RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Pope County in Arkansas may soon see the construction of a new casino, following years of anticipation. Judge Ben Cross, a key figure in the county, supports the proposal put forth by Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) of Catoosa, Oklahoma. Drawing inspiration from CNB’s successful Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, which Cross reminisces as a lone structure rising from the surrounding countryside, he envisions a similar development in Russellville.
Cross believes that CNB’s $320 million Legends Resort & Casino, featuring 50,000 square feet of gaming space and 200 guest rooms, will come to fruition. However, the project’s legal status has been uncertain. The Arkansas Supreme Court invalidated gaming licenses for two previous casino businesses in Pope County. This occurred despite the state’s legalization of casino gambling in November 2018 through Amendment 100 to the Arkansas Constitution. Meanwhile, neighboring cities have witnessed the successful establishment of new casino facilities.
Nonetheless, Cross remains confident that CNB will regain its gaming license once the Arkansas Racing Commission opens a new application period this year. Besides the legal backing, he highlights the significant investment CNB has made in the region. The company has acquired 350 acres of land along Interstate 40 for the casino, hotel, and related developments. Additionally, CNB has made substantial donations to local nonprofits. These efforts have positioned CNB ahead of its main rival, Gulfside Casino Partnership of Mississippi, which lacks a letter of support from the county judge and a resolution of support from the divided Pope County Quorum Court.
Gulfside, however, is still pursuing project approval and hopes to convince Pope County officials to back its proposal. The Arkansas Supreme Court’s recent denial of a rehearing for CNB’s licensing dismissal has paved the way for a new application period. To mitigate further legal disputes, the office of Attorney General Tim Griffin suggested modifications to the Racing Commission’s rules. These changes include a new scoring matrix for evaluating vendor applicants. Although the revised rules must go through a promulgation process, Gulfside remains optimistic and plans to present its case to the Pope County Quorum Court.
According to Judge Cross, constructing a casino in Pope County would generate significant tax revenue for both the county and the city of Russellville. The state taxes casino gaming receipts and allocates 27.5% back to the localities where the casinos are situated. Based on the experiences of other counties, Cross estimates that Pope County could receive between $8 million to $10 million. CNB’s land, located outside the city limits, will be annexed to Russellville, ensuring shared benefits for both entities.
While the casino development remains a subject of legal battles, Cross emphasizes that CNB’s extensive experience and commitment to economic development make it the most promising candidate. The judge recognizes the weary public sentiment regarding the ongoing process and believes that CNB’s growth strategy and vested interest in the region set it apart from competitors.
With the support of key stakeholders and the prospect of substantial economic impact, Pope County eagerly anticipates the resolution of the licensing dispute and the start of a new era in its gaming industry.