Leslie Rutledge opposed the proposal for the construction of four casinos

Leslie Rutledge, the current Attorney General of Arkansas expressed her opposition by not acceding a proposed state constitutional amendment that would give a go-ahead to the construction of four casinos, emphasising that the proposal’s name is too long, and the ballot title is misleading and ambiguous.

This is the second time Rutledge dismissed the proposal, which intends to permit casinos in Garland, Crittenden, Pope and Jefferson counties. The bill establishes that 52.2 percent of taxes collected would go to highway needs.

The Attorney General pointed out that the wording of the bill is misleading, therefore it needs to be revised. She added, the popular name is too long, and the amendment legalises sports and other events, which are not specific. Furthermore, Rutledge told that it is unclear if Oaklawn and Southland could operate more than one casino in each county.

The proposal wants to solidify the legality of the existing racetrack casinos at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs and Southland Park in West Memphis. The facilities are currently operating electronic games of skill, which are only allowed to operate at outlets with pari-mutuel wagering.