In Russellville, Arkansas, nearly 100 area residents heard presentations to the city’s Community Gaming Evaluation Committee by three companies competing for a casino license in Pope County: Warner Gaming, Choctaw Nation and Kehl Management. The committee were expected to recommend one applicant to City Council by October 14 and present a report to the council October 17.
Earlier the Pope County Quorum Court, led by County Judge Ben Cross, passed a resolution supporting a casino proposal by Cherokee Nation Businesses, which led to allegations of secret meetings. The agreement included an upfront payment of $38.8 million that would have been distributed to the county, some nonprofits and municipalities, but not Russellville. In response, two casino companies urged Russellville to conduct its own “open and transparent” vetting process. The state Racing Committee will have the final decision.
The county’s endorsement is required under Amendment 100, which voters approved last November, approving new casinos in Pope and Jefferson counties. The city where a casino is built also must endorse it. The Cherokee Nation Businesses proposal locates their casino outside the city limits.
Executives from each casino operator showed videos of their proposed property’s features and amenities. They all explained the financial benefits Russellville and the county would receive upfront. The Choctaw Nation pledged $43.8 million, Warner Gaming promised $18 million and Kehl Management proposed $40 million.
Warner Gaming’s proposal includes partnering with Hard Rock International. CEO Bill Warner said Hard Rock’s community support package could total $133.7 million “over time.” He noted, “You can get a lump sum today, but 20 years from now, where are you?”
Dan Kehl of Kehl Management discussed how his company began on an Iowa casino riverboat and stressed its community partnerships. He said the company will offer a local ownership option of up to 20 percent in the Pope County casino if it wins the license.
Choctaw Nation Senior Executive Officer Janie Dillard said the most important thing the committee should consider in its decision is the financial stability of the applicant. She said the Choctaws have $3.6 billion in net assets and $2.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents. “That should say it all,” Dillard said. The Choctaw proposal also includes $2.8 million a year in scholarships for Pope County high school graduates to attend Arkansas Tech University.
