Federal judge to decide fate of $300M resort project in Pope County
The Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE)—a subsidiary of Cherokee Nation Businesses and the largest of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes—continues to await a pivotal decision from a federal judge in Arkansas that could determine the future of its proposed Legends Resort & Casino in Russellville, Pope County.
Background: A License Won, Then Lost
CNE was originally deemed the sole qualified applicant for the Pope County casino license, granted under a 2018 statewide referendum that authorized commercial gaming in select Arkansas counties. After years of legal disputes over the Arkansas Racing Commission’s bid qualification process—including whether a former county judge’s endorsement held legal weight—the Cherokees ultimately prevailed.
However, in November 2024, a new statewide ballot initiative—Issue 2—reversed that victory.
Issue 2: Referendum Repeals Pope County License
Funded by the Choctaw Nation, which operates the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Pocola, Oklahoma, Issue 2 asked voters whether casino licenses should only be granted in counties where residents explicitly support gaming. With 56% voter approval, the measure repealed Pope County’s license, as its residents had voted against the original 2018 casino referendum.
Legal Challenge: Cherokee Nation Sues
Following the referendum, the Cherokees filed suit against:
- The State of Arkansas
- Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R)
- The Arkansas Racing Commission
The tribe alleges that Issue 2 violated its constitutional rights, and is seeking either reinstatement of the Pope County license or compensation for economic losses tied to the seven-year development effort.
“This lawsuit was filed to reinstate the casino license or to be compensated for our time and investment,” a CNE spokesperson told 101.7 FM.
“It’s a complex case, and the judge reviewing this matter has a full docket, so we wait.”
Federal Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. heard arguments earlier this year and initially indicated a ruling could come in April. As of late July, no decision has been issued.
Legends Resort & Casino: A $300M Vision
CNE’s proposed Legends Resort & Casino was designed to include:
- 1,200 slot machines
- 32 table games
- A full-service sportsbook
- A 200-room hotel
- Multiple dining venues
- Spa and wellness center
- Meeting and conference facilities
- Outdoor music venue
The project was expected to bring significant economic development to the region.
Cherokee Nation’s Gaming Footprint
CNE currently operates:
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa
- Nine Cherokee Casino properties across Oklahoma
- Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi—the tribe’s first commercial venture outside its reservation
The Russellville project would mark CNE’s second commercial casino, expanding its footprint in the regional gaming market—if the court rules in its favor.
