The Cherokee Nation has filed a lawsuit to challenge a ballot question in Arkansas that would allow a new casino to be built in the state. The lawsuit, which was filed in state court, argues that the ballot question is misleading and does not accurately represent the impact that a new casino would have on the region.
The Cherokee Nation, which operates several casinos in Oklahoma, is concerned that the proposed casino in Arkansas would directly compete with their existing properties and have a negative impact on their business. The tribe also argues that the ballot question is misleading because it does not adequately explain the potential economic and social consequences of building a new casino in the state.
In a statement, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said, “We believe that the ballot question is designed to mislead voters and conceal the true implications of building a new casino in Arkansas. The Cherokee Nation is committed to protecting our interests and ensuring that any new casino development in the region is done in a fair and transparent manner.”
The proposed casino in question is a $254 million project that would be built in Pope County, Arkansas. The project is being spearheaded by a group called Legends Resort and Casino LLC, which has already secured the necessary approvals from state regulators to move forward with the development.
The lawsuit filed by the Cherokee Nation seeks to prevent the casino project from moving forward until a full and fair assessment of its potential impacts can be conducted. The tribe argues that the existing approval process for the casino project was rushed and did not adequately consider the concerns of all stakeholders.
The lawsuit is just the latest twist in the ongoing debate over the expansion of casino gambling in Arkansas. In 2018, voters approved a constitutional amendment that allowed for the establishment of four new casinos in the state. Since then, there has been a flurry of activity as various groups vie for the coveted licenses to operate these new casinos.
The outcome of the lawsuit is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Cherokee Nation is not backing down in its efforts to protect its interests and ensure that any new casino development in Arkansas is done in a fair and transparent manner. As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes will be on the courts to see how this high-stakes casino showdown plays out.
