Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has given the green light to revised ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment. This amendment aims to strip the Arkansas Racing Commission of its authority to issue a casino license in Pope County and mandates local voter approval for any new casino licenses outside of three specified counties.

Arkansas Ballot Initiative Advances Amidst Casino License Controversy

Attorney General Tim Griffin‘s certification of the ballot language sets the stage for the Local Voters in Charge ballot committee to initiate signature collection from registered voters. The committee needs to gather 90,704 signatures, including representation from 50 counties, by July 5 to secure a spot for the proposed amendment on the November 5 general election ballot, reported Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

The proposed amendment comes amidst ongoing disputes over the issuance of a casino license in Pope County, stirring up legal battles and community tensions. With billions of dollars at stake annually in the state’s gambling industry, the proposed changes could have far-reaching implications.

Hans Stiritz, spokesperson for the Local Voters in Charge committee, expressed gratitude for the attorney general’s approval. He highlighted in a written statement that the measure would prevent casinos from entering communities that oppose them and would enable local voters to define the identity of their respective hometowns. 

Meanwhile, Allison Burum of Cherokee Nation Businesses reiterated their commitment to their proposed Legends Resort & Casino project, emphasizing its potential economic impact.

Revised Ballot Language Signals Shift in Arkansas Gambling Laws

Griffin’s decision to revise the ballot language reflects concerns about clarity and accuracy. He stressed the need for precise wording to ensure voters fully understand the implications of the proposed amendment. Changes were made to align the language with legal definitions and to provide a clearer summary of the measure’s content.

The amendment seeks to repeal existing authorization for a casino in Pope County and mandates special elections for any future casino licenses outside of specified counties. This move represents a significant shift in the state’s gambling policies, prompting intense debate among stakeholders.

At the same time, at the end of January,  the Arkansas Racing Commission confirmed it is going to revise casino rules, potentially paving the way for the final casino license in Pope County, concluding the state’s casino expansion. 

The approval of the revised ballot language sets the stage for a heated campaign season as both proponents and opponents gear up to sway public opinion. With the potential for major changes to Arkansas’ gambling landscape, the upcoming months promise to be pivotal for the state’s future.

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In an effort to tackle the problem of gambling addiction, New Jersey’s Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) director David Rebuck have announced several new measures, including the establishment of a new position to deal with responsible gaming, new advertising standards for operators and easier self-exclusion access for players.

New Jersey Attorney General Appoints Responsible Gaming Coordinator to Assist At-Risk Patrons

Speaking at the East Coast Gaming Congress held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, Attorney General Platkin said that the new position of responsible gaming coordinator would be filled by an experienced attorney and would report directly to the DGE director. 

As New Jersey’s gaming and sports wagering industries continue to grow, Platkin said the obligations to assist patrons who are at risk for problem gambling are also becoming wider. 

He further added that the other initiatives will help protect consumers and make it easier for individuals to access the help they need when their gaming behavior becomes problematic. 

DGE’s March 2023 gaming revenue results showed that for that month, online gaming revenue reported by casinos and their partners was $165.7 million, a rise of 17.8% compared to $140.7 million for March 2022. Sports wagering gross revenue reported by casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $93 million for March 2023, a 40.1% increase compared to last March.

New Jersey Launches Initiatives to Make Responsible Gambling a Priority

The initiatives announced by the Attorney General include new online and sports gambling advertising standards, making it clear that operators must make responsible gaming a priority. These initiatives require operators to display the gambler hotline prominently in their ads. They also require them to end dubious promises of guaranteed wins or risk-free bets. 

Additionally, operators must make wagering requirements clear in their terms and conditions. Advertising in locations where it could entice those under 21 years of age to play must be limited. Finally, the public must have the ability to swiftly opt out of direct advertising.

DGE will also make it easier for players with problem gaming behaviors to exclude themselves from gaming by creating a video-conference option, and by establishing a 24/7 hotline dedicated to assisting people with questions about the self-exclusion program and the process for signing up.

According to Felicia Grondin, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, the increase in online gambling opportunities, access, and the amount of advertising has put many more people in New Jersey at risk for problem gambling. 

Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, also commented that the initiatives announced on April 20 will further bolster responsible gambling protections and reduce barriers for people seeking help.

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