Arkansas Casino Referendum: The Battle Over Issue 2
Posted on: October 18, 2024, 08:15h
Last updated on: October 18, 2024, 09:03h
In a significant twist in Arkansas’s evolving gambling landscape, the state’s Supreme Court has paved the way for a referendum that could dramatically alter the gaming license allocation process in the state. This move comes amid fierce legal disputes and substantial financial campaigns surrounding the gaming interests in Pope County, where a license has been awarded to a project backed by the Cherokee Nation.
The Supreme Court’s Decision
On Thursday, the Arkansas Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of the casino referendum known as Issue 2, allowing it to be presented to voters. The court ruled 6-1 that the popular name and ballot title of Issue 2 were adequate and not misleading, a decision articulated by Associate Justice Karen Baker, who emphasized the intelligibility and impartiality of the phrasing used in the referendum.
Qualifications of Issue 2
While the majority praised the wording, there was dissent within the court. Associate Justice Shawn Womack voiced concerns that the ballot measure could mislead voters by not clearly stating that it would revoke the existing gaming license granted to Pope County. This concern highlights the contentiousness surrounding the referendum and its potential implications for local gaming operations.
Understanding Issue 2
At its core, Issue 2 seeks to reform how the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) issues gaming licenses. If passed, it would require local voter approval through a referendum before a gaming concession can be granted in a designated host city. This alteration aims to provide local communities with a more direct voice in the licensing process, particularly in cases like Pope County, which has experienced ongoing legal conflicts regarding its gaming license.
The Background
In 2018, Arkansas voters approved a ballot initiative that authorized the establishment of four commercial casinos across the state, including one in Pope County. However, this approval came despite Pope County voters rejecting the gambling question, placing it in a unique position among the 75 counties in the state. The decision to award the gaming license to Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE) has been highly contentious, resulting in protracted legal disputes involving competing bids.
Legal and Financial Maneuverings
The stakes of this ballot measure are incredibly high, not just politically but financially as well. The campaign surrounding Issue 2 has seen significant monetary investment, with the Cherokee Nation spending extensively to defeat the measure. Reports indicate that they have allocated $11.6 million to influence voter opinion, aiming to protect their project, Legends Resort & Casino, valued at $300 million, which is slated for development in Russellville, Arkansas.
In addition, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma—whose casinos would be impacted by expanded gaming competition in Arkansas—has also put significant weight behind Issue 2, contributing approximately $8.8 million to support the campaign for the referendum.
Polling Insights
As the referendum approaches, current polls suggest that the outcome is still uncertain. A considerable portion of the electorate—about 30%—remains undecided on how they will cast their vote on November 5. This indecision highlights the broader impact of the referendum on the future of gaming in Arkansas and the emphasis placed on local governance in determining gaming operations.
Community Support and Opposition
Support for Issue 2 is bolstered by local officials in Pope County, including Pope County Judge Ben Cross and a majority of the Quorum Court, who have expressed strong backing for the measure. Their support reflects a sentiment among local leaders that community approval is essential for integrating gambling into their local economies.
Conversely, opposition to Issue 2 hinges primarily on the potential economic benefits that may be lost if the gaming license is revoked. Proponents of the current license argue that the influx of tourism and job creation associated with the Legends Resort would significantly benefit the local economy, despite the prior voter dissent over gambling.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Arkansas Gaming
The outcome of the upcoming referendum promises to be a defining moment for the state’s gambling future. By placing the power of local referendums at the forefront of gaming legislation, Issue 2 reflects a growing desire for community involvement in such significant decisions. As debates continue and campaigns intensify, Arkansas voters find themselves at a crossroads that could reshape the landscape of gambling in the state for years to come.
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