After months of anticipation, the Arkansas Racing Commission has finally awarded the Pope County casino license to Cherokee Nation Entertainment. The decision comes after a heated debate and numerous legal battles over who should be granted the lucrative license.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Cherokee Nation, one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States, has been a frontrunner in the race for the Pope County casino license since the outset. The tribe has a long history of operating successful casinos and resorts, and their proposal for a casino in Pope County was met with widespread support from the local community.
The decision to award the license to Cherokee Nation Entertainment was made after a thorough review process, during which the tribe’s proposal was deemed to be the most comprehensive and beneficial for the region. The proposed casino, to be named Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas, is set to be a state-of-the-art facility that will feature a hotel, restaurants, entertainment venues, and of course, a world-class casino.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded the Pope County casino license,” said Shawn Slaton, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “We are committed to working closely with the local community to ensure that our resort and casino will be a positive addition to the area, creating jobs and economic growth for the region.”
The decision to award the license to Cherokee Nation Entertainment has not been without controversy, however. Other casino operators who were vying for the license have already indicated that they plan to challenge the decision in court, arguing that the selection process was flawed and biased in favor of the tribe.
Despite these challenges, Cherokee Nation Entertainment is moving forward with their plans for the Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas. Construction is set to begin in the coming months, with an expected opening date in late 2022. The casino is expected to bring thousands of jobs and millions in revenue to Pope County, making it a welcome addition to the region.
Overall, the awarding of the Pope County casino license to Cherokee Nation Entertainment is a significant development for the area. The tribe’s track record of success in the gaming industry, combined with their commitment to the local community, bodes well for the future success of the Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas. Only time will tell how the new casino will impact the region, but for now, all eyes are on Cherokee Nation Entertainment as they prepare to bring their world-class gaming experience to Pope County.