Chuck Garrett commented: “While the circuit court’s ruling is disappointing, in the interest of forward progress, we are pleased to have a decision.
“We remain confident in our legal position and will move quickly to have our appeal heard by the Arkansas Supreme Court.”
A competing applicant to build at the site, Gulfside Casino Partnership also filed a lawsuit challenging the license. An attorney for Gulfside commented: “Gulfside remains committed to building a first-class entertainment destination in Pope County and bringing good-paying jobs and economic development to Arkansas.
“This ruling that Legends was not qualified is a step in that direction.”
Gulfside had been issued a license for the casino in 2020, but that license was voided after the state Supreme Court said it needed to have the endorsement of Pope County’s elected officials.
