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Arkansas Racing Commission denies appeal from Gulfside Casino in Pope County

The Arkansas Racing Commission denied an appeal from Gulfside Casino who is fighting to get their application recognized.

POPE COUNTY, Ark. — The Arkansas Racing Commission denied an appeal from Gulfside Casino during their meeting on Thursday, August 15.

The Gulfside application had support from last year's administration in Pope County.

RELATED: There's applications and opposition, but when will Pope Co. finally get a casino?

Their lawyer said this battle isn't over.

"The Administrative Procedures Act requires that you go through this step before you can seek judicial review, so 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.

RELATED: Pope Co. judge denies secret meetings over proposed casinos

The commission also moved forward with a previous motion to re-open the application process. This gives other casinos a chance to get letters of support from Pope County.

Cherokee Nation Businesses has sole support from the Pope County Quorum Court and feels this should be reduced to 10 days.

"Ninety days is too long and it's not necessary. It would unduly delay the construction of the Legends Resort and Casino in Pope County," Cherokee Nation Attorney Scott Richardson said.

The court won't be looking at any other casinos over the next three months.

"While this will open up another application window for potential casino vendors, no other considerations will be accepted by members of the Pope County Quorum Court," Pope County Judge Ben Cross said.

Local litigation also lingers, as some argue the quorums support is unconstitutional.

RELATED: Five applications denied for casino licenses in Pope Co., 1 approved for Jefferson Co.

"I respectfully ask that you not take action regarding this new resolution of support regarding this application until all legal inquiries and investigations have been completed and any questions of legitimacy of the support resolution are answered by court of law," resident Hans Stiritz said.

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