Understanding Arkansas’s Issue 2: Fact-Checking Casino Claims
As the November 2024 ballot approaches, Arkansas residents are gearing up to make a significant decision regarding the future of gambling in the state. Known as Issue 2, this amendment aims to put casino licensing decisions in the hands of local voters, particularly in Pope County, where the future of a casino has become a topic of heated debate and conflicting claims. In this article, we will delve into the claims made by both sides—Local Voters in Charge (LVC) and Investing in Arkansas—and clarify the factual basis of these assertions, following an in-depth fact-checking process conducted by 5NEWS.
What is Issue 2?
If passed, Issue 2 will not only revoke the current casino license granted to the Cherokee Nation Entertainment for Pope County but also mandate local voter approval for any future casino licenses. This shift aims to empower residents, allowing them to express their views on gambling in their own communities, rather than relying on the Arkansas Racing Commission for such critical decisions.
Claims by Local Voters in Charge
Claim 1: Voters in Pope County rejected a casino in 2018.
One of the prominent claims by LVC is that while four casinos were authorized in the state, the residents of Pope County voted overwhelmingly—61% against—a casino license during the 2018 ballot for Amendment 100. This asserts that local sentiment should matter, and the proposed amendment ensures that no county can be forced to accept a casino license without voter consent.
Scott Hardin, communications director for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, confirms the factual basis of this claim, emphasizing that the local vote matters, but the broader state initiative allowed others to proceed without local consent.
Claim 2: Out-of-state gambling lobbyists are seeking to impose a casino on Pope County.
LVC has raised alarms about out-of-state interests, claiming that lobbyists from outside Arkansas are pushing for a casino in Pope County. They highlight Cherokee Nation Entertainment, based in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, as an example of this phenomenon.
However, the discussion becomes more intricate when considering the financial backing of Choctaw Casino in nearby Pocola, Oklahoma, which has reportedly contributed over $5 million to support Issue 2.
Claims Against Issue 2 from Investing in Arkansas
Claim 1: Support from local officials for a Pope County casino.
In contrast, Investing in Arkansas cites strong support from local government officials, including Pope County Judge Ben Cross and the local quorum court, for the proposed casino by Cherokee Nation Entertainment. This assertion is rooted in a resolution passed in 2023 endorsing the casino project, underscoring the complex dynamics of local governance and public sentiment toward the casino license.
Claim 2: Casino tax revenue will benefit local needs.
Investing in Arkansas further argues that the tax revenue generated from the casino will significantly contribute to essential services within Pope County. According to Amendment 100, casinos are required to pay substantial taxes, which can be vital for funding local services such as education and emergency response systems.
Claim 3: Opposition to Issue 2 threatens jobs and economic investment.
Finally, the opposing group claims that passing Issue 2 will jeopardize thousands of jobs and millions in potential investments from Cherokee Nation Entertainment. Hardin countered this assertion, pointing out that the Cherokee Nation has committed a substantial investment of $40 million towards the county, which specific agreements assure once the casino is constructed.
Conclusion: An Empowered Electorate
The stakes surrounding Issue 2 are undeniably high as the people of Arkansas prepare to vote on this significant amendment. As tumultuous as the debate has been, it has brought various perspectives to light, from local governance and community voices to impacts on economic development and tax revenue.
With the fact-checking by 5NEWS clearing the air, it is critical for voters to engage with the issue and consider all sides before heading to the polls in November. Empowering local voters to decide on such crucial matters reflects a pivotal step towards democratizing decision-making in Arkansas. Understanding the veracity of claims made by both sides will lead to informed choices that will shape the future of gambling and local economies for years to come.
