Arkansas regulator delays Pope County casino
The Arkansas Racing Commission has put the Pope County casino proposal on hold as it awaits the outcome of two lawsuits related to the bidding process.
US.- A few months back, an Illinois gambling expansion allowed the arrival of four new casinos. The venues will be located in Jefferson and Pope counties and at racetracks in Hot Springs and West Memphis.
Despite the fact that it has been a while since lawmakers approved the expansion, a Pope County casino may still take some time.
The Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) announced it will wait for the outcome of two lawsuits. Afterwards, it will consider applicants for a licence there.
The lawsuits involve a Mississippi company whose application was rejected. The other one challenges the Pope County Quorum Court’s endorsement of another applicant for the casino.
Recent developments
The Russellville City Council’s gambling review panel rejected a Pope County casino proposal on Thursday. However, the rejected Oklahoma-based operator says it didn’t even apply.
Allegedly, there were four proposals, out of which three the government shortlisted. They involved the Cherokee Nation, Kehl Management of Iowa, Warner Gaming of Nevada and Choctaw Nation Division of Commerce of Oklahoma.
Erin Michael, with Russellville Mayor Richard Harris’ office, announced they wouldn’t consider the Cherokee’s “incomplete” application.
