Casinos in Arkansas could positively impact local economy

The approval of the ballot measure could bring US$39 million in annual state and local revenue.

US.- The Arkansas Economic Development Institute, an independent research group in the state, revealed on Friday that a study conducted by the entity has revealed that by approving casinos in the state the local economy could enjoy an increase in revenues.

The study shows that the economic impact from approving the casino ballot measure could bring 6,000 additional jobs and US$39 million in annual state and local revenue. Moreover, there could be an increase of US$5.8 billion in economic activity over ten years for Arkansas.

The study was commissioned by Driving Arkansas Forward, the group that has been trying to legalise casinos in the state and that was in charge of presenting the ballot measure, also known as Issue 4.

Last month, two legal challenges were filed against the ballot and Chief Justice Dan Kemp, who was in charge of the challenges, recused from the cases. A few days later, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed Little Rock District Court Judge Hugh Finkelstein as a special justice for the two cases that challenge the proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot. The lawsuits are trying to get the proposal disqualified from the ballot, even after a major lobbying campaign that managed to get the question on the November election.

Should it be approved, Arkansas would legalise casinos at a Hot Springs horse track and a West Memphis dog track that already offer electronic gambling. In addition, casinos in Pope and Jefferson counties would be legalised.