The pro-casino citizens group Driving Arkansas Forward recently submitted a revised version of a constitutional amendment that would expand casino gambling in the state. Last month state Attorney General Leslie Rutledge rejected the language in the Arkansas Casino Gaming Amendment of 2018. It would permit casinos at the Southland greyhound track in West Memphis and Oaklawn horse racetrack in Hot Springs; both already offer electronic gaming machines. Officials at Southland, which previously opposed expanded casino gambling, stated, “The proposed ballot initiative not only protects but would expand our gaming offerings’. The proposed amendment also would allow two casinos, one each in Jefferson and Pope counties.
If the attorney general certifies the wording of the resubmitted measure, Driving Arkansas Forward will begin gathering the 84,859 certified signatures required by July 6 to place the issue on the November 6 ballot.
Driving Arkansas Forward attorney Nate Steel said, “We have all witnessed in the past, election cycle after cycle, individuals and groups trying to do this the wrong way. This time, it’s different because of the fact that we have amended our proposal based on the attorney general’s feedback and resubmitted a fair and reasonable ballot measure. This allows the voters of Arkansas to expand the gaming industry in a smart and controlled manner by establishing a pathway forward for our state for years to come.”
Steel said casino licenses “would be awarded through a merit-based process.” Developers would have to obtain letters of support from local officials and prove they can offer experience operating an existing casino, then invest a minimum of $100 million in a facility. Analysts estimate the two casinos would generate annual tax revenue of more than $100 million, most of which would be directed toward funding highway maintenance statewide.
