Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow construction of casinos in the US state of Arkansas have submitted a revised amendment to attorney general Leslie Rutledge, who rejected the language in the first proposal last month.
The revised amendment, known as The Arkansas Casino Gaming Amendment of 2018, was filed on Monday by the ‘Drive Arkansas Forward’ local pressure group. It would authorise two new casinos while enhancing the gaming credentials at a further two already in operation.
“We have all witnessed in the past, election cycle after cycle, individuals and groups trying to do this the wrong way,” said Nate Steel, counsel for Driving Arkansas Forward.
“This time, it’s different because of the fact that we have amended our proposal based on the attorney general’s feedback and resubmitted a fair and reasonable ballot measure.
“This allows the voters of Arkansas to expand the gaming industry in a smart and controlled manner by establishing a pathway forward for our state for years to come. In response to the attorney general’s comments, we have identified two specific counties in Arkansas that would be eligible for a casino license. Those licenses would be awarded through a merit-based process.”
The bulk of tax revenues from casino gaming would be used for highway maintenance in the state, as well as in the counties and cities where the casinos are located. Total annual tax revenue estimates exceed $100m.