Cherokee Nation and Quapaw Tribe secure victory with gaming initiative

Wednesday, November 7, 2018  

After spending nearly $6 million on the effort, the Cherokee Nation and the Quapaw Tribe have emerged victorious with their gaming campaign in Arkansas.

With almost all precincts reporting, Issue 4 secured 55 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Arkansas Secretary of State. The initiative authorizes four casinos in the state.

Two of the casinos will be located at existing gaming facilities. But two others will be open to bids and the tribes could bring their expertise from neighboring Oklahoma to new markets.

The Cherokee Nation operates nine Indian gaming facilities, including one near the border with Arkansas. Cherokee Nation Businesses donated $2.28 million to the Driving Arkansas Forward campaign.

The Quapaw Tribe operates two casinos in Oklahoma, including one whose property reaches into Kansas and Missouri. The tribe also owns land in Arkansas and once had a reservation there.

The tribe's Downstream Development Authority contributed $3.65 million in support of Issue 4. A non-Indian racetrack owner also donated to the effort.

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Cherokee Nation and Quapaw Tribe spend nearly $6 million on gaming campaign (October 31, 2018)
Cherokee Nation and Quapaw Tribe continue to donate big to campaign (October 16, 2018)
Tribes still need more signatures in push for casinos in Arkansas (July 26, 2018)
Cherokee Nation and Quapaw Tribe spend big on casino push in Arkansas (July 17, 2018)
Quapaw Tribe sees another setback with gaming bid in Arkansas (March 14, 2018)
Quapaw Tribe joins partnership to authorize up to three casinos in Arkansas (January 9, 2018)
Quapaw Tribe blames non-Indian track for opposition in Arkansas (March 4, 2016)
Quapaw Tribe seeks to acquire more ancestral land in Arkansas (February 18, 2016)
Quapaw Tribe hits snag in agreement for ancestral Arkansas land (January 21, 2016)
Quapaw Tribe works on agreement for ancestral Arkansas land (November 10, 2015)
Quapaw Tribe still vows no casino on ancestral land in Arkansas (November 3, 2015)
Quapaw Tribe still willing to sign no-casino pledge in Arkansas (August 31, 2015)