Quapaw Nation reaches deal to sell land as it pursues casino in Arkansas

Wednesday, January 16, 2019  

The Quapaw Nation plans to sell some of its land in Arkansas now that the tribe's gaming dreams are finally being realized.

The tribe reached a deal to sell the 160-acre property to the Little Rock Port Authority, The Arkansas Times reported. The pending acquisition ends long-running speculation about a possible casino on the land.

"We're glad it worked out," Chairman John Berrey told The Times.

Berrey at one point was willing to sign a no-casino pledge for the land in Little Rock, which lies within a former reservation. But now that the tribe is moving forward with plans for a development elsewhere in Arkansas, the property is no longer of interest.

The proposed Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff would also be located on ancestral land. Chief Saracen, a leader of the Quapaw people, was laid to rest in the city in 1832 at the age of 97.

The tribe has won local endorsement to operate the facility, which was made possible after voters approved Issue 4 on the ballot last November. The project still needs a license from the state of Arkansas.

The tribe operates two casinos in Oklahoma, including one whose property stretches into Kansas and Missouri.

Quapaws strike deal to sell land at Little Rock Port (The Arkansas Times January 16, 2019)

Quapaw Nation awaits decision on gaming license in Arkansas (December 12, 2018)
Quapaw Nation wins endorsement to operate commercial casino in Arkansas (December 4, 2018)
Quapaw Nation moves forward with casino bid after victory at polls (November 8, 2018)
Cherokee Nation and Quapaw Tribe secure victory with gaming initiative (November 7, 2018)
Election Day: #NativeVote18 races to watch across the nation (November 6, 2018)
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)