In a recent development in the ongoing battle over the future of casinos in Arkansas, a special master appointed by the state Supreme Court has issued a report recommending that the Arkansas Casino Referendum be allowed to proceed. This decision comes after months of legal wrangling and debate over the constitutionality of the referendum, which seeks to legalize casinos in the state.
The referendum, which was proposed by a group called Arkansas Wins in 2018, has faced numerous challenges from opponents who argue that it violates the state constitution’s requirement that ballot measures be limited to a single subject. The special master, retired Judge John Plegge, was tasked with reviewing the arguments on both sides and issuing a recommendation to the state Supreme Court.
In his report, Judge Plegge concluded that the referendum does not violate the single-subject rule, as it is focused on a single policy objective – legalizing casinos in Arkansas. He also noted that the language of the referendum clearly outlines the proposed changes to the state constitution and provides voters with information on the potential impacts of the measure.
The recommendation by Judge Plegge is a significant victory for supporters of the casino referendum, who have been fighting for months to get the measure on the ballot. If the state Supreme Court accepts the special master’s report and allows the referendum to proceed, voters in Arkansas will have the opportunity to decide on the issue in the upcoming election.
Proponents of the referendum argue that legalizing casinos in Arkansas would create thousands of jobs, generate millions of dollars in tax revenue, and attract tourists to the state. They also point to the success of casinos in neighboring states like Oklahoma and Louisiana as evidence of the potential benefits of expanding gambling in Arkansas.
Opponents, on the other hand, raise concerns about the social and economic impacts of legalizing casinos, including increased crime, addiction, and problem gambling. They also question the fairness of allowing a single industry to have such a significant impact on the state constitution.
Regardless of the outcome of the state Supreme Court’s decision, the debate over the Arkansas Casino Referendum is far from over. If the referendum is allowed to proceed, both sides will likely ramp up their campaigns in the run-up to the election, with millions of dollars expected to be spent on advertising and outreach efforts.
For now, supporters of the referendum are celebrating the special master’s report as a positive step forward in their efforts to bring casinos to Arkansas. As the state Supreme Court considers the report and makes its final decision, all eyes will be on Arkansas as it prepares to vote on one of the most hotly contested issues in recent memory.