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AG approves casino proposal language

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Updated: 11/16/2011 4:40 pm

Published: 11/16/2011 4:36 pm

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has approved the wording of a proposed constitutional amendment to allow casinos to be built in seven Arkansas counties, clearing the way for supporters to begin gathering signatures.

McDaniel on Wednesday approved the name and ballot title for the proposal by Texas businessman Michael Wasserman, owner of Arkansas Hotels and Entertainment Inc. The amendment would give Wasserman's company exclusive rights to build and operate casinos in Boone, Crittenden, Garland, Jefferson, Miller, Pulaski and Sebastian counties.

Wasserman must submit 78,133 signatures to the state by July 6 to get his measure on the November 2012 ballot. He has had similar proposals certified in 2006 and 2010, but they never appeared on the ballot. McDaniel last month rejected an earlier version of the amendment.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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wpsark - 11/17/2011 1:11 PM

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I'll sign it. The distance to Tunica, Greeneville, or Shreveport doesn't keep Arkansans from spending their money in those places. Why not build them here. Look how much MS's schools and roads have improved. Not to mention the decent jobs that casino's provide. people will gamble regardless, let's keep that money in this state.

Tired - 11/17/2011 7:48 AM

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"can't believe the AG"...just stop right there...nuff said

wallfisher - 11/16/2011 11:06 PM

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Why should any one person have exclusive rights? Why do businesses need an amendment from the state to operate?

pat72209 - 11/16/2011 9:01 PM

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I don't object to the casinos, but for one company to have exclusive rights....that's like letting the owner of the race track have whatever he wanted to put in another county a few years ago. Special privileges are not right. Of Course if the wording was changed the same people would still be getting what they want...Money talks Bs walks.

protector20 - 11/16/2011 8:37 PM

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Makes sense...casinos are always targeted to the poorest counties and those with the highest crime rates per capita.

protector20 - 11/16/2011 8:35 PM

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Great. I can't think of anything Arkansas needs more. Oh wait, yes I can.

dilligaf - 11/16/2011 7:29 PM

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All this does is open the door for other casinos. If you read the entire proposal, it explains everything to a tee. I for one hope it passes. I am tired of seeing money leave Arkansas and support surrounding states. And for all of you wanting to preach about this making the poor poorer, cry me a river. People are going to gamble, face it. So why not keep the money in state?

Demopublican - 11/16/2011 6:55 PM

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Why would Wasserman have Exclusive rights to the Casinos? That is some BS. I can't believe the AG would say its ok.

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