It does not alter the end result – the realization of a premier casino resort in Pope County, Legends Resort & Casino, that will serve as an economic anchor for the region and the state.” – Chuck Garrett, CEO, Cherokee Nation Businesses While unfortunate, Judge Griffen’s decision brings nothing but added delay. 'We are fully committed to moving forward and working with local and state officials as we have been for the past five years to build Legends Resort & Casino and bring the much-needed economic growth the community and state deserves,” Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, said in a statement.“We feel confident that when the court considers the issue of whether Cherokee Nation Businesses/Legends Resort & Casino has the required experience, they will find that our three decades in hospitality and gaming more than satisfies the requirements. “We will work with the commission to ensure all legal requirements of Amendment 100 are fulfilled and that the process is carried out in compliance with Arkansas law.”Ĭherokee Nation Businesses, which had already purchased more than 325 acres for the casino project, said it was disappointed in the decision and said it remained committed to becoming the casino operator. “(The Department of Finance and Administration) will be working with the Arkansas Racing Commission to open a new application window in a timely manner,” Trent Minner, administrator of DFA’s Regulatory Division, which includes the Arkansas Racing Commission, said in a statement.

The state said it was reviewing the decision and preparing for a new round of applications. “Nowhere in the text does it allow for joint or dual licensing to more than one applicant,” the court ruled.

Cherokee nation arkansas casino