Arkansas Supreme Court Upholds Casino Ballot Initiative: The Battle for Pope County’s Future
On Thursday, the Arkansas Supreme Court made a significant ruling affecting the future of gambling in the state by denying a petition from the Cherokee Nation to remove Issue 2 from the November ballot. This decision paves the way for Arkansans to have a say in whether or not they want a fourth casino in Arkansas, specifically located in Pope County.
The Context: A Tussle Over Casino Licenses
Issue 2 proposes to repeal the recently awarded casino license by the Arkansas Racing Commission to the Cherokee Nation for the planned Legends Resort and Casino in Pope County. This license is one of four permitted under Amendment 100, which was approved by voters in 2018, limiting the total number of casinos in the state. The ongoing dispute between the Cherokee Nation and the Choctaw Nation represents a clash of interests that highlights the complexities involved in state gambling regulations.
The Cherokee Nation was awarded the license earlier this year after a competitive bidding process. However, the Choctaw Nation, through a group they funded called Local Voters in Charge, mobilized to get Issue 2 on the ballot, arguing that the decision regarding casinos should be made at the local level rather than by state-appointed commissions. According to Hans Stiritz, spokesman for Local Voters in Charge, "This is a great day for the state of Arkansas," emphasizing the importance of allowing citizens to vote on the matter.
Local Voices: Support and Opposition
While supporters of Issue 2 argue that local citizens should have the right to dictate the character of their communities, many officials in Pope County express strong support for the Cherokee Nation’s proposed casino. Pope County Judge Ben Cross is among the proponents, stating that "12 of the 13 quorum court members, the five mayors in Pope County, all want this project to happen." The casino, they argue, would be a substantial economic generator for the region, with a projected $40 million economic development agreement that includes funds directly benefiting local cities, nonprofits, and universities.
On the opposite side, proponents of Issue 2 assert that the Choctaw Nation’s involvement in opposing the Cherokee Nation stems from a desire to protect their gaming interests, given the proximity of their existing casino in Oklahoma. "They’re trying to stifle economic development and use the state constitution to eliminate their competition," Cross adds, framing the opposition as an effort to protect regional economic interests.
The Stakes: What Voting Means for Arkansans
As the election approaches, it is crucial for voters to understand the implications of their choices. A vote in favor of Issue 2 would effectively eliminate the licensing for a fourth casino in Arkansas, requiring another constitutional amendment to bring a new casino into the state in the future. Conversely, voting against Issue 2 would allow the Cherokee Nation to proceed with their plans for construction.
Natalie Ghidotti, vice chairman of Investing in Arkansas—a campaign committee backing the Cherokee Nation—affirms the high stakes of the decision. She urges voters to consider the long-term effects of their choices, underscoring that a yes on Issue 2 equates to no casino in Pope County, while a no vote could open the door for new economic opportunities and development.
Funding and Influence: The Outside Interests Narrative
The financial dynamics of this conflict complicate the narrative. Both the Cherokee and Choctaw Nations have poured millions into their respective campaigns, with the Choctaw Nation reportedly contributing $5.6 million to Local Voters in Charge and the Cherokee Nation investing $2.8 million in their own campaign. These figures reflect the broader theme of out-of-state interests influencing local voter decisions, with both sides accusing each other of relying on funds from entities outside of Arkansas.
Stiritz contends that the core of Issue 2 revolves around empowering local communities, while opponents claim that the battle is merely a strategic maneuver by the Choctaw Nation to preserve their casino’s market share against a new competitor.
Conclusion: The Upcoming Vote
As Arkansas heads to the polls, the decision regarding Issue 2 will ultimately rest with the voters of Pope County and the state at large. The outcome will not only define the immediate future of the casino industry in Arkansas but could also set a precedent for how local communities can influence state regulations in the years to come.
Voters must educate themselves on the implications of their choices: a vote for Issue 2 signals a preference for local control over casino licensing, while a vote against it opens the door for the Cherokee Nation’s economic development plans in Pope County. With the potential for significant economic growth, community values, and competitive dynamics at stake, every vote will count come November.
