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Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024

Arkansas has three state-licensed casinos and a fourth one pending. Two of the operating casinos are located at racetracks, one is owned and operated by a Native American tribe, and the fourth is delayed by an invalid selection process conducted by the the Arkansas Racing Commission. Before 2019 asino gambling was illegal in Arkansas.

Arkansas Casinos

In November 2018 Arkansas voters approved a constitutional amendment to allow casinos for the first time. The amendment gave the Arkansas Racing Commission the authority to license and regulate casino gambling in four locations.

The first two casinos opened April 1, 2019 at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs and Southland Gaming & Racing in West Memphis.

The two remaining casino licenses were designated for new casinos in Jefferson and Pope Counties. The Arkansas Racing Commission accepted applications for both locations and licensed the Quapaw Nation of Oklahoma to build the Saracen Casino in Jefferson County. Sarcen Casino opened in October 2019.

In Pope County the Arkansas Racing Commission licensed Cherokee Nation Business to build the Legends Resort Casino Arkansas, after the Arkansas Supreme Court rejected the commission's original licensing of Gulfside Partners. The supreme Court invalidated the Cherokee Nation's casino license on Oct.26, 2023 due to violations in the casino selection process. The Pope County casino selection is starting over.

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News Headlines

News Saracen Casino Construction | March 2024 Update March 17, 2024 - Construction of a new event center at Saracen Casino Resort reached a major milestone this month with the placement of the final beam atop the steel framework. The event was celebrated ... Read more News Arkansas Racing Commission delays new Pope County casino applications January 28, 2024 - The Arkansas Racing Commission met Wednesday for the first time since the Arkansas Supreme Court nullified the Pope County casino license awarded to ... Read more News Saracen Casino Construction Update: New Hotel and Event Center - Jan 2024 January 25, 2024 - Saracen Casino Resort is adding an event center and new hotel. Construction of the event center began in late 2023. Large cranes are lifting steel beams ... Read more News Arkansas Supreme Court Rejects Pope County Casino License Appeal January 19, 2024 - The Arkansas Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by Legends Resort and Casino and Cherokee Nation Businesses to rehear a recent court ruling that invalidated. ... Read more News Pope County Casino Update December 18, 2023 - The Pope County casino has been on hold for five years, and following last month's ruling by the Arkansas Supreme Court, the Pope County casino selection process has returned to the starting line ... Read more Headlines continued...

Arkansas Minimum Gambling Age

Minimum gambling ages are 21 years old for casinos, 21 for poker, 18 for bingo, 18 for horse racing, 18 for the lottery.

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Arkansas Casinos

The Arkansas constitutional amendment approved by voters in Nov 2018 authorized four casinos to be licensed for Vegas-style gambling. Two of those casino licenses were designated for new casinos in Jefferson and Pope counties. The other two licenses were granted to two existing racetracks: Oaklawn Racetrack in Hot Springs National Park and Southland Racetrack in West Memphis, AR

NEW CASINOS - A casino license for Jefferson County was issued to Saracen Casino in June 2019. A license to build Legends Resort Casino Arkansas in Pope County was issued in December 2021. That license was repealed in an Oct. 2023 Supreme Court decision. The Pope County casino application process to reinitiated.

Pope County Casino TBD
Previous Licensee: Legends Resort Casino Arkansas
Russellville, Arkansas

Saracen Casino Resort
Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas

RACINOS - Both Oaklawn and Southland racetracks were licensed and began casino operations on April 1, 2019.

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
2705 Central Avenue
Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901
(501) 623-4411

Southland Casino Racing
1550 Ingram Boulevard
West Memphis, AR 72301
870 735-3670

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History: Legalization of Casino Gambling 2018

A ballot measure calling for the state to license four casinos was approved by voters in the Nov 2018 election.

The resulting constitutional amendment authorised the Arkansas Racing Commission to regulate casinos and defines casino gambling as Vegas-style gambling and sports betting.

The amendment also authorized the new types of casino gambling to be played at racinos (racetrack and casino), where previously these track casinos could only offer electronic games of skill.

Arkansas had two existing racinos: Oaklawn Racing & Gaming in Hot Springs and Southland Gaming and Racing in West Memphis. Both Oaklawn and Southland quickly announced major expansion plans to build larger casinos and to add hotels.

Two new additional casinos were licensed by the Racing Commissions bringing the total to four casinos. One was in Jefferson County and the other in Pope County.

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News Articles

Cherokee Nation wins Pope County casino case in Arkansas Supreme Court

October 24, 2021

The Arkansas Supreme Court sided with the Cherokee Nation in a dispute over the sole casino license in Pope County. The court overturned an earlier approval for Gulfside Casino Partnership to build a casino in Russellville.

The high court decision now returns the casino licensing issue the Arkansas Racing Commission to decide between the Pope County casino proposals of Gulfside Casino Partnership and Cherokee Nation Businesses.

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Supreme Court reshuffles the deck on plans for casino license in Pope County - Courtesy of KARK 4 News, Oct 21, 2021. Available from YouTube

The two Pope County proposals for the casino license are:

River Valley Casino Resort
Russellville, Arkansas
Applicant: Gulfside Casino Partners
See Proposal

Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas
Russellville, Arkansas
Applicant: Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma in partneship with Legends, a hospitality and stadium-management company
See Proposal

After the court decision was anounced, Scott Hardin, the spokesperson for the Arkansas Racing Commission, said the court will take about 18 days to finalize the decision. After that the Commission will meet to outline the next steps towards licensing one of the two proposals..

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024

Arkansas's Pope County casino license case is headed to Supreme Court

June 3, 20211

For the second time a Pulaski County circuit judge ruled in favor of the Arkansas Racing Commission's decision on June 18, 2020 to award the sole Pope County casino license to Gulfside Casino Partnership.

Judge Tim Fox ruled the state law requiring casino license endorsements must be from local officials in office at the time of application is unconstitutional because it adds an extra requirement to constitutional Amendment 100.

Cherokee Nation Businesses, which applied for the Pope County casino license and brought the lawsuit, said they had expected the ruling and would immediately file a Notice of Appeal with the Supreme Court,

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024

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Cherokee sue to reverse Pope County casino decision

March 13, 2021

Cherokee Nation Businesses (CBN) have filed another lawsuit to reverse the decision of the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) that granted the sole Pope County casino license to Gulfside Casino Partnership. The suit claims the ARC's decision was unlawful due to Gulfside's legally insufficient application, and that decision should be reversed in favor of CBN, the only remaining applicant.

The Cherokee claim their application to build the Legends Resort & Casino in Russellville is "objectively superior" because it was endorsed by Pope County officials in office at the time, CNB has more industry experience, outside financing is not necessary, and the construction timeline will shorter.

The continued litigation is preventing Gulfside from starting construction on its River Valley Casino Resort plan for Russelville.

The suit was filed against the Arkansas Racing Commission, its members and the Gulfside Casino Partnership.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024

'Arkansas Wins 2020' ballot campaign is ended

UPDATE
August 7, 2020 - The Arkansas Wins 2020 campaign committee filed a motion in court today to dismiss their case, thus ending their campaign for a Nov. ballot measure.


August 5, 2020

Arkansas Wins 2020, the petition to legalize 16 more casinos with a constitutional amendment on the Nov 3 ballot, appears to be headed for life support.

  1. A few weeks ago Secretary of State John Thurston proclaimed the petition was ineligible for the ballot due to noncompliance with state requirements for paid canvassers.

  2. Last week the Board of Election of Commissioners rejected the petition in a 5-1 vote

The Arkansas Wins 2020 support group is appealing both decisions. On July 31 the Arkansas Supreme Court approved the group's request for Secretary Thurston to verify the signatures submitted for the ballot measure. The court also granted "provisional certification of the initiative pending review of the merits of the certification by the court."

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024

"Arkansas Wins 2020" reaches signature requirement

July 14, 2020

The "Arkansas Wins 2020" ballot initiative has reached 97,000 signatures from residents supporting a massive expansion in the number of state-licensed casinos. The signatures have been submitted to the Arkansas secretary of state for validation for the Nov 2020 ballot. A minimum of 89,151 signatures must be verified as registered voters.

This ballot measure would amend the state constitution to allow up to 16 additional casinos. Each casino operator would pay a one-time licensing fee of $250,000 and a tax on gross gaming revenues of 13% on the first $150M revenues and 20% above that.

UPDATE July 17, 2020
Secretary of State John Thurston ruled the Arkansas Wins 2020 petition invalid because its canvassers failed to include the required background check.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024

Arkansas Launches Sports Betting

July 2, 2019

In the November 2019 election Arkansas voters approved sports betting at four casino locations. On July 1, 2020 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs became the first of the four to open their sports book.

The other three locations that will open sports betting are Southland Racetrack in West Memphis, the new Saracen Casino Resort coming to Jefferson County, and a new casino to be licensed in Pope County.

Each casino will pay the state a 13% tax on the first $150 million of revenues from sports betting. The tax rate increases to 20% on revenues above $150 million.

Mobile and online betting have not yet been approved by the state legislature.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024

Arkansas has 6 bids for 2 new casinos

May 31, 2019

The bidding period ended yesterday at 5:00pm for interested parties to submit their application to the Arkansas Racing Commission for development of a casino in Pope or Jefferson County.

A total of six applications were submitted. Five bids were placed for the Pope County casino. Only the Quapaw Nation bid on a casino in Jefferson County. The Arkansas Racing Commission will begin review of each submission on June 13.

The five bidders for the Pope County casino were:

  • Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
  • Choctaw Nation
  • Gulfside Casino Partnership
  • Hard Rock International & Warner Gaming, Joint Venture
  • Robert and Ruth Kehl
  • Tri-Peaks Entertainment Group LLC

Arkansas voters approved 4 casino gaming locations in last November's election. In addition to new casinos in Pope and Jefferson counties, two racetracks were authorized to add Vegas-style gambling. These were the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Southland Casino Racing. Both opened their casino operations on April 1, 2019.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024

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Arkansas' First Casinos Open at Two Racetracks

April 1, 2019

Arkansas' First Casinos Open at Two Racetracks

Five months after voters approved casino gambling in Arkansas, two race track have official opened their new casino operations with blackjack, poker, roulette and slot machines. Sports betting is expected in a few months.

Under the new law these casinos will be open 24/7 year round. Previously as racetracks they closed for Christmas and Easter.

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs opened their new casino at 4am April 1st. Oaklawn offers 1,300 slot machines and 22 live table games.

Oaklawn will begin a $100 million construction project in May to build an entertainment center and a 200-room hotel with a spa and an outdoor pool. Construction will be completed in early 2020.

Southland Casino and Racing

Southland Casino and Racing in West Memphis also opened their new casino April 1. Southland hosts 2,000 slot machines and 40 live table games.

Southland will begin a $250 million construction project in May to add 28,000 square feet of casino space with an additional 500 slot machines and 20 table games. The project also includes a 20-story hotel tower and four new restaurants.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024


Arkansas voters pass casino amendment

November 06, 2018

On Wednesday approval was given to add proposed casino legislation to the Arkansas November ballot. 85,000 signatures from registered voters were needed in support of the proposed measure. 99,988 signatures were submitted.

The measure would bring casino gaming to select racetracks. Those racetracks operate electronic gaming, such as video poker.

Out of state competition has prompted the proposed measure. Residents of Arkansas are crossing the state line to gamble. That is potential tax revenue that Arkansas could use for improvements like infrastructure. There would also be the creation of new jobs.

The measure is opposed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson and a conservative group.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024


Quapaw tribe contributes $1.4M to support casino referendum

September 18, 2018

The ballot measure that would allow for the development of 4 casinos in Arkansas has received a $1.4 million contribution in support by a Native American tribe.

In August a donation of $191,000 was given to Driving Arkansas Forward by the Quapaw Tribe in Oklahoma. This made the total donations to the cause $1.4 million.

If the proposed measure is approved the Arkansas State Racing Commission will allow the Southland Racing Corp. and Oaklawn Jockey Club to expand their gaming offerings. Also, two new casinos would be built. One would be in Russellville. The other near Pine Bluff.

The proposed measure has been certified for the ballot this November.

Last week the Arkansas Supreme Court was asked to have the measure removed from the ballot by two committees.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024

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Oklahoma Tribes contribute funds to Arkansas Casino Campaign

July 18, 2018

A constitutional ballot referendum is being proposed that would allow for four casinos to be built in the State of Arkansas. The committee that is striving to push the measure forward is Driving Arkansas Forward. The group has support from both the Cherokee Nation and the Quapaw Tribe. The Cherokee Nation has contributed $525,300. The Quapaw have contributed $707,000. This is a total contribution of $1.23 million.

Another $180,000 was given by the Quapaw Tribe to pay for the hiring of a firm that will collect signatures to have the proposed measure placed on the November ballot. The Gulfside Casino Partnership and the Association of Gaming Equipment also donated an additional $10,000.

A large portion of the money will be spent on advertising to promote the measure.

Voters need to give approval for the measure if casinos will be allowed to be built. Southland and Oaklawn Racing would be allowed to expand their wagering operations and be allowed to offer some casino gaming. Two other casinos would be built in Jefferson and Pope Counties.

It is possible that $120 million could be earned in tax revenue for the state every year per a report by the Driving Arkansas Forward committee.

July 9 was the date that signatures needed to be submitted by. Over 96,000 collected signatures of approval were given to the office of the Arkansas Secretary, Mark Martin. The process has started to authenticate the signatures.

Currently there are 11 states that do not have casinos.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024

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Arkansas casino measure is officially on Nov 6 ballot

May 29, 2018

A ballot measure is about to be voted on by Arkansas voters asking to build four casinos. One would be located in Jefferson County. The measure was recent approved to move forward by Leslie Rutledge, the Attorney General for Arkansas.

The push behind allowing for casinos to be built in the state is being supported by the group, Driving Arkansas Forward. Under the proposed bill the casinos would be taxed at 65%. The money would go to improve bridges and roads.

For the measure to be placed on the ballot for voters to decide, signatures need to be collected to show support. By July 6 84,859 signatures must be submitted. Voting will take place on November 6.

In addition to Jefferson County, Pope County is another location for two casinos. They would be located in West Memphis at the Southland greyhound track. Also, at the Oaklawn horse track that is located in Hot Springs.

The measure previously failed approval from the Arkansas Attorney General due to the wording of the bill's title. Rutledge believed that the wording was misleading and would not be clear to the voters. A lawsuit occurred shortly after. The Arkansas Supreme Court heard the case, Couch v. Rutledge. After the ruling, Rutledge certified the title for the proposed measure.

When the announcement was made earlier this year that the casino measure could move forward, members of the business community and officials from Pine Bluff and Jefferson County met. There was an event for the Economic Alliance for Jefferson County. During this meeting plans for a new resort casino were presented by the Quapaw Indian Tribe's Chief, John Berrey. The project would create 1,000 new jobs in the county.

The tribe owns a casino in Oklahoma. Located in Joplin, Missouri and close to the state line boarder.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024


Arkansas AG rejects casinos ballot initiative

April 11, 2018

A proposal that would allow for the development of four casinos in Arkansas was denied on Tuesday by Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. The proposal was for the naming and ballot title for a bill that would require a constitutional amendment allowing the casinos. The casinos would be built in Miller, Benton, Pulaski, and Boone counties. Tax money from the casinos would go to fund highway infrastructure projects.

The proposal is being promoted by Arkansas Wins in 2018 Inc. It is a private group in favor of the development of casinos in the state.

Currently electronic versions of games of skill are permitted to be in operation. These games can be found in West Memphis at Southland Park Gaming and Racing and in Hot Springs at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming.

The ballot title and naming were denied for the proposed measure since the Attorney General Leslie Rutledge did not believe they accurately described the proposal. She believes the text was ambiguous and not clear what was being proposed to voters.

Certification is needed by the Attorney General for the ballot title and popular name. This must happen before signature collection in support of the measure can take place. 84,859 signatures will be needed to have the measure placed on the general election ballot for November 06 of this year.

This is not the first time that a proposed casino bill has been rejected by the AG. It happens to be the third time this year. Earlier this year Driving Arkansas Forward attempted to have their ballot name and title approved. That proposal would have allowed for four casino licenses. Southland and Oaklawn would have received one each. The other two would go to Pope and Jefferson counties. The tax revenue made from the gaming would also go to fund highway projects.

A different proposal has been submitted by Driving Arkansas Forward. This one involves the Quapaw Tribe. The tribe has interest in developing a casino.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024


Arkansas Election Measure Proposes Three Casinos

January 08, 2018

A constitutional amendment has been submitted to state Attorney General Leslie Rutledge's office last week. The amendment would allow for three casinos to be developed in Arkansas.

The state would receive 12 percent of the gross revenue from each casino under the proposed amendment. Most of the money would go to the Arkansas Department of Transportation. It is estimated that could be $45 million in annual proceeds for rood improvements.

Crittenden and Jefferson counties would be the location for two of the casinos. Either Union, Mississippi, White, or Pope county would be the location for the third.

There will be a $100 million minimum investment by the casino operators.

A poll conducted in 2016 found that 38 percent of Arkansas residents favored the idea of a casino. 49 percent were against it. 13 percent were unsure.

Currently slot machines are located at two parimutuel racetracks. However there are no Native American owned casinos or commercial casinos in the state.

Back    Full Page > Arkansas Casinos | Updates 2024


September 19, 2016

Lawsuit Asked to be Dropped by Pro Arkansas Casino Group

A lawsuit to stop the ballot measure that would allow for casinos has been filed. The lawsuit wants the election officials to be blocked from counting the measure's votes.

Arkansas Wins in 2016, the group in support of the measure, has asked the Arkansas Supreme Court to dismiss it.

Opponents to the measure feel that the wording used is misleading. They also believe that the law was not followed when it came to reporting paid canvassers.

However, Arkansas Wins in 2016 believes that their opponents have not provided information on how the proposed casino bill would adversely affect them.


September 17, 2016

Arkansas Casino Bill Supported by Cherokee Nation

The proposed casino ballot has gotten support from Cherokee Nation Businesses. $400,000 has been given to help fund the support for the measure.

On Thursday a report for the campaign financing was released. Arkansas Winning Initiative Inc., was given the money.

If the measure is approved a constitutional amendment would allow for the development of casinos in Washington, Boone, and Miller counties.

Cherokee Nation Businesses has expressed interest in operating the casino that would be located in Washington County.

$1 million was given by the tribe in June in support of the measure. In August a $100,000 loan was also given by Marc Williams of Branson, Missouri.

Operators of the two race tracks in the state have given over $100,00 to help stop the measure from being approved.


September 14, 2016

Arkansas Casino Bill Pushes Forward

Voters will decide this November if new casinos should be built in the state. The ballot measure, Issue 5, would allow for casinos in three areas. Those areas are Harrison, Texarkana, and Fayetteville.

Arkansas Wins in 2016 is the group behind the proposed bill. The group believes that the casinos would bring more tourism, create new jobs, and the revenue could be taxed. It is estimated that the casino tax money could earn Arkansas tens of millions each year.

The Family Council opposes the measure. The group believes that the casinos would hurt the local host communities and that casinos would not be under the control of the government.

Under the proposed measure, the governor would form an Arkansas Gaming Commission. The commission would regulate and enforce the gaming laws of the state.

If Issue 5 is voter approved, a state constitutional amendment would be needed.


September 06, 2016

Arkansas Casino Measure Could be Blocked by Lawsuit

On Tuesday the Arkansas Supreme Court was asked to stop the proposed casino measure from being added to November's ballot. The measure would allow for the legalization of casinos and allowing them to be built in three counties.

The lawsuit wants officials prevented from counting votes for the measure. The group behind the lawsuit is The Committee to Protect Arkansas' Values/Stop Casinos Now.

Miller, Washington, and Boone counties are the proposed locations for the casinos.

The language used in the proposed measure's title is believed to be misleading according to the people against the measure. They believe that potential consequences of the casinos are not clear for the voters.

Arkansas Wins in 2016 is behind the measure. The group believes that they will win against the lawsuit.


September 01, 2016

Issue 5 Casino Ballot Measure Approved for November Vote

Enough signatures have been submitted to let voters decide in November if they will approve three new casinos in the state.

Issue 5 is the ballot that would make an amendment to the Arkansas state constitution.

Arkansas Wins in 2016 is the group behind that proposed measure.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment has agreed to help in the development in a casino resort in Washington County.

Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin's office has verified over 100,000 signatures to approve the addition of the measure to November's ballot. The minimum amount of signatures need is 84,859.


August 17, 2016

50,000 More Signatures Submitted for Arkansas Casino Measure

50,000 more signatures have been submitted in support of a proposed ballot measure that would allow for three casinos to be developed. The measure would amendment of the state's constitution to allow for the new casinos.

The signatures were submitted by the group, Arkansas Wins.

The casinos would be built in Boone, Miller, and Washington counties. Cherokee Nation Entertainment has agreed to operate the Washington County casino.

Voters in Arkansas have not favored casino proposals in the past. However, a lottery and bingo for charity was approved by voters in 2008.


July 27, 2016

AR Casino Ballot Measure Given More Time

More time to collect signatures in support for casinos in Arkansas has been granted.

Miller, Boone, and Washington counties are the proposed areas for the casinos.

A constitutional amendment would be needed for casinos to be developed in the state.

63,725 signatures have been collected. That is 75% of the required total signatures of 84,859 needed. It was this reason that the extension was granted by the Secretary of State. The final signatures need to be collected and submitted by August 26.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment has agreed to operate the Washington County casino location if the measure is approved by voters.


July 08, 2016

Signatures Submitted for Arkansas Casino Measure

Signatures have been submitted by a group that is pushing for a November ballot measure that would allow for three counties in Arkansas to build casinos.

Over 92,000 signatures were turned in my the group Arkansas Wins in 2016. The law requires a minimum of 84,859 signatures.

The proposed measure would call for an amendment to be made to the state constitution. It would allow for casinos in Washington, Boone, and Miller counties.

It was announced last month that Cherokee Nation Entertainment has expressed interest in being the operator for the Washington County casino.


June 24,2016

Cherokee Nation Entertainment to Run Proposed Washington Casino

Three counties in Arkansas could be allowed to develop casinos in a measure is approved by voters this November. Of those casinos, Cherokee Nation Entertainment has agreed to be the operator of one in Washington County.

A committee has formed to support the measure. If approved, the state's constitution would need an amendment.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment has agreed to operate the hotel and entertainment center in addition to the casino.

Currently the company operates and owns nine casinos in Oklahoma. There is a tenth location that is being built now in Grove.

Land trust status will not be sought by the company.

Miller and Boone counties are the proposed locations for the other casinos.


June 03, 2016

Three News Casinos Proposed for Arkansas

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May 12, 2016

Additional Casinos for Arkansas Rejected

On Thursday, a proposed measure that would expand casino gaming in Arkansas was rejected by the state Attorney General.

Boone, Miller, and Washington counties were the locations that would have been allowed casinos.

The measure was rejected based on lacking more in depth details and vague language.

Currently there are two casinos in the state. They are located in West Memphis and Hot Springs.


October 05, 2012

Casino Measure Denied by Supreme Court

The Arkansas Supreme Court rejected a new state measure that would allow for four casinos to be built.

Professional poker player, Nancy Todd had been one of the measure's main supporters. It was rejected by the state's Supreme Court due to the wording that was used. It was ruled by the court that voters would not be informed well enough by the way the measure was written.

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel stated that the measure's wording was insufficient and vague. He also stated that the wording failed to educate the voters that the current electronic gaming law could also be repealed.

If the measure was approved, a new constitutional amendment would be made. It would allow for Las Vegas based company, Poker Palace LLC, rights to own and operate the proposed four new casinos.

Language changes to the bill were made by Nancy Todd and resubmitted to have it placed on the November ballot. Over 78,000 signatures were collected in support of the measure. However the Supreme Court ruled that the signatures were invalid due to being collected before Todd had changed bill.


January 16, 2008

Fort Smith Indian Casino Rejected by Federal Government

FORT SMITH, AR - The U.S. Department of the Interior rejected a proposal by the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians to build a riverfront casino in Fort Smith. The tribe had applied to the department to place 10 acres of into federal trust for the purpose of building a casino.

In a surprising change of policy, the Interior Department added a new criteria based on commuting distance from a reservation to a casino. The Keetoowah live in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, a distance of 90 miles. The proposed casino site is near the ancestral lands of the Keetoowah.

Based on this distance criteria, the department rejected the tribe's application along with similar applications from ten other tribes across the country.

The tribe is considering an appeal.


May 12, 2016

Additional Casinos for Arkansas Rejected

On Thursday, a proposed measure that would expand casino gaming in Arkansas was rejected by the state Attorney General.

Boone, Miller, and Washington counties were the locations that would have been allowed casinos.

The measure was rejected based on lacking more in depth details and vague language.

Currently there are two casinos in the state. They are located in West Memphis and Hot Springs.


October 05, 2012

Casino Measure Denied by Supreme Court

The Arkansas Supreme Court rejected a new state measure that would allow for four casinos to be built.

Professional poker player, Nancy Todd had been one of the measure's main supporters. It was rejected by the state's Supreme Court due to the wording that was used. It was ruled by the court that voters would not be informed well enough by the way the measure was written.

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel stated that the measure's wording was insufficient and vague. He also stated that the wording failed to educate the voters that the current electronic gaming law could also be repealed.

If the measure was approved, a new constitutional amendment would be made. It would allow for Las Vegas based company, Poker Palace LLC, rights to own and operate the proposed four new casinos.

Language changes to the bill were made by Nancy Todd and resubmitted to have it placed on the November ballot. Over 78,000 signatures were collected in support of the measure. However the Supreme Court ruled that the signatures were invalid due to being collected before Todd had changed bill.


January 16, 2008

Fort Smith Indian Casino Rejected by Federal Government

FORT SMITH, AR - The U.S. Department of the Interior rejected a proposal by the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians to build a riverfront casino in Fort Smith. The tribe had applied to the department to place 10 acres of into federal trust for the purpose of building a casino.

In a surprising change of policy, the Interior Department added a new criteria based on commuting distance from a reservation to a casino. The Keetoowah live in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, a distance of 90 miles. The proposed casino site is near the ancestral lands of the Keetoowah.

Based on this distance criteria, the department rejected the tribe's application along with similar applications from ten other tribes across the country.

The tribe is considering an appeal.

More Headlines

2023

News Arkansas Supreme Court reopens Pope County casino license process November 1, 2023 - The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled last Thursday that Cherokee Nation Businesses was not a qualified applicant when granted the casino license for Pope County ... Read more News Pope County Casino: Where did it go? May 19, 2023 - It has been nearly five years since Pope County was selected for one of four casino licenses authorized by the 2018 voter approval of Amendment 100. So far, nothing seems to have happened. ... Read more News Cherokee Nation Appeals after Judge Voids Pope County Casino License January 16, 2023 - A Pulaski County Circuit Judge ruled this week that the casino license issued to Legends Casino in Pope County is unconstitutional and void. ... Read more

2022

News Pope County Arkansas Casino Status Dec. 2022 December 21, 2022 - Construction of the proposed Legends Resort Casino Arkansas in Russellville, Arkansas remains on hold pending the outcome of two legal challenges. Both challenges lost their initial court decisions. ... Read more News Saracen Casino adds new million-dollar slot machines November 2, 2022 - Saracen Casino has launched new slot machines with jackpots up to six or seven figures. These are progressive slots are linked to Las Vegas. ... Read more News Arkansas Secretary of State rejects ballot petition to block Pope County casino August 14, 2022 - The Arkansas Secretary of State has blocked a proposed November ballot measure to stop block Cherokee Nation Businesses from building the Legends ... Read more News Legends Resort Casino approved by Russellville Planning Commission July 15, 2022 - With ongoing litigation over Pope County casino license, and a week after a new anti-casino ballot petition was filed with the state, the Russellville Planning Commission voted ... Read more News Saracen Casino's mobile sportsbook delayed, expected soon March 21, 2022 - Saracen Casino missed its March 4th launch date for its mobile sports betting app. The casino was hoping to have its BetSaracen mobile app operating for March Madness and the SEC ... Read more

2021

News Saracen will launch mobile sports betting March 4 February 27, 2022 - Saracen Casino Resort will be the first Arkansas casino to launch a statewide mobile sports betting app following the Arkansas Joint Budget Committee (JBC) decision last Tuesday to authorize all ... Read more News Choctaw Nation joins opposition to Cherokee Nation casino in Russellville February 21, 2022 - The Choctaw Nation has joined the opposition to the Cherokee Nation's plan to build a commercial casino in Pope County, Arkansas. Last week the state Ethics Commission ... Read more News Legends Resort & Casino Remains on Hold January 12, 2022 - The Pope County casino project is still on hold. Construction is not expected to begin until the remaining legal challenges are resolved. The CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) said last week: ... Read more News Cherokee casino proposal wins Pope County license November 14, 2021 - The Arkansas Racing Commission voted 3-2 Friday to award the Pope County casino license to Cherokee Nations Businesses. The Cherokee will build Legends Casino ... Read more News Saracen Casino is ready to launch mobile sportsbook before Super Bowl January 7, 2022 - A marketing official at Saracen Casino in Pine Buff told the press last week that Saracen is ready to launch mobile sports betting upon final approval by the state. That approval could ... Read more News Saracen Casino celebrates first anniversary October 29, 2021 - Saracen Casino celebrated its first anniversary on October 20th, The casino opened last year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time there was uncertainty about the financial impact the pandemic would ... Read more News Cherokee Nation wins Pope County casino case in Arkansas Supreme Court October 24, 2021 - The Arkansas Supreme Court sided with the Cherokee Nation in a dispute over the sole casino license in Pope County. The court overturned an earlier approval for Gulfside ... Read more News Arkansas's Pope County casino license case is headed to Supreme Court June 3, 20211 - For the second time a Pulaski County circuit judge ruled in favor of the Arkansas Racing Commission's decision on June 18, 2020 to award the sole Pope County casino license ... Read more News Cherokee sue to reverse Pope County casino decision March 13, 2021 - Cherokee Nation Businesses (CBN) have filed another lawsuit to reverse the decision of the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) that granted the sole Pope County casino license to Gulfside Partners ... Read more News Cherokee Nation's application for Pope County casino is back into play after high court ruling February 9, 2021 - This week the Arkansas Supreme Court put the Pope County casino license issue back into play by agreeing with a Cherokee Nation lawsuit against the ... Read more News New Saracen Casino is a success after first two months January 28, 2021 - After opening on October, 15, 2020, the new Saracen Casino is showing successful numbers. Even with the COVID-19 limitations on capacity, the customer traffic has been strong over the last two ... Read more

2020

News Saracen Casino opens permanent casino facility! October 19, 2020 - Last thursday the Saracen Casino officially opened its new permanent gaming facility featuring 2,000 slot machines, 35 table games and several restaurants. Construction on the casino began Aug 2019 ... Read more News River Valley plans temporary casino October 11, 2020 - River Valley Casino Resort was licensed on July 31, 2020 and is currently seeking additional approval to build a temporary casino to operate 500 slot machines and 8 table games while construction proceeds on ... Read more News Saracen Casino Resort will hire 800 before October opening August 13, 2020 - Saracen Casino Resort will hire 800 new workers in the next few weeks as the new Pine Bluff casino prepares to open. Most of the 800 new hires will receive one to two weeks of paid training ... Read more News "Arkansas Wins 2020" ballot campaign is ended August 5, 2020 - UPDATE - The Arkansas Wins 2020 campaign committee filed a motion in court Aug. 7 to dismiss their case, thus ending their campaign for a Nov. ballot measure. ... Read more News Cherokee Nation loses appeal of Pope County casino license August 4, 2020 - The Arkansas Racing Commission met last Thursday to discuss the appeal by Cherokee Nation Businesses for the Pope County casino license awarded to Gulfside Casino Partners in June. ... Read more News Arkansas Supreme Court: "Cherokee Nation is qualified applicant for Pope County casino" July 22, 2020 - The Arkansas Supreme Court overturned the ruling of Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox that the Cherokee Business Nation was not a qualified ... Read more News "Arkansas Wins 2020" reaches signature requirement July 14, 2020 - The "Arkansas Wins 2020" ballot initiative has reached 97,000 signatures from residents supporting a massive expansion of casinos ... Read more Arkansas Casino News Archive ...

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