FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Little Rock, Ark. – On Tuesday, proposed constitutional amendment Issue 2 keeping a casino out of Russellville passed in Arkansas.
Family Council President Jerry Cox released a statement, saying, “I believe voters made the right decision. Statewide, Issue 2 passed with strong support. Issue 2 prevents the State of Arkansas from licensing a casino in Russellville, and it prevents any additional casinos from being opened in Arkansas without a new constitutional amendment and without local voter approval at a special election. Passing Issue 2 keeps a casino out of Pope County, and it respects the ability of local people to govern themselves.”
Cox called casino gambling a blight on communities. “Legalized gambling has become a scourge in our state. On average, Arkansans are gambling more than a million dollars every day on sports betting alone. Gambling tax revenue has not improved Arkansas’ roads or boosted our economy. Instead it’s hurt our communities. The Arkansas Problem Gambling Council has seen a 22% increase in calls for help with problem gambling this year. Unless Arkansas’ lawmakers and its people take a stand, gambling addiction is simply going to continue wrecking lives and hurting families in our state.”
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