In an exciting development for the state of Arkansas, the Arkansas Racing Commission announced today that it has awarded the coveted Pope County casino license to the Cherokee Nation. This decision comes after months of deliberation and debate among local officials, residents, and gaming industry stakeholders.
The Cherokee Nation, a Native American tribe based in Oklahoma, emerged as the frontrunner in the highly competitive bidding process for the casino license. Their proposal for a world-class gaming facility in Pope County impressed the commission with its commitment to creating jobs, driving economic growth, and supporting local communities.
The newly awarded casino license will allow the Cherokee Nation to establish a state-of-the-art gaming and entertainment complex in Pope County, with plans to feature a wide range of casino games, restaurants, bars, and hotel accommodations. The proposed facility is expected to attract visitors from across the region and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.
“We are thrilled to have been selected by the Arkansas Racing Commission to operate a casino in Pope County,” said Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “We look forward to working closely with local officials and community stakeholders to bring this project to fruition and deliver a world-class entertainment experience for residents and visitors alike.”
The decision to award the casino license to the Cherokee Nation was met with mixed reactions from the community. While many residents and business owners expressed excitement about the prospect of increased tourism and job opportunities, some raised concerns about the potential social and economic impacts of the new gaming facility.
“We are pleased to see the Cherokee Nation bring their expertise and resources to Pope County,” said Mayor Mary Smith of Russellville. “We believe this project has the potential to bring significant benefits to our community and we look forward to collaborating with the tribe to ensure its success.”
With the casino license now in hand, the Cherokee Nation is expected to move forward with the development of the new gaming facility in Pope County. Construction is set to begin in the coming months, with a projected opening date for the casino in late 2022.
Overall, the awarding of the Pope County casino license to the Cherokee Nation marks a major milestone for the state of Arkansas and sets the stage for a new era of gaming and entertainment in the region. As the tribe prepares to bring its vision to life, all eyes will be on Pope County as it embarks on this exciting new chapter in its development.