Government rejects Pope County casino proposal

The Russellville City Council’s gambling review panel rejected a Pope County casino proposal from the Cherokee Nation Businesses out of four bids.

US.- 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 were 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.

“We made (the project overview) available to the community via our website,” Chuck Garrett, Cherokee Nation Businesses CEO said. “This wasn’t a submission to the Community Gaming Evaluation Committee. Instead, it was further effort on our part to keep the community and elected officials informed.”

Conflict

The Pope County casino in Arkansas has drawn major interest in the gaming industry. That’s why Gulfside Casino had filed an appeal to get the Racing Commission to recognise its application. However, the segment’s governing body denied such a request.

“The Administrative Procedures Act requires that you go through this step before you can seek judicial review. That’s what we’ve done today. And now we’ve filed a complaint with Pulaski County Circuit Court, seeking a review of the Racing Commission’s decision,” Casey Castleberry said.

Furthermore, the commission reopened the application process for the Pope County casino. That way, casinos get a chance to get letters of support from the county.