Gulfside Casino Partnership has taken legal action against the recent award of the Pope County casino license to Cherokee Nation Businesses, marking the third lawsuit over this contentious issue since Amendment 100 was passed in 2018. This amendment allowed for the expansion of casino gaming in Arkansas.
Filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court, Gulfside’s lawsuit claims that Cherokee Nation’s letters of support from local officials were obtained under duress, which Gulfside argues invalidates Cherokee Nation’s application under the terms of Amendment 100.
They contend that Cherokee Nation’s exclusivity agreement with Pope County officials unfairly restricted competition, contradicting the spirit of the amendment, which aimed for fair consideration of all qualified applicants.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment, defending its stance, emphasizes the economic benefits and job opportunities the casino license would bring, highlighting that prolonged litigation delays could hinder these benefits for the community.
The lawsuit names Cherokee Nation Businesses, Pope County officials including Judge Ben Cross and the Quorum Court, and the Arkansas Racing Commission as defendants. It seeks a court declaration that Cherokee Nation’s letters of support are void, potentially leading to the reopening of the casino license application process.
Meanwhile, the Arkansas Racing Commission maintains that the ongoing litigation does not immediately affect Cherokee Nation Entertainment’s ability to proceed with its plans unless a court rules otherwise.
The commission acknowledges the complexities and legal challenges surrounding the Pope County license, which stand in contrast to the smoother implementation of the other three casino licenses permitted by Amendment 100.
Amendment 100 initially allowed for four casinos in Arkansas, with licenses granted to existing racetracks in West Memphis and Hot Springs, and swiftly to the Quapaw Nation for Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff. However, the Pope County license has faced significant controversy and legal battles, resulting in previous licenses being invalidated by the courts.
Looking ahead, local advocacy groups are actively engaged on both sides of the issue, with one advocating to repeal the casino authorization in Pope County while another supports upholding Amendment 100 for its economic benefits to the state.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the future of the Pope County casino license remains uncertain. The outcome will impact not only the stakeholders involved but also the broader community eagerly anticipating potential economic growth from casino operations.
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