Arkansas casino push takes step backwards
Arkansas has strict legislation against gaming, casino and betting developments.
US.- Chief Justice of Arkansas Supreme Court John Dan Kemp has allegedly excused himself from the cases that evaluate a potential casino legislation in the state. The official has opted for recusal from both lawsuits regarding casino legislation in Arkansas as residents were going to vote on the proposal in November.
The State proposed a ballot, set in November to see whether the citizens are in favour or against the gaming legislation that could allow legal casino gambling within two of the existing venues and two to-be-built facilities, as reported by the Arkansas press. However, John Dan Kemp has announced the second recusal in the past few days, this time from the second legal challenge against the proposed ballot question.
Earlier this month, pro-casino lobby group Driving Arkansas Forward (DAF) had finally reached the necessary signatures to get a casino referendum in the November election ballot. The Secretary of State’s office announced the group passed the necessary 84,589 signatures required for the measure as it reached nearly 100k.
The referendum will include authorisation to develop one new casino in each of Jefferson and Pope counties. It would also allow slots-only casinos at the Oaklawn and Southland racetracks to add live table games and sports betting.
