The Arkansas casino referendum campaign spending has reached over $30 million, setting a state record for ballot referendums. The referendum, known as Issue 2, aims to repeal a casino license granted to Cherokee Nation Entertainment for a development in Russellville. The campaign has seen significant financial backing from both sides, with the pro-Issue 2 campaign, Local Voters in Charge, receiving funding from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, while the Cherokees are spending to keep the Pope County casino project alive.
The Choctaw Nation’s investment in Issue 2 is believed to protect its tribal casino interests in Eastern Oklahoma, leading to a total expenditure of $17.7 million. This money has been used for various campaign efforts, including voter canvassing, advertisements, and social media campaigns. On the other side, the Cherokees have funded the Investing in Arkansas committee with $12.5 million to oppose Issue 2 and defend their casino project.
The Cherokees’ determination to move forward with the Legends Resort & Casino project in Pope County has led to intense legal battles and spending significant sums on campaign efforts. The project, if approved, would bring substantial economic benefits to the region, creating over 2,100 jobs and generating a $5 billion economic impact over ten years.
Compared to the 2018 statewide casino referendum, the 2024 campaign has seen a remarkable increase in spending, with over $30 million invested by both sides. In 2018, the referendum authorized casinos in four counties, with a total campaign spending of about $9 million. This year’s referendum has attracted much more financial support, highlighting the stakes involved in the battle over the future of gaming in Arkansas.
Despite the Cherokees’ legal challenges and opposition to Issue 2, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled against them, allowing the referendum to proceed as planned. The outcome of the vote will determine the fate of the Pope County casino project and its potential economic benefits for the region. With millions of dollars at stake and intense campaigning on both sides, the Arkansas casino referendum has become a high-stakes battle for the future of gaming in the state.