The lawsuit over whether or not Arkansas can keep a casino out of Pope County may go to trial in March of next year. The lawsuit is part of Cherokee Nation Business’s effort to block Issue 2 that voters passed on November 5.
Issue 2 is a constitutional amendment that prevents the State of Arkansas from licensing a casino in Pope County. It also 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 previously received a license to operate a casino in Pope County. After Issue 2 passed, 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.
Last week U.S. District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr., issued a scheduling order indicating the lawsuit could go to trial sometime March 18-20 or March 25-27.
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.
