Cherokee Nation Continues to Await Arkansas Casino Ruling
- A federal judge in Arkansas will soon decide if a casino is allowed in Pope County.
- The Cherokee Nation wants to build a resort casino in Russellville.
- A 2024 statewide referendum rescinded the Cherokee’s gaming privileges.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE), a division of Cherokee Nation Businesses and the largest federally recognized Cherokee tribe in the USA, is currently in a state of anticipation regarding a crucial ruling in Arkansas. The nation is set on establishing a resort casino in Russellville, located within Pope County.
Over a year ago, CNE was recognised as the sole qualified bidder for the casino license in Pope County, a license that was validated by state voters during a 2018 ballot. Following years of legal battles over how bids were qualified by the Arkansas Racing Commission—particularly regarding the significance of endorsements from former or current county judges—a costly legal dispute tilted in favour of the Cherokees. However, a recent statewide ballot reference rescinded the tribe’s commercial casino license for Russellville.
Campaign Issue 2, financed by the Choctaw Nation—an opposing tribe that operates the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Pocola, roughly 80 miles from Russellville—proposed during the 2024 presidential elections that gaming licenses should only be granted in counties where local voters support all forms of gaming, including slots, table games, and sports betting.
This measure was endorsed by 56% of voters. The result revoked the license previously awarded to the Cherokees, as Pope County voters had opposed the 2018 casino referendum.
Cherokees Turn Plaintiff
In reaction to the outcomes of Issue 2, the Cherokees mounted a campaign against the measure, alleging that the Choctaw Nation was attempting to suppress competition. Following the referendum, the Cherokees filed a lawsuit against the state, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and the Arkansas Racing Commission, claiming their constitutional rights were infringed upon by the revocation of their license.
Federal Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. presided over the case and previously suggested that he might deliver his ruling by April. However, despite the expectation, more than three months have passed without any verdict clarifying whether the changes brought forward by Issue 2 should be declared unconstitutional and if the casino permit for Russellville will be reinstated.
This lawsuit was brought against the state to regain the casino license or seek compensation for their economic losses attributed to the halted seven-year project,” stated a CNE spokesperson, revealing the complexities involved and noting that the judge’s schedule is also quite packed.
CNE had ambitions for a $300 million casino resort named Legends Resort & Casino, which was intended to host 1,200 slot machines, 32 table games, and an expansive sportsbook. The project also aimed to offer a 200-room hotel, diverse dining experiences, a state-of-the-art spa, a meeting and conference centre, a resort swimming pool, and an outdoor entertainment venue.
Cherokee Operations
Currently, CNE’s portfolio consists of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa and nine properties under the Cherokee Casino brand. Additionally, the Cherokee nation manages the Gold Strike Casino Resort located in Tunica, Mississippi. The Tunica venture marked their first entry into commercial gaming outside of their tribal lands.
Should Judge Marshall rule in their favour, CNE anticipates progressing with their second commercial casino project in Russellville.
In summary, the Cherokee Nation is facing significant challenges as it pursues its plans for a casino in Arkansas. With legal battles ongoing and referendum outcomes impacting their rights, the decision from federal Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. will be pivotal in determining the path forward for the Cherokees.