Arkansas Voters Poised To Approve Legalized Casinos On November BallotNew Poll Shows Favorable Numbers For Ballot Initiative |
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This November, voters in Arkansas will have the opportunity to approve the legalization of four casinos. Despite similar attempts having failed in the past, a new poll suggests that perhaps, this time around, Arkansans are ready to say yes to an expanded gambling initiative in the state.
Issue 4 on the Nov. 6 midterm election ballot asks voters if they support a constitutional amendment to issue four casino licenses. Those licenses would be awarded to the existing Southland Racing Corporation in Crittenden County, the existing Oaklawn Jockey Club in Garland County, and two new applicants for future projects in Pope County and Jefferson County.
While an initial poll from Hendrix College showed just 41 percent of voters in favor of the measure with 48 percent against, a recent poll now shows 49 percent in favor, with just 43 percent against.
Supporters of the measure claim that legalizing casinos will help curb the money that regularly exits Arkansas to neighboring states with licensed gambling facilities. Approximately 30 percent of state residents surveyed said they regularly engaged in casino gaming outside of the Arkansas.
The state would also generate an estimated $120 million annually in tax revenue, 55 percent of which would go to the state general fund.
Critics of the measure include the Ensuring Arkansas’ Future group, the Family Council Action Committee, the Citizens for Local Choice committee, and Libertarian candidate for governor Mark West.
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