Arkansas

New Developments (updated 10/24/00)

Casino initiative qualifies for ballot: Proponents of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow casinos in several Arkansas counties collected some 80,000 signatures, enough to put the measure on the November 7 ballot.

If approved by voters, the amendment would give Arkansas Casino Corp. the exclusive right to build and operate casinos in Pulaski, Sebastian, Garland, Boone, Crittenden and Miller counties.

Amendment 5, as the proposal is known, is supported by the Arkansas AFL-CIO. Alan Hughes, president of the 72,000-member union, said the labor group endorsed the measure by a two-thirds vote at its annual convention because of the jobs it is expected to produce. Proponents say it will create about 15,000 jobs, not including temporary construction jobs while the six casinos are being built.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee opposes the measure, as do leaders of the state's religious community.

Under the proposal, casinos would have to pay 15 percent of their net revenue for a special gaming tax.

Gambling is illegal in Arkansas except for pari-mutuel wagering on horse races at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs and dog races at Southland Greyhound Park in West Memphis.

The Arkansas initiative has caught the attention of Mississippi casino company executives, particularly those with operations in upstate Tunica County, where Arkansas residents come to gamble. However, they don't appear to be overly concerned about it.

"We don't think it will pass," said Bruce Nourse, director of public affairs for Beau Rivage in Biloxi.

Recent polls show the initiative failing by a 60-40 margin.