Good News: Federal Court Rules Against Pope Co. Casino Effort

Gambling, ,

On Thursday, a federal court dismissed the lawsuit over Issue 2 of 2024.

Issue 2 is a constitutional amendment that voters passed last November. 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.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr., ruled against Cherokee Nation Business’s lawsuit. This decision effectively upholds Issue 2 and keeps a casino out of Pope County. That is something to celebrate.

Gambling has become a scourge in our state. On average, Arkansans gamble millions of dollars every day.

In spite of that, casino tax revenue has not improved Arkansas’ roads or boosted the economy. Instead it’s hurt our communities.

Last year the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council announced it has seen a sharp spike in calls for help with problem gambling.

We have written in the past how gambling companies often oppose safeguards and promote compulsive gambling. 

Unless Arkansans 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.

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Arkansans Wagered $2M+ Daily on Sports Betting in March: News Report

Gambling, ,

A recent news story indicated Arkansans likely wagered more than $2 million per day, on average, last month.

KFSM reports,

According to Scott Hardin, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, the state could see around $20 million more dollars spent on sports gambling this March compared to the same period last year. 

“In March of 2024 the Razorbacks were not in the [NCAA basketball] tournament, and we had $50 million wagered on sports and that’s through the state’s three casinos,” Hardin said. “I think it’s fair to say right now, we’re expecting somewhere around $70 million.” 

Internet sports betting through Arkansas’ three casinos has made it possible for people to gamble and lose on sporting events from anywhere in the state.

Nationwide, sports betting is now legal in 39 states — including Arkansas, where people, on average, wager more than a million dollars a day, most months.

That kind of gambling ruins lives, tears families apart, and hurts communities.

Studies indicate people who gamble on sports may be twice as likely to suffer from gambling problems.

Young men are particularly hurt by sports gambling. Twenty-year-old males account for approximately 40% of calls to gambling addiction hotlines, and upwards of 20 million men are in debt or have been in debt as a result of sports betting.

And research now shows that the legalization of sports betting may be linked to serious financial problems in America — such as credit card debt, overdrafts, late payments on loans, lower credit scores, and higher bankruptcy rates.

Last year the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council announced it has seen a 22% increase in calls for help with problem gambling — driven largely by sports betting.

News stories like this one underscore why the Arkansas Legislature was right to reject a gambling expansion proposal last week.

H.B. 1861 by Rep. Matt Duffield (R — Russellville) and Sen. Jamie Scott (D — North Little Rock) would let Oaklawn, Southland, and Saracen casinos conduct Internet gambling — such as slots and other casino-style games — online from anywhere in Arkansas. After extensive debate, the bill was pulled down so it could be sent to Interim Study.

Gambling in Arkansas and nationwide is out of control and ruining lives. Tax revenue from casinos and sports betting has not improved Arkansas’ roads or boosted the economy.

As powerful corporations try to make gambling part of everyday life, it’s important for Arkansas to protect citizens and families from predatory gambling. Otherwise gambling addiction will simply 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.

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