The Fair Play for Arkansas 2022 committee, which supports a proposed constitutional amendment to remove Pope County as a casino site, raised more than $1 million in June, according to state data. The Arkansas Tourism Alliance, which opposes the amendment, raised just $50,000.
Specifically, Fair Play for Arkansas 2022 raised $1.2 million in contributions—it spent $947,000, primarily on canvassing activities. To date, Fair Play for Arkansas 2022 has raised $3.3 million in contributions and spent $2.8 million, leaving a balance of $525,609 on June 30.
The Arkansas Tourism Alliance raised $50,003, including $50,000 from Cherokee Nation Businesses. It spent $19,286, mainly on investigations and marketing. To date, the alliance has reportedly raised $1.3 million and spent $1.29 million, leaving a balance of $30,754 on June 30.
In 2018, Arkansas voters approved Amendment 100, authorizing the state Racing Commission to issue four casino licenses; three already are operating in Hot Springs, Pine Bluff and West Memphis.
Last November, the Pope County casino license was awarded to Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Businesses to build Legends Resort & Casino. Previously, the Arkansas Racing Commission nullified the license awarded to Gulfside Casino Partnership.
