Arkansas Supreme Court partially denies challenge to anti-casino ballot measure

KUAR | By Mary Hennigan / Arkansas Advocate

A proposed anti-casino ballot initiative is still alive following a decision from the Arkansas Supreme Court on Monday, though its fate remains uncertain with another decision pending.

The court did not decide whether the popular name and ballot title of the proposed constitutional amendment are insufficient.

Another ruling will determine if votes will be counted on Issue 2, which would repeal a Pope County casino license and require any new casino in the state to be approved in a countywide special election before a license is issued. The measure is already on the ballot.

Arkansas Supreme Court partially denies challenge to anti-casino ballot measure

Legends Resort & Casino

A rendering of Legends Resort & Casino in Pope County.

Special master recommends disqualifying thousands of anti-casino measure signatures

KUAR | By Mary Hennigan / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

A special master to the Arkansas Supreme Court found nearly 6,000 signatures supporting an anti-casino ballot initiative should be disqualified because of insufficient addresses, according to a report submitted Monday.

Other challenges to the proposed ballot measure — such as potential issues with an agent signing affidavits in place of a sponsor — that were made in an original action petition filed last month were rejected.

Special Master Randy Wright’s report will inform the state’s highest court as it determines whether votes cast on the proposed constitutional amendment in November will be counted. Additional briefs are expected in the coming weeks, and petitioners said a ruling is likely in mid-October.

Special master recommends disqualifying thousands of anti-casino measure signatures

Legends Resort & Casino

A rendering of Legends Resort & Casino in Pope County.

Cherokee Nation awarded Pope County casino license

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

The Arkansas Racing Commission has unanimously approved a license to build a casino in Pope County.

The Cherokee Nation Entertainment made a presentation to the commission at a meeting on Thursday, following years of legal disputes over the casino license and an ongoing ballot initiative to possibly prevent the casino from being built.

A spokesman for the Cherokee Nation Entertainment told the commission that they are in the planning phase, but could build the whole facility in 18 months. The state-of-the-art casino will be owned by Cherokee Nation, and go by the name Legends Casino.

Cherokee Nation awarded Pope County casino license

Legends Resort & Casino

A rendering of the casino planned for construction in Pope County.