Court Ruling Ends Cherokee Nation’s Bid for Russellville Resort Casino

US District Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. ruled last week to uphold the 2024 voter-approved constitutional amendment, which revoked CNE’s casino license and required countywide approval for any future casino developmentsImage Source: Shutterstock.com

A federal judge has ruled against Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE)in its ongoing legal fight over a long-disputed casino license in Pope County, Arkansas. This decision has put a stop to the tribe’s plans to build a $325 million resort inRussellville.

Court Backs Arkansas Casino Law, Cancels Cherokee Nation’s Permit

US District Judge D.P. Marshall Jr.made this ruling last week. He upheld a 2024 voter-approved change to the state constitution known as Issue 2. This change canceled CNE’s casino license and made it necessary to get countywide approval for any future casino projects. Marshalldecided that the change did not break constitutional protections, reported the Arkansas Advocate. He threw out key claims, including contract interference and property rights violations.

State officials welcomed the ruling. Attorney General Tim Griffinapplauded the result, saying it confirmed Arkansas’ authority to control gaming under the amended constitution. He also pointed out that the decision backed the Arkansas Racing Commission, which supervises commercial casino licensing in the state.

CNE, the gaming branch of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, voiced its dismay but said it is looking into possible next moves. The company has invested about $60 million in the Pope County project over the last seven years, including buying land and agreeing to support local economic plans. Spokespeople hinted that an appeal is still a possibility.

Court’s Decision Extends Seven-Year Deadlock Over Pope County Casino Plan

The fight goes back to 2018when people voted to change the state constitution to allow four casinos in Arkansas. Licenses for Jefferson, Crittenden, and Garlandcounties went through, but the Pope County license led to years of court battles and rival offers. The Cherokee groupfinally got the license in 2024 to see it canceled months later by a statewide vote.

Judge Marshall’s decisionstressed that while CNE‘s investment in Pope Countyland has lost value, the amendment did not ngake property or target the tribe for punishment. He also said that any requests for money should go through state offices instead of federal courts.

Local opposition backed by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which runs rival casinos near the Arkansas border, played a key part in passing the 2024 amendment. The measure passed with 56% of votersapproving it, showing strong statewide pushback against the project, even though some Pope County officials supported it.

This decision adds another obstacle in a story that has dragged on for over seven years. While three other casinos allowed under the 2018 law are up and running, Pope Countystill lacks one, and no one knows what will happen to the Russellville site now. The Cherokee Nation must decide whether to keep fighting in court or give up on what has turned into one of the most heated gambling fights in Arkansas’ history.