LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — This Election Day, Arkansans will have a significant decision to make regarding the future of casino gaming in the state, as they vote on Issue 2—a proposed constitutional amendment that, if passed, would eliminate the possibility of a casino in Pope County.
Background on Issue 2
The measure is the result of years of legal wrangling over casino rights in Pope County, following the 2018 Amendment 100, which authorized four casino licenses in Arkansas, one of which was allocated to Pope County. The Cherokee Nation, which has spent years preparing to develop a casino in Russellville, was awarded the license, but public opinion in Pope County remains divided. Many local residents voted against the original amendment, with local sentiment driving the push for Issue 2.
A vote “for” Issue 2 would eliminate Pope County’s casino license, reducing Arkansas’s casino licenses from four to three, and would require any future casinos in new Arkansas counties to be approved by local voters through a ballot measure.
The Debate: Pros and Cons
Supporters of Issue 2 argue that it empowers communities to have more control over large projects like casinos that affect their local economy and social landscape. Arkansas Senate President Bart Hester supports the amendment, saying, “Pope County has already had a vote on this; they said they didn’t want it in Pope County. It was forced on them by the rest of the state.”
Hans Stiritz, spokesperson for Local Voters in Charge, emphasized the local choice aspect: “When you vote for Issue 2, you’re voting to put that power of that decision in the hands of local voters in any community where a casino is proposed.”
On the opposing side, many Pope County officials argue that the casino would bring much-needed economic growth and jobs. Cherokee Nation’s plan includes an estimated $40 million in economic support for the county and around 1,000 permanent jobs. Mark Beach, CEO of CDI Contractors, sees this project as a major opportunity for local employment and economic stimulus: “We have thousands of potential jobs and millions of dollars that will be lost if Issue 2 is passed.”
Natalie Ghidotti, vice chair of the pro-casino group Investing in Arkansas, echoed this sentiment, calling the casino a “massive super project that’s just shovel-ready.”
A Battle Fueled by Out-of-State Interests
The campaigns on both sides of Issue 2 have been heavily funded by out-of-state casino groups—the Cherokee Nation, which is prepared to develop the Pope County casino, and the Choctaw Nation, which supports Issue 2, as a new Pope County casino would mean competition.
Impact of the Vote
If Issue 2 passes, it would close the door on any new casinos, including the Cherokee Nation’s planned development in Pope County. In contrast, a vote against Issue 2 would allow the casino to proceed, likely boosting local economy and tax revenue for the area.
