Fort Smith Casino Debate

Arkansas legislature currently limits gambling, but a federal act allows a gambling operation if the state’s governor agrees. In Arkansas, that’s not the case. The Keetowah band of Cherokee Indians want a $131 million casino and hotel in downtown Fort Smith. Thirty-three hundred people in favor of the casino signed a petition to show their support. Christopher Weeks of Kelly Realty says, "It will be a hotel, a casino, it will then have shopping, restaurants, everything. And the fact is, well be bringing, instead of letting Arkansas dollars go over there, we will bring, not only people in to be entertained at the casino, but also for all the other amenities that will go along with it.” B.G. Hendrix agrees, "It would probably be one of the biggest things that could do for Fort Smith by bringing in entertainment, a lot of work, jobs for people and improve the quality of life around here." Despite these fans, many people don’t want the new casino. They say it will create tax revenue losses and encourage gambling. The people at this meeting simply disagree. Elliott Clegg explains, "The development on the river will generate a lot of property tax, it will benefit the school system and the city, and it will be a benefit all the way around." Linda Gurlen, a property owner in Fort Smith says, "I mean if there is a gambling problem, were already dealing with it. The only thing is that were not getting any of the revenue from the people who are developing the gambling problem." The Keetowah band of Cherokees is waiting for the bureau of Indian affairs to grant them the rights to the land down town. If the B.I.A. denies them, there will likely be an appeal.