Arkansas Casino Referendum Spending Tops $30M

With more than $30 million raised by rival casino interests, the high-dollar proxy war over a constitutional amendment has become one of the costliest political battles in recent Arkansas history as voters in Pope County prepare to go to the polls. The stakes couldn’t be higher for groups on both sides as the referendum could reshape Arkansas’ gambling landscape.

Both Sides Have Vested Financial Interests

The dispute concerns a constitutional amendment proposed by Local Voters in Charge, a political action committee (PAC) backed by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. If approved, the proposal would invalidate a casino license in Pope County awarded to Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE) of the Cherokee Nation and mandate a countywide referendum for any future casino developments in the state.

Local Voters in Charge argues the decision should ultimately be up to the local communities whether or not to have a casino in their backyard. On the opposing side, two other PACs – Investing in Arkansas and the Arkansas Canvassing Compliance Committee – emphasize the potential economic benefits of the proposed casino, with promises of jobs, local investment, and increased tax revenue for Pope County.

The Arkansas Supreme Court has played a pivotal role in shaping the debate over the referendum. After a lengthy legal battle, the court ruled last month that the amendment’s name and ballot title were acceptable, allowing it to appear on the November ballot. The decision has sparked a public showdown between Cherokee and Choctaw supporters, with each side spending millions on ads to sway public sentiment.

Rising Spending Highlights the Vote’s Importance

According to a recent Arkansas Times report, Local Voters in Charge reported a substantial fundraising increase this month, raising $8.9 million and bringing its total to $17.7 million. The group has already spent $15.6 million on campaign advertisements and grassroots initiatives, leaving it with roughly $2 million to use before the upcoming vote.

Meanwhile, Investing in Arkansas and its associated PACs have collectively raised over $13 million to fight the amendment. The organizations have flooded local TV and radio stations with ads supporting Pope County’s current casino license. They argue the casino license should not get revoked because it would hamper the region’s economic development, causing a loss for the county and the entire state.

With campaign finance deadlines fast approaching, both sides keep pouring funds into their respective campaigns, highlighting their determination to influence voter sentiment. Regardless of the outcome, this battle has reshaped the landscape of Arkansas politics and revealed how outside entities can influence local politics as they pursue their financial interests. The stakes are high as the final vote will set a precedent for future casino developments.