A federal judge in Arkansas dismissed Cherokee Nation Entertainment's (CNE) petition to block the implementation of a recently passed casino referendum that repealed a gaming license in Pope County.

Judge D.P. Marshall Jr. denied the tribe's request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. CNE had challenged Issue 2 claiming constitutional violations, including due process, contract, equal protection, and takings clauses.

The constitutional amendment, which passed with 56% support, limits the Arkansas Racing Commission to issuing casino licenses only in counties where local referendums approve gambling operations. Pope County was among only 11 counties that originally opposed gambling in the 2018 state casino authorization.

The Choctaw Nation funded the "Local Voters in Charge" referendum to prevent competition with its Oklahoma casinos. The measure effectively canceled CNE's June 2023 gaming license and removed Pope County as a potential casino location.

CNE's proposed $300 million Legends Resort & Casino project in Russellville projected:

• $5 billion economic impact over 10 years
• 2,000+ jobs
• $40 million in local community benefits

The case continues as Judge Marshall ruled "without prejudice." Key upcoming dates:

• November 15: CNE to submit proposed schedule for expedited discovery
• November 19: CNE's response to Local Voters intervention
• November 22: Local Voters' reply deadline

A trial date will be set in a separate notice.

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