Casino operators must secure a coveted license before breaking ground. In May, the state rejected five earlier proposals for the Pope County site because none included recommendations of local officials, a requirement under the new amendment.  

One party, Gulfside Casino Partnership, plans to appeal the decision. The group maintains it submitted support letters from officials who are no longer in office, the Democrat-Gazette reported.

The Arkansas Racing Commission will meet Thursday to consider Gulfside's appeal. The group regulates horse racing and some gambling activities in the state, including license approval.

The commission also is expected to address the Legends project but not vote on it, said Nate Steel, a lawyer for the group who backed the casino amendment. If the commission accepts the county's endorsement, other casino operators will have 90 days to submit competing proposals.

 Lawsuits from involved parties will likely come before a resolution, Steel said.

"It's not unanticipated that there would be a legal challenge when licenses are worth so much," Steel said.