Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has given the green light to revised ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at altering casino licensing in the state.
The amendment, spearheaded by the Local Voters in Charge ballot committee, seeks to repeal the Arkansas Racing Commission’s authority to issue a casino license in Pope County and mandate local voter approval for new casino licenses outside three specified counties.
The move by the Republican attorney general paves the way for the committee to commence signature collection from registered voters, a prerequisite for securing a spot on the November 5 general election ballot. The committee must gather 90,704 signatures, including representation from at least 50 counties, by July 5 to qualify the proposed amendment.
The amendment proposal, born out of ongoing contention surrounding the Pope County casino license, aims to empower local communities to determine the presence of casinos within their jurisdictions. Hans Stiritz, spokesperson for the Local Voters in Charge committee, expressed gratitude for the attorney general’s approval, highlighting the amendment’s focus on safeguarding local autonomy.
“This measure will keep casinos out of communities that don’t want them, and allow local voters to determine the character of their own hometowns,” he said in a written statement, retrieved by Arkansas Online. “We look forward to bringing our proposal to the voters of Arkansas during this busy canvassing season, and ultimately to the ballot this fall.”
Meanwhile, Allison Burum, representing Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Businesses, underscored the organization’s commitment to fulfilling obligations to Pope County and the state, including the construction of the $300 million Legends Resort & Casino.
“We continue to follow the direction of the Attorney General’s office and the Arkansas Racing Commission with respect to the licensing process,” she said in a written statement, as per the cited media. “We look forward to ultimately proceeding with construction on the more than $300 million Legends Resort & Casino which will generate more than $5 billion in economic impact over the first 10 years.”
Griffin’s approval of the ballot language follows a series of revisions aimed at ensuring clarity and accuracy in conveying the amendment’s intent. The proposed amendment, if ratified, would revoke existing casino licenses in Pope County issued before Nov. 13, 2024, the effective date of the proposed constitutional amendment.
Earlier this month, the Arkansas Racing Commission approved proposed revisions of its casino gambling rules that could clear the way for the commission to begin accepting new applications for the Pope County casino license as early as May.
The casino license has been a source of turmoil for Pope County and the state, resulting in numerous court cases over the years.