In a major blow to Gulfside Casino Partnership, Arkansas officials have rejected the company’s application for a casino license in Pope County. The decision comes after months of deliberation and controversy surrounding the application process, which has divided the local community and raised questions about the fairness of the selection process.
The rejection of Gulfside’s application was announced by the Arkansas Racing Commission, which cited several reasons for the decision. One of the key factors was Gulfside’s failure to secure the required letters of support from local officials in Pope County. Under Arkansas law, casino operators must obtain letters of support from the county judge and the quorum court before their application can be considered by the Racing Commission.
This requirement has been a point of contention for Gulfside, as the company initially received letters of support from the previous county judge and quorum court, but those officials were replaced after a recent election. The new county judge and quorum court have been hesitant to issue letters of support, citing concerns about the impact of a casino on the community.
In addition to the lack of local support, the Racing Commission also raised questions about Gulfside’s ties to a former state senator. The company’s application was supported by former state Senator Gilbert Baker, who was later implicated in a bribery scandal and pleaded guilty to federal charges. While Gulfside has denied any wrongdoing, the Racing Commission expressed concerns about the company’s relationship with Baker and its potential impact on the integrity of the casino licensing process.
The rejection of Gulfside’s application is a significant setback for the company, which has been vying for a casino license in Pope County for several years. Gulfside had proposed a $254 million casino resort in partnership with the Cherokee Nation, promising to create thousands of jobs and generate millions in revenue for the state.
Despite the setback, Gulfside has not ruled out the possibility of appealing the decision or pursuing other legal options. The company has vowed to continue fighting for the right to operate a casino in Pope County, arguing that it has followed all the necessary steps and met all the requirements outlined by the state.
The rejection of Gulfside’s application has sparked mixed reactions in the community, with some residents expressing disappointment at the missed opportunity for economic growth and others applauding the Racing Commission’s decision to uphold the integrity of the licensing process. As the controversy continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the next steps taken by Gulfside and the future of the casino industry in Pope County.