TRANSCRIPT
ZACH BOBLITT: This is 89.5 KWGS. Oklahoma tribes are investing millions in a casino project situated in Russellville, Arkansas, which has been entangled in legal disputes for several years. The Cherokee Nation and the Choctaw Nation are engaged in a fierce competition for a coveted gaming license pertaining to one of Arkansas’s latest casino developments located in Pope County. Residents of Arkansas will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on this pressing issue in tomorrow’s voting. KWGS’ Elizabeth Caldwell connected with another NPR member station to dive deeper into the complexities surrounding this topic. Here’s Elizabeth in conversation with Daniel Breen from Little Rock Public Radio.
ELIZABETH CALDWELL: Hi Daniel.
DANIEL BREEN: Hi Elizabeth.
EC: So give us a little background on the elections over in Arkansas. What’s on the ballot this cycle?
DB: Well, here in Arkansas, we do have a direct democracy process where citizens can get issues directly to the ballot for voters to approve. However, last year, the state legislature enacted a law that significantly complicates the process for citizens to refer matters to the ballot. It increased the number of counties from which signatures must be gathered from 15 to 50, a notable rise considering Arkansas has a total of only 75 counties.
DB: This year marks the first election cycle under this new law. Although there were numerous grassroots initiatives aimed at placing crucial issues like abortion rights and expanded medical marijuana on the ballot, they ultimately fell short. Presently, the sole citizen-led initiative making its way to the ballot is what’s termed Issue 2, which involves the Choctaw and Cherokee Nations of Oklahoma.
EC: Okay, tell us what Issue 2 would do if it’s approved by voters.
DB: To understand Issue 2, we must revisit the events of 2018. That year, Arkansas voters passed an amendment that legalized casino gambling. This amendment mandated the state to allocate four casino licenses to specific counties. Presently, three of those casinos are operational. However, the fourth license has been mired in persistent legal entanglements and controversy for several years. Various companies vied for the opportunity to secure this last casino license, but ultimately, it was awarded to the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, through its entity Cherokee Nation Businesses.
DB: If it’s approved by voters, Issue 2 would invalidate the casino license that was granted to the cherokees, generating significant repercussions.
EC: Give us a bit of background on this. Why do some people want to take that casino license away?
DB: The primary argument supporting Issue 2 focuses on restoring local control to voters. While the original casino amendment received statewide approval, a significant number of voters in Pope County—where the casino is intended to be built—actually opposed it. Consequently, advocates for Issue 2 contend that local voters should have a greater say in whether a casino is established within their community.
EC: And what’s the argument against Issue 2?
DB: Opponents of Issue 2 argue that revoking the casino license would adversely impact the local economy, resulting in a loss of jobs and tax revenue. Interestingly, Issue 2 is receiving backing from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a group that sought but ultimately failed to obtain the licensing for the Pope County casino. Critics of Issue 2 claim that the Choctaw Nation is intervening in the affairs of Arkansas simply to eliminate competition with their casinos located just across the border in Oklahoma.
EC: There’s a Choctaw casino in Pocola. But the casino in Pope County would be different, right?
DB: Right, because the Pope County site is envisioned as a commercial casino, rather than a tribal one. This distinction means it will not be situated on tribal land and will operate as a private, for-profit establishment. The tax revenues generated from this new casino will be directed to Arkansas, which further emphasizes its local significance.
EC: Is there any indication of whether or not Issue 2 will pass?
DB: As of now, the prospects for Issue 2 remain ambiguous, particularly given the limited polling that has been conducted on the subject. However, it’s noteworthy that both factions involved have earmarked substantial sums to promote their respective messages. Reports indicate that the Choctaw Nation has allocated nearly $18 million towards its campaign efforts, while the Cherokee Nation has committed approximately $12-and-a-half million in its campaign.
EC: That’s a substantial investment from Oklahoma tribes. Daniel, thanks for filling us in.
DB: Thank you, Elizabeth.
Er or not they want a casino in their community. Advocates believe that allowing local elections to determine future casino licenses would empower residents and ensure that their voices are heard.
EC: What are some counterarguments to that position?
DB: Opponents of Issue 2 argue that this initiative may create instability in the gaming industry in Arkansas. They point out that the fact that a license has already been awarded to the Cherokee Nation indicates a significant investment and commitment to the state. Revoking the license could not only jeopardize those investments but could also discourage future investments by other potential casino operators who might perceive Arkansas as a risky environment for business. Additionally, they highlight that while local input is important, voters statewide approved the original amendment, so the desire for a casino shouldn’t be diminished simply because of localized opposition.
EC: It sounds like there are some strong opinions on both sides. What might the implications be if Issue 2 passes?
DB: If it passes, it could have immediate effects on the Cherokee Nation’s plans in Pope County, as their license would be voided. It could also set a legal precedent for future casino licenses in the state, potentially requiring local input for future gaming establishments. This might create a more fragmented landscape for gambling in Arkansas and could lead to more contentious local elections regarding casinos. On the flip side, if it fails, it would reaffirm the state’s current framework for casino licensing and likely expedite the Cherokee’s casino plans.
EC: Thanks, Daniel, for providing such important context on this complex issue. It will certainly be interesting to see how voters respond.
DB: Absolutely, Elizabeth. The outcome can have long-lasting ramifications not just for Pope County, but for statewide casino gaming in general.
