Pope County, Arkansas Judge Ben Cross recently sent a letter in support of the Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Businesses, according to an Arkansas Democrat Gazette local news report. Cross’ letter said he is in favor of the Cherokee Nation receiving a casino license from the Arkansas Racing Commission, despite previous rulings against an awarded license.
Cross stated in his letter, "It is my sincere hope the Commission views this as a measure of quick resolve and finalizes what has been an exhausting process to the citizens of Pope County.
"I have met with representatives of CNE [Cherokee Nation Entertainment] and know they possess the qualifications, experience and commitment to community support to successfully operate a casino in Pope County."
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.
Furthermore, the state Supreme Court affirmed in a 5 to 2 ruling that “the Arkansas Racing Commission erred in the licensing process by awarding the license in November 2021” because the commission is not permitted to grant licenses to two entities.
The court also ruled that “Legends does not meet licensing requirements written into the Arkansas constitution because the company has no prior casino gaming experience.”
Following the decision, Legends moved to challenge the ruling in high court.
Cross addressed the previous ruling in his written statement, "Upon learning the conclusions of the split decision of the Arkansas Supreme Court regarding the casino litigation affecting Pope County, I issued an updated exclusive letter of support as required by Amendment 100 to Cherokee Nation Businesses in the name of Cherokee Nation Entertainment, with the technical issues identified by the Court resolved.”
