Developers hope third time’s the charm after Arkansas Racing Commission awards license for Pope County casino

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – People living in Pope County should expect some major construction soon after a casino license six years in the making was awarded for a third time.

On Thursday, the Arkansas Racing Commission scored the only valid application it received, one from Cherokee Nation Entertainment for the Legends Casino and Resort.

The license to develop the casino was awarded unanimously to Cherokee Nation, but this is the third time the commission has awarded a license.

A license was previously awarded to Gulfside Casino Partnership and then Cherokee Nation Entertainment, but both developments faced legal challenges with the state rescinding the already-issued licenses.

The Legends Casino and Resort is set to be built on 325 acres northeast of Russellville along Interstate 40 between Exits 83 and 84.

In addition to 50,000 square feet for gaming and sports betting, officials said the project will include a 200-bed hotel with a pool and spa, multiple dining options, a 15,000 square feet multi-purpose indoor space and an outdoor concert venue that can seat up to 5,000 people.

Developers said the project is all being paid for with cash on hand and promised to use as many local contractors as possible, including Little Rock’s CDI Contractors as the project’s construction manager and Rogers-based HP Engineering as engineering consultant. Garver in Little Rock will also be lending engineering expertise.

Racing Commission Chairman Alex Lieblong said he believes the extra time and competition brought out the best possible result.

“They know what they’re doing. It’s not their first rodeo,” Lieblong said. “And I want to compliment the other side, too. They were trying, and they did a great job, and I think the people of Pope County benefited because they tried.”

Cherokee Nation was the only valid applicant because Gulfside Casino Partnership failed to get a letter of recommendation from either the Pope County Quorum Court or Judge Ben Cross.

“The picking of one single applicant was Pope County’s choice, and it was our only chance to have a say in the matter,” Cross said.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment scored 651 points out of the total 700 available in the commission’s criteria.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment CEO Chuck Garrett said he’s gotten to know Arkansas well through more than 100 trips from Oklahoma to the River Valley over the past six years. He said the company expects to increase its footprint of three employees inside their Russellville office now to over 1,000 when it opens the resort.

“We’re excited to find some good talented people and make an impact,” Garrett said.

There is a timeline to finish construction in 18 months. There are still some permitting hoops to jump through that could not be done without a casino license.

“We have the experience and the financial stability to deliver a great product for Pope County and the River Valley, and we’re so grateful in the confidence for that the commission, the Attorney General’s Office, and the people of Pope County have shown in us over the years,” Garrett said. “We certainly consider that a responsibility that we take very seriously.”

Cross said he is optimistic this is the end of any legal challenges but added if any arise it will likely be within the next 30 days.

FOX 16 News contacted Gulfside Casino Partnership for comment before and after the commission meeting but no comment has been given at this time.

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