The name Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas is inspired by the definition of a Legend, and the project developed with the needs of the community in mind. We’ve embraced the community’s feedback and are confident this resort destination brings something for everyone.” “Today, with much excitement, we are pleased to unveil our plans. “Since submitting our initial application to the Arkansas State Racing Commission in May, we have remained fully committed to the people of Pope County and to taking our proposed development to the next level,” said Shawn Slaton, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. In any case, here’s the Cherokee news release:Ĭherokee Nation Businesses and Legends, a leader in global planning, sales and hospitality, today announced details of its proposal to build a world-class, first-of-its-kind resort destination in Pope County – Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas. Promises of the glories of a casino investment are thought to have softened casino opposition locally, but I wouldn’t necessarily put much stock in a poll conducted on behalf of a casino operator on this question. Pope County voters rejected the casino amendment as well as approving the voter referendum. But it doesn’t mean there won’t be political repercussions. If repealed, that legal obstacle is removed. Will the new county judge, after vowing not to approve a casino without local voter approval, as a 2018 county ordinance requires, pick the Cherokees? If he does, won’t somebody sue to enforce the voter ordinance? I think it’s constitutionally suspect, but it’s the law until a court says otherwise. A Mississippi casino investor contends it satisfied the constitutional requirement of local approval with letters from the lame-duck county judge and Russellville mayor in December, before they left office. Various prominent lobbyists and lawyers and PR agencies have been working for the competing interests.Įven if the Cherokee tribe has convinced the judge and Quorum Court of the superiority of its plan, legal obstacles await. Jones has local clout through his in-laws, the Chambers family in neighboring Yell County. It gained heft when it joined hands with an entertainment company whose owners include Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones. Former Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has been working for the Cherokee effort for a long time. This is just about the smell you’d expected to arise from opening the door to a license to operate a casino cash machine in Pope County.

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