The past month has been busy for lawmakers in the state of Arkansas, as the potential gambling legalization might be right around the corner. One of the areas which could welcome a brand new gaming venue soon, Pine Bluff City in Jefferson County is eyeing Monday as an important date for the community since Rep. Vivian Flowers announced hosting a special forum at focusing on Issue 4.
This week might bring more action when it comes to the potential gaming expansion in Arkansas, as November is approaching and the community of Pine Bluff would have the opportunity to voice an opinion. Rep. Flowers seeks to learn more regarding the casino expansion project and how it could potentially affect the community in the long run. This has been expressed by her in relation to the insufficient amount of information coming from independent and neutral sources.
Potential Casino Raises Concerns among Community
For the time being, developers set to benefit immensely from the project, as well as tribes from neighboring states seeking beneficial work conditions for their members have strongly backed the idea, but what is lacking according to Rep. Flowers is transparency and discussion dedicated to the ballot issue. She expressed her potential support if the future environment ends up having the community’s best interest at heart.
What should be taken into account is that the public post on the Representative’s Facebook profile provides a fair example of the wide range of opinions currently swirling around the community. There are individuals supporting the idea that this casino expansion would bring more job positions to people who had spent their entire lives in the area. It has been confirmed that the public forum anticipated by many of the citizens would be led by the legislative leadership, as to provide the needed answers to many questions raised throughout the county.
Tribal Support of the Casino Project
Members of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma would also be invited to take part in the forum, as the Native American tribe has been one of the avid supporters of the project ever since its initial announcement. Tribe Chairman John Berrey, which is set to oversee operation of the gaming venue if approved, would also be invited to the community forum.
According to recently issued figures, the Cherokee Nation Businesses and Downstream Development Authority of the Quapaw Tribe have poured some $1 million over July only in order to boost the group supporting the change and the mandatory promotional campaign coming with it. This amount of money adds up to the previous investment and amounts to more than $2 million.
Members of the community are also interested whether the new casino facility in Pine Bluffs has a plan for action which would draw more tourists to the area. Another essential question place problem gambling back on the table, as this is an issue problematic for any region permitting gaming activities. Members of the community mentioned concerning data showing that addiction tendencies could be observed among underage players aged 12 years old, meaning that proper protection should be introduced.
The Pine Bluff pastors network (ministerial alliance) votes unanimously and wholeheartedly yesterday to oppose casino gambling in Jefferson County and the state. Vote no on… https://t.co/Kiu85iRlZ1
— Stephen Harrison (@s_r_harrison) September 13, 2018
If this November brings changes to the state, this would result in both new and expanded gaming offerings. Pope and Jefferson Counties would witness brand new casino venues, respectively Russellville Casino and Pine Bluff Casino. In the meantime, Crittenden and Garland Counties would welcome more gaming offerings at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs and Southland Park Gaming and Racing in West Memphis.
They would see new gaming activities introduced, as for the time being they have a limited set of offerings on site. For the time being, individuals expressed their opinion below the Rep.’s Facebook post support the idea of a forum that would provide them with much-needed clarity and shed more light on future plans. The meeting would take place at 6 p.m. at the Welcome Center’s Training Room.
