Cherokee Nation Entertainment has filed a lawsuit challenging a constitutional amendment recently approved by Arkansas voters that revokes its license for a planned casino in Pope County. The lawsuit claims that the amendment violates their constitutional rights and seeks to block its enforcement before it takes effect on November 13. The proposed casino was part of a plan approved by voters in 2018, allowing for the construction of casinos in four designated locations in the state. Casinos have already been set up in the other three locations, but the one planned for Pope County is now at risk due to the recent amendment.
The lawsuit is the result of a costly and ongoing battle between the Cherokee Nation and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, who have both heavily invested in campaigns related to the casino issue. The state Supreme Court had previously rejected a lawsuit by the Cherokee Nation related to the ballot measure, setting the stage for the current legal challenge. The Choctaw Nation operates a casino near the Arkansas border and has expressed confidence in the process that led to the approval of the amendment, despite the legal action taken by Cherokee Nation Entertainment.
Attorney General Tim Griffin has dismissed the lawsuit as “baseless” and has expressed his commitment to vigorously defending the state’s position. The proposed amendment not only revokes the authorization for the Pope County casino but also changes the process for approving future casino licenses in the state. Under the new amendment, casino licenses would need to be approved by voters in the county where the casino would be located, a departure from the previous requirement of submitting letters of support from local officials. Cherokee Nation Entertainment had plans to build a large casino complex in Pope County, including a hotel, conference center, and outdoor music venue.
The legal battle over the casino license highlights the complexities and challenges of the gaming industry, particularly in states with evolving regulations and constitutional amendments. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for both the Cherokee Nation and the broader gaming industry in Arkansas. Despite the opposition from Cherokee Nation Entertainment, supporters of the amendment, including the Local Voters in Charge campaign backed by the Choctaw Nation, remain confident in the process and the will of Arkansas voters. The dispute underscores the high stakes involved in the gaming industry and the importance of clear regulations and legal protections for all parties involved.
As the legal proceedings continue, both sides are gearing up for a protracted battle over the future of the planned casino in Pope County. The Cherokee Nation is adamant about protecting its rights and investments in the project, while the Choctaw Nation and other supporters of the amendment are equally determined to see it implemented. The outcome of the lawsuit will not only impact the fate of the proposed casino but also set a precedent for future gaming developments in Arkansas and beyond. The clash between the two tribes highlights the competitive nature of the gaming industry and the lengths to which parties will go to safeguard their interests in this lucrative and highly regulated sector.
