A recently enacted constitutional amendment in Arkansas has prompted Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE) to initiate a lawsuit against it, threatening to suspend its casino license in Pope County. Voters in the state adopted the amendment, which creates new legal barriers to the Cherokee Nation’s proposal to build a massive casino in the area.
For years, Cherokee Nation Entertainment has pursued a $225 million casino project on its land in Russellville, Arkansas. The company bought the property for $35 million, envisioning the site as home to its Legends Resort and Casino. However, the path has been marred by legal setbacks and resistance, particularly in Pope County, where local voters rejected the ballot measure despite its state-level passage. The measure will officially take effect on November 13, marking a new challenge for CNE’s plans.
Cherokee Nation’s Legal Battle and Past Challenges
This isn’t the first hurdle Cherokee Nation Entertainment has faced. Last fall, the Arkansas Supreme Court rejected the tribe’s casino bid in a 5-2 decision, blocking its ambitions for Legends Resort and Casino. Despite the setbacks, CNE remains determined to uphold its legal rights and continue with its project.
In a recent statement, Bart Calhoun, attorney for CNE, expressed the company’s strong stance: “Cherokee Nation Entertainment is firmly committed to protecting its constitutional rights, defending its lawfully issued casino license, and safeguarding the substantial investments it made in good faith based on the establishment of the Pope County casino license under Amendment 100 in 2018.”
Cherokee Nation Entertainment’s plan to build a casino in Russellville is still in motion despite persistent opposition. The business is determined to keep its license and protect its rights in court because it sees the Arkansas amendment as a direct threat to its development ambitions. The resolution of this legal battle might have a significant impact on Pope County’s casino development going forward and establish a precedent for other gaming ventures in Arkansas as November 13 draws near.
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