This November’s ballot includes language for residents to vote on a new casino
Arkansas is facing a significant decision about the future of casino gambling in the state. At the center of this debate is whether local residents or state-level voters should have the power to decide where new casinos are built. A group called Local Voters in Charge (LVC) is pushing for a constitutional amendment that would require local voter approval for future casino licenses. They are also advocating for the revocation of a license granted to a casino in Pope County, which would be the state’s fourth.
LVC’s proposed amendment could be on the ballot in November, allowing Arkansas voters to determine if they want local control over casino licensing. The proposed change would also reduce the number of casino licenses from four to three. A competing group, the Arkansas Canvassing Compliance Committee (ACCC), has filed a lawsuit, claiming that LVC violated state laws during its signature-gathering process. Despite these claims, it appears that the ballot measure will move forward.
This debate over casino control reflects a broader conversation happening across the US about gambling expansion, especially with the rise of online gambling. Arkansas first opened its doors to casino gambling in 2018, when voters narrowly passed Amendment 100, which legalized casinos and sports betting. Since then, three casinos have opened, and sports betting has expanded into online platforms.
While LVC’s amendment focuses on land-based casinos, it could influence future discussions on online gambling. The Natural State navigates this issue and the outcome of the November vote could shape the future of gambling in the region and set a precedent for how such decisions are made.
