Arkansas voters open state to lotteries

5 November 2008

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- As reported by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette: "Arkansas voters on Tuesday opened their state to Arkansas lotteries, banned by the state's constitutions since 1836.

"Proposed Constitutional Amendment 3, authorizing the General Assembly to establish lotteries to finance college scholarships, gained approval despite opponents' claim that it could lead to casinos, an assertion amendment backers disputed.

"...Scott Trotter, co-chairman of United Methodists Against Gambling, and Cox said they intend to lobby lawmakers next year to not enact lotteries and to refer to the 2010 election a proposed constitutional amendment to forbid casinos in Arkansas.

"Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, who proposed the lottery amendment, said he hopes the voters' support for the amendment will propel legislation authorizing lotteries through the General Assembly...