Court Rules Against Cherokee Nation's Pope County Casino License
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Arkansas Racing Commission issued a casino license to the Cherokee Nation to build a gambling center in Pope County. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox ruled that the commission acted outside of its authority and did not follow the rules of Amendment 100.
Court rules against Cherokee Nation's Pope County Casino License. Cherokee Tribe filed a notice of appeal with the state Supreme Court last Friday afternoon.
Court rules against Cherokee Nation's Pope County Casino License. The proposal for the $225 million casino would have 50,000 square feet of gaming space, 1,200 slot machines, 32 table games, a retail sportsbook, luxury hotel with 200 rooms, resort-style pool, spa, and fitness center, 15,00 square ft of mixed-use conference and entertainment space with a capacity of 1.000 people, outdoor water park and music venue. Gulfside Casino Partnership's proposal had a budget of $254 million.
Arkansas Supreme Court ruled against Gulfside's application for a casino license in October 2021. Cherokee Nation was awarded the license to build Legends Resort & Casino. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis, and Saracen Casino resort in Pine Bluff are already up and running. Pope County's license is still being contested.
