After months of anticipation and speculation, the Arkansas Racing Commission has finally made a decision on who will be awarded the coveted casino license in Pope County. In a unanimous vote, the commission announced that Legends Resort and Casino, a joint venture between Cherokee Nation Businesses and Legends, a renowned sports and entertainment company, will be the recipient of the license.
This decision comes after a lengthy and contentious selection process, with multiple casino operators vying for the chance to build a new gaming facility in Pope County. The commission considered a number of factors in making their decision, including the economic impact of the project, the track record of the companies involved, and the level of support from the local community.
Legends Resort and Casino’s proposal stood out for its impressive scale and scope. The $225 million project will feature a luxury hotel with over 200 rooms, a state-of-the-art casino with a wide range of gaming options, multiple restaurants and bars, a live entertainment venue, and a championship golf course. The resort is expected to create over 1,000 jobs and generate millions of dollars in revenue for the local economy.
“We are thrilled to have been chosen to bring this world-class gaming and entertainment destination to Pope County,” said Shawn Slaton, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “We are committed to creating a facility that will be a source of pride for the community and a major driver of economic growth in the region.”
The decision to award the license to Legends Resort and Casino was met with mixed reactions from residents of Pope County. Some see the project as a welcome opportunity for economic development and job creation, while others have expressed concerns about the potential social and environmental impacts of the new casino.
Construction on the resort is expected to begin in the coming months, with the goal of opening to the public within the next two years. In the meantime, the Arkansas Racing Commission will continue to work closely with the casino operators to ensure that the project meets all regulatory and licensing requirements.
Overall, the decision to award the Pope County casino license to Legends Resort and Casino represents a major milestone in the ongoing development of Arkansas’ gaming industry. With its world-class amenities and commitment to sustainability, the resort promises to be a major draw for visitors from across the region and beyond. It is a sign of exciting times ahead for both the casino operators and the local community.