Arkansas Citizens Vote to Revoke Pope County Casino License

By Jerry Smith Staff Writer Updated: 11/27/2024

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Pope County Casino License Revoked

In a reversal of a past decision, Arkansas citizens voted in favor of Issue 2 on November 5th, and the measure will now be implemented on November 13th. After years of legal challenges, the Cherokee Nation Businesses will lose their Pope County casino license, and the project will be shut down.

Background Details

Following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, Arkansas citizens approved Amendment 100, which legalized sports and casino gambling in the state. Several cities were given licenses, with Russellville in Pope County among them. However, residents initially voted against Amendment 100, creating the idea that the casino was being forced on them.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE), a renowned company operating the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, headed the project. Aside from a casino, the resort would include a water park and concert area, providing a $3.15 billion economic impact over 10 years. It would have been located northeast of Russellville and north of Interstate 40.

Project Troubles

From the start, the project had issues as the original applicant for the license was rejected. Gulfside Casino Partnership was considered for the permit in 2019 but was ultimately rejected due to not having the right letters of recommendation from public officials. After presenting their bid in 2020, the Arkansas Racing Commission granted Cherokee Nation Entertainment the license.

However, another rejected applicant, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, disapproved of the decision. It funded a campaign to revoke the license, working with Local Voters in Charge to have the case added to the ballot as Issue 2. This campaign was initiated because Choctaw operates several casinos in Oklahoma, with one near the border of Arkansas, and was concerned that the new project would steal customers.

Ballot Results

Despite a costly campaign of $30 million between both sides, the measure was approved. It revoked the Russellville license and stipulated that any future casino licenses would have to be approved by voters. That leaves Arkansas with only three casinos, and the Pope County project must be abandoned.

It is simply a missed opportunity that will not be replicated in terms of scope, investment, and jobs.

-Bob Cross, Pope County judge

Cherokee Nation Entertainment has not given up and continues to fight for its license. On November 8th, the company sued Arkansas for infringing on its constitutional rights and even demanded an injunction to postpone the measure. While the injunction was rejected, the case will continue with briefs throughout the month and a trial.

Future of Arkansas Casinos

While the CNE continues to fight, it seems the Pope County project is over, and any future casinos will also need to be approved by voters. While this may make it more difficult for new casinos to appear, it will hopefully prevent further legal issues. We also hope the state will continue improving its laws and legalize online casinos.

However, you can visit any of the other casinos in Arkansas. These are located in Garland, Jefferson, and Crittenden and have already been completed. For example, the Oaklawn Racing Casino resort features many casino games, a sportsbook, and a racetrack where you can watch live horse racing events.