Cherokee Nation Business is suing in federal court to block enforcement of Issue 2 that voters passed last week.
Issue 2 is a constitutional amendment. It prevents the State of Arkansas from licensing a casino in Pope County, 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.
Cherokee Nation Business had received a license to operate a casino in Pope County. Issue 2’s passage on election day keeps their casino — and any other casinos — out of Pope County.
Issue 2 passed with strong support from Arkansans on November 5. But after the election, Cherokee Nation Business filed a federal lawsuit to undo the will of the people and block Issue 2.
The lawsuit argues that Issue 2 violates Cherokee Nation Business’s constitutional rights. It also claims Issue 2 lacks due process, impairs contracts, and unfairly targets their casino license.
In a decision issued Wednesday, U.S. District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr., denied Cherokee Nation Business’s request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction that would have blocked Issue 2. The ruling indicated the case would be expedited and that a trial in the case would be scheduled soon.
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. In spite of that, casino tax revenue has not improved Arkansas’ roads or boosted the 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.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
