According to final campaign finance reports, the committees behind a voter-approved constitutional amendment authorizing four casinos in Arkansas spent $9.7 million of the $9.8 million in contributions raised. Driving Arkansas Forward reported raising $7.1 million and spending $7 million through December 6, leaving $70,837.12 in its campaign account. The Downstream Development Authority of the Quapaw Nation in Quapaw, Oklahoma contributed $3.78 million to Driving Arkansas Forward, and Cherokee Nation Businesses LLC in Catoosa, Oklahoma gave $2.28 million. Southland’s parent company, Delaware North, contributed $1.16 million.
The committee opposed to the amendment reported raising $180,000 and spending $100,000.
Quapaw Nation chairman John Berrey said the Quapaw Nation’s contributions were “both offensive and defensive. We wanted to protect our market in Northwest Arkansas, and we don’t want to face these constitutional amendment challenges every two years. For what we spent and the value of what we are getting, it’s a good trade-off. We are from Arkansas. That’s the important thing for us.” The 4,800-member Quapaw Nation operates two casinos in Oklahoma.
Under Amendment 100, the Arkansas Racing Commission will issue licenses allowing expanded gambling at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in Hot Springs and Southland Gaming and Racing in West Memphis; both of those operations already offer electronic games of skill. In addition, one casino will be allowed in both Jefferson and Pope counties.
The Quapaw Nation is interested in the Jefferson County gaming license, and the Cherokee Nation is eyeing the Pope County operation if local officials support it. Both casinos require approval from either the county judge or quorum court and the mayor if the casinos are in the city. Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington and Jefferson County Judge Booker Clemons both have written letters to the racing commission supporting the Quapaw casino.
Berrey said the tribe’s proposed casino in Pine Bluff would be named the Saracen Casino Resort, named for a Quapaw Indian chief in Arkansas who was buried in Pine Bluff. Construction could start next spring if the state racing commission approves the gaming license application, Berrey said; rules must be approved by March 14, 2019, followed by a public comment period and final approval from the legislature.
Berry said the Saracen Casino could be built in phases, with the casino and restaurant opening first, and the 20-story hotel and entertainment venues later.
Cherokee Nation Businesses and Cherokee Nation Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Shawn Slaton said, “Should the citizens of Pope County decide they would like a casino in their county, CNE would like the opportunity to be the licensed operator.” The 360,000-member Cherokee Nation operates 10 casinos across northeast Oklahoma and a horseracing track.
The likelihood of a Pope County casino isn’t as certain in Pope County, where Judge-elect Ben Cross said he has no plans to write letters of support. He said the Pope County Quorum Court and Russellville Mayor-elect Richard Harris also do not plan to issue letters of support for potential casino operators. “I will follow the wishes of the people, and the wishes of the people were spoken in my view at the November general election when they voted this issue down 60-40 within Pope County,” he said.
Cross said he’s been approached by at least three groups, in addition to Cherokee officials. He said at least one of those groups will challenge county opposition in court. “There will be moves either by the gaming industry or individuals that try to circumvent this part of the process, and that will ultimately be left to the courts to decide,” Cross said.
