Cherokee Nation Continues to Pursue Casino Bid in Arkansas

The efforts of the leading gaming and hospitality company, Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE), toward securing a casino gaming license for Pope County from the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) continue. Earlier this week, the company confirmed it resubmitted its application with the gambling regulator. Ultimately, CNE is after securing a casino gaming license that would permit the development of a massive project called Legends Resort and Casino Arkansas.

CNE’s project has a price tag of more than $300 million. The ambitious project, planned for development in Pope County, is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. At the same time, Legends Resort and Casino is expected to generate $5 billion in economic stimulus to Arkansas for the first decade of operating.

The proposed project is expected to offer a hotel with 200 luxury rooms, as well as additional amenities, including a spa, a pool and spaces that can be used for special events, concerts or meetings. Not unexpectedly, Legends Resort and Casino is expected to offer supreme gaming entertainment with its 50,000-square-foot casino floor. The venue would become a home to a sportsbook, a poker room, as well as nearly three dozen table games and 1,200 of the most popular slot games.

“Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas, operated by Cherokee Nation Entertainment, represents an over $300 million investment that will provide a welcomed economic anchor for Pope County, the River Valley and the state of Arkansas,“

reads a statement released by Cherokee Nation Entertainment

The Company Is Ready to Commence Construction

Mark Fulton, CNE’s president, spoke about the importance of collecting community feedback. He explained that the company’s project is ahead of the competition considering that its team “listened to the community” and also engaged in voluntary work. “Once the casino license is awarded, we expect to commence the 18-month construction process after 60 to 90 days of permitting and pre-construction work,” added Fulton.

Finally, CNE’s president confirmed that the company is ready to meet its obligations under the development agreement with Pope County once the license is awarded.

“For the past five years, we have been laying the groundwork for this one-of-a-kind, shovel-ready commercial casino resort and becoming engrained in the local community.“

Chuck Garrett, CEO at CNE

Chuck Garrett, CNE’s CEO, added that the company is ready to commence the construction of Legends Resort and Casino. He spoke about CNE’s efforts in securing a Large-Scale Development permit from the City of Russellville.

Additionally, Garrett acknowledged the importance of purchasing 325 acres of land and the support for the company from Pope County leaders. Finally, the CEO said that CNE is looking forward to securing the casino license from the Arkansas Racing Commission.