Operator News

Arkansas Racing Commission moves forward with Cherokee Nation’s Legend Casino

By Phil - 14 June 2024

The Arkansas Racing Commission has voted to open a new 30-day application period for the state’s fourth and final casino and to proceed with Cherokee Nation Entertainment’s application to establish a casino in Pope County.

In doing so, it has rejected Mississippi-based Gulfside Casino Partnerships’ proposal at a cost of $300m in Pope County. Cherokee Nation wants to build Legends Casino in Russellville. This 50,000-square-foot casino will house 1,200 slot machines, 32 table games, a poker room, and a sportsbook. It will also host a 200-room hotel, an outdoor music venue and a water park, as well as provisions for an RV park and a dog park.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment CEO Chuck Garrett, said: “As the only qualified applicant, we are eager to stand before the Arkansas Racing Commission where we will demonstrate Cherokee Nation Entertainment’s more than 30 years of experience in gaming and hospitality, its strong financial position, and plans for a world-class casino resort. Having obtained the exclusive support of Pope County Judge Ben Cross as required by Amendment 100 and a resolution of support from the Pope County Quorum Court, we anticipate being the sole qualified applicant. We look forward to standing before the Arkansas Racing Commission where we will demonstrate our more than 30 years of experience in gaming and hospitality, as well as our plans for Legends Resort & Casino to be built in Russellville.”

Mr Garrett added: “For the past five years, we have been laying the groundwork for this one-of-a-kind, shovel-ready commercial casino resort and becoming engrained in the local community,” said Chuck , CEO of Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “We are honored to have garnered the required support of Pope County leaders, purchased 325 acres of land, and obtained a Large-Scale Development permit from the City of Russellville. With the application now submitted, we are eager to present our plans and vast experience to the Arkansas Racing Commission and earn the state’s final casino license.”

The development site is situated northeast of Russellville on land located just north of Interstate 40 between the Weir Road exit to the west and Bradley Cove Road exit to the east.

CNE estimates the project will have a $5bn economic impact on the state of Arkansas over the first 10 years and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Legends Resort & Casino will bring significant tax benefit to the state, the Arkansas Racing Commission, Russellville and Pope County.

“Our development is easily a year ahead of any other newly proposed casino project,” said Mark Fulton, president of Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “Once the casino license is awarded, we expect to commence the 18-month construction process after 60 to 90 days of permitting and pre-construction work. CNE is committed and eager to fulfill its obligations under the $38.8m economic development agreement executed with Pope County. Since opening an office in Russellville nearly five years ago, the team has listened to the community, invested hours of volunteerism, and partnered with organizations to make an impact on the lives of Arkansans.” 

CNE has engaged Legends Hospitality, a third-party hospitality consultant, to create an unrivaled guest experience. HBG Design Architects, one of the top hospitality and entertainment design firms in the country, has been hired to execute the project design. Little Rock’s CDI Contractors will serve as the project’s construction manager and HP Engineering, based in Rogers, is an engineering consultant. 

Legends Resort & Casino has been part of the fabric of the Pope County and greater River Valley community for the past five years. Since 2019, CNE has operated a development office at 314 West B Street in Russellville, employing full-time staff and placing a heavy emphasis on trust, transparency and building relationships with state and local officials, community leaders and the people of Pope County. To date, Legends Resort & Casino has donated more than $500,000 to 60 organizations locally and statewide along with volunteering 1,000 hours with area nonprofits.

A spokesperson for Gulfside Casino Partnerships said it was assessing its options and considering its next steps.