We will continue to follow the lead of the Arkansas Racing Commission and the Arkansas Attorney General’s office as they determine the next step in fulfilling Amendment 100. 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.”Īccording to Amendment 100, any applicants would be required to obtain a letter of support from Russellville Mayor Fred Teague if the planned location is in city limits, and requires a letter of support from Pope County Judge Ben Cross or the Pope County Quorum Court.ĬNB CEO Chuck Garrett issued this statement about Cross’ support: “We are honored to have the express and exclusive support of Pope County Judge Ben Cross.

“The letter was submitted Thursday, Octoto the Arkansas Racing Commission as defined by statute, and I hope will expedite the application process as defined by the Commission’s rules. “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,” Judge Cross noted in a statement issued Monday (Oct. Gulfside Casino Partnership had appealed a November 2021 decision by the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) to grant the Pope County license to Cherokee Nation Businesses and its Legends Resort and Casino company. 12 that Arkansas officials “unconstitutionally” granted a casino license to Cherokee Nation Businesses. Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Tim Fox ruled Jan. The decision opens anew the application process. The Arkansas Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling that said Cherokee Nation Businesses was not a qualified applicant when granted a casino license in Pope County. 26 Arkansas Supreme Court decision sent the casino license process back to the Arkansas Racing Commission, an agency of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) looks to have an advantage in what will be a new process to grant a casino license in Pope County thanks to an endorsement letter from Pope County Judge Ben Cross.Īn Oct.

Pope county casino update