The Cherokee Nation, one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States, is taking a stand against a proposed casino ballot measure in Arkansas. The tribe has filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the measure, which would allow for the construction of a new casino in Pope County.
The Cherokee Nation argues that the proposed casino would violate the terms of their existing gaming compact with the state of Arkansas. Under the terms of this compact, the Cherokee Nation operates two casinos in the state and has exclusive rights to operate casinos in Pope County. The tribe claims that allowing another casino to be built in the county would infringe upon their exclusive rights and potentially harm their gaming operations.
In a statement released to the press, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. expressed the tribe’s concerns about the potential impact of the proposed casino on their community. He stated, “We have worked hard to build a thriving gaming industry that benefits not only our tribe, but also the state of Arkansas. Allowing another casino to operate in Pope County would threaten the economic stability of our tribe and could have far-reaching consequences for our community.”
The proposed casino ballot measure, known as Issue 4, is set to go before Arkansas voters in the upcoming election. If passed, it would amend the state constitution to allow for the construction of a new casino in Pope County, with the location to be determined by a local election. Proponents of the measure argue that it would bring much-needed revenue and jobs to the area, while opponents, including the Cherokee Nation, believe it would harm existing gaming operations and violate existing agreements.
The Supreme Court is now tasked with deciding the legality of Issue 4 and whether it can move forward to the ballot in November. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the Cherokee Nation and the gaming industry in Arkansas as a whole.
As the legal battle unfolds, tensions are running high between the Cherokee Nation and supporters of the proposed casino. Both sides are gearing up for a fierce fight in the Supreme Court, with millions of dollars at stake. The outcome of this case could have lasting repercussions for the Cherokee Nation and the future of gaming in Arkansas. Only time will tell how this high-stakes legal battle will play out.
