Report Shows Gambling Group Had Little Activity in April

The group Arcade Arkansas has spent more than half a million dollars on an effort to legalize thousands of casino-style gambling machines across Arkansas.

The group’s proposed constitutional amendment would allow some 15,000 gambling machines statewide under the Arkansas Lottery, and it could create miniature casinos all over the state — with little or no oversight to prevent fraud or corruption.

The group has put serious money into its effort. But Arcade Arkansas recently filed reports with the Arkansas Ethics Commission showing it conducted virtually no activity last month.

This tracks with reports in March that the group was temporarily suspending its campaign efforts amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

In February, Arkansas Lottery Director Bishop Woosley announced that he opposes the effort to legalize casino-style gambling under the auspices of state lottery.

Arcade Arkansas has until July 3 to gather nearly 90,000 valid petition signatures in order to place their proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot.

State Lottery Director Opposes Slot Machine Amendment

Last week Arkansas Lottery Director Bishop Woosley issued a public statement opposing efforts to bring casino-style gambling machines to Arkansas.

Woosley’s statement was part of a press conference by Protect Arkansas Communities, a group that opposes Arcade Arkansas’ slot machine measure.

Arcade Arkansas spent over $78,000 last month alone on its petition drive.

The group has until July 3 to gather nearly 90,000 valid petition signatures in order to place their proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot.

If passed, Arcade Arkansas’ measure would amend the state constitution to allow thousands of casino-style gambling machines all over Arkansas under the auspices of the state lottery.

This measure could potentially turn gas stations and convenience stores into miniature casinos offering gambling 24 hours a day.

Arkansans Bet Over $700,000 on Super Bowl

Last week we wrote that Arkansas’ new casinos now offer sports betting.

On Tuesday KUAR reported that Arkansans wagered more than $705,000 on the Super Bowl alone this year.

As we’ve said before, sports betting poses a real threat to sports leagues — especially at colleges and universities.

It threatens to undermine the integrity of athletic programs.

All told, Arkansans have wagered approximately $11.5 million on sporting events since last summer, according to KUAR.

In other words, casino gambling and sports betting are pulling millions of dollars out of Arkansas’ economy.

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