After months of legal battles and controversy surrounding the issuing of the final casino license in Arkansas, a new lawsuit has been filed challenging the decision. The license, which was awarded to the Cherokee Nation and Legends Resort & Casino, has faced scrutiny from various parties since it was announced in June.
The lawsuit, filed by a group of concerned citizens and business owners, alleges that the Arkansas Racing Commission did not follow proper procedures in awarding the license. The group claims that the commission failed to adequately evaluate all of the competing bids and did not give fair consideration to the potential economic impact of the new casino on surrounding businesses.
In a statement released to the press, the plaintiffs expressed their frustration with the commission’s decision, stating that they believe it was made hastily and without proper consideration of the community’s best interests. They are calling for a reevaluation of all bids and a more transparent process in order to ensure that the final casino license is awarded fairly and in accordance with state law.
The Cherokee Nation and Legends Resort & Casino have yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit, but they have previously defended their bid as being the most beneficial option for the state of Arkansas. They have promised to bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue to the area, as well as a world-class entertainment experience for visitors.
This latest legal challenge comes on the heels of several other lawsuits filed against the Arkansas Racing Commission in recent months. Critics of the commission have accused it of being too closely aligned with the casino industry and not acting in the best interests of the public.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the Cherokee Nation and Legends Resort & Casino are moving forward with plans to begin construction on the new casino later this year. It remains to be seen how the latest lawsuit will impact their timeline and whether it will ultimately result in a reconsideration of the final casino license. Stay tuned to the Arkansas Advocate for updates on this developing story.
