The federal judge presiding over the lawsuit regarding Issue 2 has determined the group Local Voters in Charge can file an amicus brief in the case.
Issue 2 is a constitutional amendment that voters passed on November 5. The measure 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 received a license to operate a casino in Pope County before Issue 2 passed. After passage of Issue 2, Cherokee Nation Business filed a federal lawsuit to undo the will of the people and block the amendment.
Local Voters in Charge worked to place Issue 2 on the ballot. After Cherokee Nation Business sued to block Issue 2, Local Voters in Charge asked the federal court for permission to intervene in the lawsuit.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr., issue an order denying Local Voters in Charge’s request to intervene. However, the judge gave the group permission to file an amicus brief in the case.
The amicus brief will give Local Voters in Charge an opportunity to provide arguments and information in support of Issue 2.
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.
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