Group Gathers Signatures for Casinos in Arkansas
By: Channing Barker
Updated: June 21, 2012
The Nancy Todd Poker Palace group is roaming around NWA this week for signatures on a petition to get casinos in the Natural State. Dianne Dalton, member of the Poker Palace group, said they have to have a total of 73,000 signatures for this issue to get on the ballot. "We're over halfway there." Dalton also said that this is more than just about the casino. It could bring cash to some without even having to play a single game. "The casinos will allow up to 5000 jobs," she said.
Not everyone in the area agrees.
Dr. H.D. McCarty is a retired pastor of University Baptist Church and said Arkansas is not the place for gambling. "It's a drain on the community and it's not a help. It sucks money out of local issues," McCarty said. He added, "Having casinos in the Natural State would be another downward go."
If voters elect to have casinos in Arkansas, there would be gambling in four counties: Miller, Crittenden, Franklin and Pulaski.
One voter, Emily Almarez, says she wants to see the money stay in Arkansas. "We go to Oklahoma already and we spend a lot of money on gas and we need to spend the money in Arkansas," she said.
