Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge recently rejected the wording of Driving Arkansas Forward’s proposed constitutional amendment to allow four casinos in the state. Rutledge said the ballot title was too long and misleading. She also stated the text contained “ambiguities; for example, Rutledge said it was not clear if Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs and Southland Park in West Memphis could operate more than one casino in their host counties. Both currently offer electronic games of skill which are allowed only at outlets with parimutuel wagering. Under the proposal, 52.5 percent of tax revenue would go to highway and road construction.
The amendment also would allow casinos in Jefferson and Pope counties; the Quapaw and Cherokee tribes, which both operate casinos in Oklahoma, have their eyes on a casino in Jefferson County.
Rutledge rejected the first version of the amendment; it subsequently was changed to be more advantageous for Southland and Oaklawn. It probably will be resubmitted, Driving Arkansas Forward officials said.
The attorney general must certify the proposed amendment’s wording before supporters can begin collecting enough signatures to place it on the November ballot.
