The Supreme Court, Arkansas and Gambling

Thursday was a big day for gambling in the state of Arkansas, the voters and the Family Action Council Committee. Each side brought their evidence and opinions to the table over gambling at two racetracks in, Hot Springs and West Memphis lasting close to an hour's time. This hearing was an appeal brought by the Family Action Committee, over voting rights and the power they feel has been given to Oaklawn Park and Southland Gaming and Racing. The representative of the Family Action Committee stated that a law passed by Legislature in 2005, gave to much power to private gambling companies.

Voting has been held in the cities of Hot Springs and West Memphis, this voting was for the cities only which is a point that was made by the Family Action Committee as the county voters were not privy to the voting on gambling machines at the racetracks. The voters in West Memphis elected to have more gambling machines installed at these racetracks, at the present time Oaklawn has one hundred and thirty machines. While the voters in Hot Springs also voted in favor, however the votes were not as overwhelming as in West Memphis, part of the reason is that while they are in favor Southland Park has close to one thousand gambling machines.