Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones teams up with Cherokee Nation for Arkansas casino plan

A hospitality company founded by Jerry Jones, billionaire owner of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, is set to partner with the Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Business (CNB) to launch a casino resort in Arkansas.

Jones-owned Legends and the CNB will “deliver a world-class entertainment complex consistent with other venues within the Legends portfolio,” the company stated in a press release. “Legends will manage the process for the design and development of the complex, conceive the culinary experience and help CNB to monetise the guest experience for non-gaming attractions.”

The Cherokee Nation will own the new venue rather than Legends, allowing the firm to avoid any possible conflict of interest with the NFL, which limits the extent to which team owners can invest in gambling businesses.

“We are excited to have Legends involved in the process. It is very important to us because of the family history and connection we have to Arkansas. Legends was founded on the principle of creating a superior guest experience during game day and we look forward to bringing that expertise to the state of Arkansas,” said Jones’ son, Stephen Jones, who serves as EVP, CEO and, director of Player Personnel for the Cowboys.

CNB’s CEO, Shawn Slaton, characterised the partnership with Legends as “a game-changer”. “They bring a wealth of experience having worked with premier venues across professional sports, live events and collegiate partners including The University of Arkansas, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Ultimate Fighting Championship and Live Nation amphitheatres,” he explained.