In a sharp escalation of stakes, two prominent casino-operating tribes, the Cherokee Nation Businesses and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, have invested a significant $13 million into their lobbying efforts concerning a critical constitutional amendment in Arkansas. This looming amendment poses substantial implications for the future of casino operations in Pope County by challenging the current licensing arrangements.
Amendment strife over casino development:
At the center of this legal and financial maelstrom, the proposed amendment would revoke an existing license granted to the Cherokees for a casino in Pope County. It also seeks to cap the number of casinos in Arkansas to three, stipulating that the establishment of any new casinos would require approval via a statewide constitutional amendment and affirmative votes from the residents of the affected counties.
The Cherokee Nation Businesses, based in Catoosa, Oklahoma, have been particularly active, contributing $8.8 million in September to Investing in Arkansas, a ballot question committee that opposes the amendment. Their total donations to this committee have now reached $11.6 million. The financial disclosures filed with the Arkansas Ethics Commission reveal that Investing in Arkansas had about $1.8 million on hand at the end of September, underscoring the substantial financial resources being deployed to influence the vote.
As Arkansas Times reports, the Cherokees also donated $776,500 to the Arkansas Canvassing Compliance Committee, another entity fighting against the amendment. This group, which has raised an equivalent amount in total, reported having $101,974 at the end of the month. This committee is notably active in the legal arena, having taken their objections to the Arkansas Supreme Court. The court has recently dismissed one of their arguments but has yet to make a decision regarding the amendment’s popular name and ballot title, which could influence public perception and voting behavior.
Choctaw Nation’s counter efforts:
In opposition, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has aligned its resources with Local Voters in Charge, the leading advocate for the amendment, by contributing $3.2 million last month. Their total contributions to this campaign have matched the Cherokee’s at $8.8 million. With $723,128 on hand as of the last reporting period, Local Voters in Charge is poised to intensify their campaign efforts as the voting day approaches.
This amendment battle is not just a legal contest but also a community concern, as it could drastically alter the economic and social landscape of Pope County and surrounding areas. The outcome of this vote could determine the economic future of the region, influencing job creation, tourism, and state revenue from casino operations.
Community members and stakeholders are watching closely, as the decisions made in the coming weeks will have long-lasting impacts on the state’s gaming industry and its regulatory framework. The substantial financial backing for both sides of the amendment indicates the high stakes involved, emphasizing the significant economic and political implications of the upcoming vote.
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