Judge rules against Arkansas casino licence
A County Circuit Judge issued a temporary restraining order that blocks an Arkansas panel from issuing a casino licence for Pope County.
US.- Back in 2018, Arkansas voters cleared a constitutional amendment allowing the casino segment to arrive in the state. However, a judge seems to be against its arrival.
An Arkansas panel scheduled to meet Monday to issue the casino licence, but can’t do so. That, after Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen issued a temporary restraining order against the industry.
The restraining order prevents the state Racing Commission from considering applications or issuing a casino licence. It came in response to a lawsuit challenging the commission’s opening a second application period.
Previous delays
A few months back, an Illinois gambling expansion allowed the arrival of four new casinos. The venues will be located in Jefferson and Pope counties and at racetracks in Hot Springs and West Memphis.
Despite the fact that it has been a while since lawmakers approved the expansion, a Pope County casino may still take some time.
The Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) announced it will wait for the outcome of two lawsuits. Afterwards, it will consider applicants for a licence there.
The lawsuits involve a Mississippi company whose application was rejected. The other one challenges the Pope County Quorum Court’s endorsement of another applicant for the casino.
