Once again those who want legal casinos in Arkansas-and most likely hope to profit on them-are on the move.
So far two groups have proposed legalizing a small number if casinos in the Natural State.
The first was Driving Arkansas Forward, which proposed a ballot initiative allowing voters to say yes or no to three casinos, one each in Jefferson and Crittenden counties with another in either Miller, Mississippi, Pope, Union or White counties. They later changed that to one casino each in Jefferson and Pope counties and casino licenses for Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs and Southland dog track in West Memphis.
They've submitted three ballot proposals in total so far this year and state Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has rejected all three.
The second group is called Arkansas Wins in 2018 and it wants legal casino gambling in Miller, Benton, Boone and Pulaski counties. Rutledge rejected their proposed intiative this week.
Why? The initiatives left one key area unclear-do members of these groups proposing legal casinos have a potential ownership interest in either the operation or the properties where the casinos would be located?
That's the big question. We've said it before and will say it again. The idea of legal casinos is something that intelligent people can honestly debate and consider. But the idea of writing a monopoly or windfall for specific interests into the state Constitution is something nobody should support.
We commend AG Rutledge for recognizing that and standing her ground. There should be full and clear disclosure on who benefits from legal casino gambling before the people go to the polls and inadvertently hand them the golden ticket.