Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge recently rejected the wording of a proposed ballot measure that would allow up to three casinos in the state with 65 percent of casino tax revenue directed to highways. Regarding the proposed constitutional amendment submitted by the citizens group Driving Arkansas Forward, Rutledge said, “In my opinion, there may be some question whether the words ‘Highway Funding Amendment’ in your proposed name fairly represent that feature of the proposed constitutional amendment. I cannot confidently predict whether the Court would say this language is fatally misleading. Based on what has been submitted, my statutory duty is to reject your proposed ballot title.”
Rutledge must approve the measure’s language before supporters can gather enough signatures to place the issue on the November ballot.
An attorney for Driving Arkansas Forward said the group will submit a new version of the proposal to address Rutledge’s concerns.
According to the proposal, Jefferson County would receive the first gaming license, Crittenden County would receive the second and the third would go to either Miller, Mississippi, Pope, Union or White counties. A minimum $100 million would be required to be invested in each casino.
Quapaw Indian Tribe Chief John Berrey has presented plans for a casino resort in Jefferson County that would create 1,000 new jobs. The Quapaw Tribe currently operates Downstream Casino in Oklahoma just across the border from Joplin, Missouri. Berry noted the tribe has a history in the area, including the burial site for Chief Saracen, Saracen Lake and Saracen Landing. “This is a chance to bring Pine Bluff back to its old self. It’s a big deal for the citizens of Pine Bluff and Jefferson County,” Berrey said.
Arkansas is one of just 11 states without either commercial or tribal casinos. Governor Asa Hutchinson is opposes gambling and a 2017 poll indicated only 38 percent of Arkansans want it.
