In February the group Arcade Arkansas spent more than $77,000 on its effort to put a gambling-machine amendment on the ballot this November, according to documents filed with the Arkansas Ethics Commission earlier this month.
The group’s proposal would legalize some 15,000 gambling machines statewide under the Arkansas Lottery and could create miniature casinos all over the state — with little or no oversight to prevent fraud or corruption.
In February the State Lottery Director came out against the proposal.
While the group has put serious money into its effort to amend the Arkansas Constitution, Arcade Arkansas reportedly has suspended its petition drive amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Meanwhile, the group Protect Arkansas Communities received approximately $400,000 in February from the corporations that own the casinos at Oaklawn, Southland, and Saracen.
Protect Arkansas Communities is opposing Arcade Arkansas’ gambling amendment.
Casino gambling is linked to homelessness, domestic violence, divorce, and bankruptcy.
Arkansas’ counties with casinos also have high poverty rates.
To put it plainly, gambling is a blight on the community.
Arkansas already has enough problems from casino gambling. We don’t need any more.
Photo Credit: Win win win! by Domas Mituzas, on Flickr
