Cherokee Nation's plan for $225 million resort wins battle for Arkansas' final casino license

[TexasTowelie]

Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Businesses has won the latest battle in a contentious fight to secure Arkansas’ final casino license, potentially clearing a path for construction of a $225 million resort.

The Arkansas Racing Commission voted 3-2 on Friday to award the license to the tribe, voiding an earlier decision that gave the last of four licenses to a competitor.

The move came after the Arkansas Supreme Court last month ruled that the endorsement required for a casino license must come from elected local officials in office at the time of the application. The Cherokee Nation Business proposal had the backing of Pope County’s judge.

That ruling meant a rival, Mississippi-based Gulfside Casino Partnership, didn’t meet the state’s qualifications.

Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/business/local-companies/2021/11/14/cherokee-nations-plan-for-225-million-resort-wins-battle-for-arkansas-final-casino-license/

[TomSlick]

1. I don't know from the casino business but Pope County, Arkansas?

What's the draw? The closed Atkins pickle factory? The aging nuclear power plant?

There is a new casino in Hot Springs - an hour and a half away. There are a host of casinos around Fort Smith - also an hour and a half away. How many casinos can poor folks in Arkansas support?