LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Racing Commission issued the Pope County casino license to Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE).
The unanimous decision came after Thursday’s meeting where commissioners interviewed representatives from Cherokee and reviewed their application.
CNE’s development plans consist of a $300 million-plus investment in Pope County, including a 50,000 square-foot casino with 1,200 slot machines; 32 table games; a poker room and sportsbook; a 200-room hotel with a resort pool and luxury spa; numerous dining options; and a multipurpose space to accommodate meetings, conferences, concerts, and special events.
The development also includes an outdoor music venue and a water park along with an RV and dog park.
The development is situated on the northeast side of Russellville on land located just north of Interstate 40 between the Weir Road west exit and Bradley Cove east exit
