Cherokee Nation Businesses recently gave $525,300 to the political group Driving Arkansas Forward, which is working to place on the November ballot a constitutional amendment to allow four casinos in the state, according to Arkansas Ethics Commission records. CNB officials said they made the donation to help with campaigning and advertising and other efforts to get the proposal placed on the ballot.
CNB Chief Executive Officer Shawn Slaton said, “A significant portion of our market originates in northwest Arkansas, and if an operator other than Cherokee Nation were to gain a foothold, that would threaten jobs at Cherokee Casinos West Siloam Springs and Roland. It could also decrease, for the first time ever, revenue that ultimately funds health care, housing, education and other tribal services. CNB will always go to whatever lengths necessary to protect Cherokee jobs and not only preserve, but continue to increase the dividend paid to the Cherokee Nation, which funds critical services for Cherokee Nation citizens.”
If the proposal appears on the ballot and passes, Driving Arkansas Forward Chairman Don Tilton said Oaklawn Racing & Gaming in Hot Springs and Southland Park Gaming in West Memphis would be grandfathered in as full-fledged casinos. Currently neither location offers slots. In addition, casinos would be allowed in Jefferson County and Pope County.
Between the CNB and the Quapaw Tribe, Driving Arkansas Forward has raised more than $1.2 million, according to AEC records.
Another political group, Arkansas Wins in 2018, also is seeking to place on the November ballot an amendment allowing four casinos, one each in Benton, Boone, Miller and Pulaski counties. The group filed its ballot question statement with the AEC in March. However, the Arkansas Supreme Court recently ruled the language referred to sports wagering, which is illegal in the state.
In 2016, the CNB contributed more than $6 million for advertising campaigns for a similar ballot initiative which ultimately was struck down and CNB was reimbursed for $1.5 million. It the measure had passed, Cherokee Nation Entertainment would have operated a casino, hotel and entertainment venue in Washington County.
