In a groundbreaking decision, the Arkansas Racing Commission has issued the state’s final casino permit to Cherokee Nation Entertainment, marking a major milestone in the state’s gaming industry. The announcement comes after months of deliberation and intense competition among several gaming companies vying for the coveted permit.
The Cherokee Nation Entertainment, which is a subsidiary of the Cherokee Nation, one of the largest Native American tribes in the country, has been awarded the permit to build and operate a new casino in Pope County. The casino, which will be built on a 135-acre site near the town of Russellville, is expected to bring in millions of dollars in revenue and provide hundreds of new jobs for the local community.
The decision to award the permit to Cherokee Nation Entertainment was not without controversy. Several other gaming companies, including Hard Rock International and Legends Resort and Casino, had also submitted proposals for new casinos in Pope County. However, after careful consideration, the Arkansas Racing Commission ultimately determined that the Cherokee Nation Entertainment’s proposal was the most economically viable and would have the greatest positive impact on the local economy.
“We are thrilled to be awarded the final casino permit in Arkansas,” said Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “We have a long history of successfully operating casinos and resorts, and we are confident that our new facility in Pope County will be a tremendous success.”
The new casino, which is expected to open within the next two years, will feature a wide range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and a poker room. It will also include several restaurants, a hotel, and entertainment venues, making it a major destination for tourists and locals alike.
The Cherokee Nation Entertainment has committed to investing over $200 million in the construction of the new casino, which will create an estimated 1,000 jobs during the development phase and an additional 800 permanent jobs once the facility is operational. In addition, the tribe has pledged to work closely with local community organizations to ensure that the casino has a positive impact on the region.
“We are excited to partner with the Cherokee Nation Entertainment on this exciting project,” said Pope County Judge Ben Cross. “This new casino will bring much-needed jobs and revenue to our community, and we look forward to working together to make it a success.”
Overall, the issuance of the final casino permit to Cherokee Nation Entertainment represents a major step forward for the Arkansas gaming industry and is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region. With construction set to begin soon, residents of Pope County can look forward to a bright future filled with new opportunities and entertainment options thanks to the Cherokee Nation Entertainment’s new casino.
