Arkansas Ballot Issues: Issue Four: Casinos

Recently, Conduit News Radio host Paul Harrell broke down the five ballot issues that will appear on the 2018 November ballot. You can watch a video of that at this link HERE.

Conduit for Action will release quizzes leading up to the November 6, 2018 election that will highlight each of the five ballot issues. These quizzes will educate on the specifics of the ballot measure and its potential impact for the state.

Legal actions are pending against most of the ballot issues, so some issues may or may not ultimately be voted on by the people this fall.

This week’s quiz is on Issue 4, a proposal to add two Casinos in Arkansas and expand gaming at current casinos. Issue 4 is a proposed Constitutional Amendment initiated through citizens petition of signatures.

The measure would add two new casinos in Arkansas in Pope County near Russellville and in Jefferson County near Pine Bluff. It would allow expanded gambling at Oaklawn in Hot Springs and Southland in West Memphis.

Issue Four would tax casinos proceeds as follows:

13% tax on first $150 million; 20% tax on receipts above $150 million

Distributed as follows:

55% to state general revenue
17.5% to racing commission for live horse and greyhound racing purses
8% to counties in which casino is located
19.5% to city/town in which casino is located (if not located in a town – to the county)

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* 1. In what Arkansas counties would Issue Four allow new casinos?

Pope and Pulaski

Washington and Benton

Pope and Jefferson

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* 2. Would Issue Four affect current gambling at Oaklawn in Hot Springs and/or Southland Racing in West Memphis?

No, Issue Four would not affect these current gambling establishments.

Yes, Issue Four would allow for expanded gaming at these locations and would also see higher purse prizes available for racing games.

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* 3. What percentage of the tax proceeds from casinos would go to the counties where the casinos are to be located?

4% each of the tax proceeds (a total of 8% to the counties)

8% each of the tax proceeds (a total of 16% to the counties)

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* 4. What percentage of the tax proceeds from Casinos would go to state general revenue?

25%

33%

55%

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* 5. At what rate would the first $150 million in casino revenue be taxed?

10%

13%

Arkansas Ballot Issues: Issue Four: Casinos

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* 1. In what Arkansas counties would Issue Four allow new casinos?

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* 2. Would Issue Four affect current gambling at Oaklawn in Hot Springs and/or Southland Racing in West Memphis?

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* 3. What percentage of the tax proceeds from casinos would go to the counties where the casinos are to be located?

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* 4. What percentage of the tax proceeds from Casinos would go to state general revenue?

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* 5. At what rate would the first $150 million in casino revenue be taxed?

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* 6. If you have not already subscribed to receive Conduit for Action emails you can subscribe by entering your email address here.

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* 7. In what town do you live?