Arkansas Passes Issue 2 Keeping Casino Out of Russellville

Casinos,

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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Pine Bluff Casino Donates Tens of Thousands to Political Action Committees Ahead of Election

Casinos,

A Pine Bluff casino has donated heavily to political action committees around the state ahead of the 2024 election, according to state financial disclosure reports.

Political action committees — or PACs — typically work to elect or defeat candidates for public office. They can do that by donating to candidates’ campaigns, by giving to political parties, by running their own independent campaigns for or against candidates, and by issuing public endorsements for certain candidates.

Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff is one of three casinos authorized under Amendment 100. The casino is owned by the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, and it has operated in Jefferson County since 2019.

According to reports filed with the Arkansas Secretary of State, this year Saracen Casino has given $45,000 total to the following political action committees:

Some of these PACs accept donations from many different people and companies, but in each case Saracen Casino appears to be among the PAC’s largest donors.

The money that these PACs receive is generally donated to other political action committees or to specific candidates running for office in Arkansas.

Saracen is not the only casino making political contributions, but so far they are the largest donor.

Oaklawn Casino in Hot Springs has donated only $12,500 to political campaigns this year, and Delaware North Companies that owns Southland Casino in West Memphis has only donated $5,000 for 2024.

Casino gambling is big business, and the companies that profit from it have a lot of money at their disposal for lobbying and political campaigns.

For example, Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff has pushed for a public policy change that would permit casino-style gambling statewide on any smart phone or mobile device. Family Council believes casino interests could lobby for this kind of digital gambling during the coming legislative session.

It’s worth pointing out the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council has seen a 22% increase in calls for help with problem gambling this year — a spike largely driven by sports betting.

As powerful corporations try to make gambling part of everyday life, it is important for Arkansas to protect citizens and families from predatory gambling.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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What the Passage of Issue 2 Would Mean

Casinos,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 1, 2024

Little Rock, AR – On Friday, Family Council Director Jerry Cox issued a statement clarifying how the passage of Issue 2 would impact Arkansas.

Cox said, “The advertising surrounding Issue 2 has been the most confusing I’ve seen in years. Even members of the Arkansas Legislature have asked us for help understanding the issue. The ads are confusing, but the measure itself is pretty simple.

“A vote for Issue 2 prevents the State of Arkansas from licensing a casino out of 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.

“A vote against Issue 2 means the State of Arkansas will license a casino in Russellville.”

Cox concluded his remarks by saying, “We believe it is important for Arkansans to vote wisely, and we want to help them understand the issues. When Arkansas voters understand the issues, they do what’s right.”

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