By
Jane Shaw
Senior Editor Updated: 09/04/2024
We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.
Pope County Casino Project
In 2024, the Arkansas Racing Commission made a pivotal decision by awarding a casino license to Cherokee Nation Entertainment for a new development in Pope County. This decision marks a significant moment in the state’s ongoing expansion of its gaming industry, which has seen considerable debate and legal battles over the years.
Arkansas has a complex relationship with gambling, characterized by decades of strict regulation and gradual loosening of restrictions. Early forms of gambling in the state were limited to horse racing and charitable bingo, with the state lottery being introduced only in 2009.
However, a significant shift occurred in 2018 when Arkansas voters passed a constitutional amendment establishing four full-fledged casinos in Crittenden, Garland, Jefferson, and Pope Counties. The passage of this amendment set the stage for significant changes in the state’s gaming landscape, but it also sparked disputes over the proper legal process for granting such licenses.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment, the gaming and hospitality arm of the Cherokee Nation, emerged as the successful bidder. With a well-established reputation in the gaming industry, Cherokee Nation Entertainment operates several successful casinos and resorts in Oklahoma, contributing significantly to the local economies there.
The company’s proven track record was a critical factor in its selection. Local leaders in Pope County, including Judge Ben Cross, were vocal in their support for Cherokee Nation’s bid:
They have a track record that is proven, and I am going to stick with a proven track record.
Cherokee Nation’s commitment to the Legends Casino Arkansas project includes plans for a large-scale gambling resort featuring a 200-room hotel, restaurants, an outdoor concert facility, and 50,000 square feet of gaming space. This development is expected to transform the local economy, creating new opportunities for employment and tourism in Pope County.
The path to awarding the Pope County casino license was highly competitive, with Cherokee Nation Entertainment and Mississippi-based Gulfside Casino Partnership both vying for the contract. The Arkansas Racing Commission evaluated the bids based on several criteria, including financial stability, experience in managing large-scale gaming operations, and the level of community support.
Gulfside Casino Partnership had been a strong contender, but its bid was ultimately rejected due to a lack of required local support. This left Cherokee Nation Entertainment as the frontrunner, supported by endorsements from key local officials.
Awarding the casino license to Cherokee Nation Entertainment is expected to impact Pope County and the broader region profoundly. Economically, the development promises to bring significant benefits, including the creation of over 1,000 jobs during construction and ongoing operations. The influx of tourists attracted by the casino, hotel, and entertainment venues is also expected to boost local businesses and increase tax revenues.
With the license now awarded to Cherokee Nation Entertainment, the project enters a crucial phase that involves several key steps before the casino can begin operations. These steps are essential to ensure the development meets all legal and regulatory requirements and aligns with community expectations:
Completing these steps will mark the transition from planning to reality as Pope County becomes home to one of Arkansas’s newest and most ambitious casino projects.
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