Our View

‘Amusement machines’: How amusing!

While we’ve been on the subject of higher taxes, particularly those being applied to tobacco products and now medical marijuana, we wonder about a new ballot initiative campaign in the works to grant so-called amusement machines to be taxed.

There is now a group, calling itself Arcade Arkansas, that is proposing this amendment to allow the operation of amusement machines that are taxed 20 percent.

Bear in mind folks, this clever concept is being sold on the idea that it is all about our young people and their desire to obtain a college degree by means of none other than the Arkansas Lottery.

Promoters are quick to say this has absolutely nothing to do with casinos and this proposed amusement machine program is in no way competition to Southland Casino, Hot Springs Casino other the other casinos currently licensed to operate in Arkansas.

Initially promoters claim there will only be 50 licenses given out to own and lease the amusement machines. And in the beginning, we’re told, there will be a limit to the number of amusement machines that can be placed in any one location.

This guy, by the name of Jason Cline who is associated with this for-profit Arcade Arkansas, and who plans to rake in a considerable about of money, says there will initially only be 10 machines to location but, who is to say that could change down the road.

So, what is in this for the players? There will be no cash payouts for playing and instead players (over 18) will have their choice of toys, yep that’s right, toys or gift certificates, free replays and even lottery tickets.

We wonder what the Arkansas Lottery people have to say about all this, and also wonder what Southland, Hot Springs and the other casino owners think about this money-making scheme. We would think they would oppose this idea under any circumstances and rightfully so.

It seems that not a year goes by without hearing about some group trying to put together ballot initiatives similar to the so-called medical marijuana that voters fell for, the planned initiative to legalize marijuana for simple recreational purposes and now this idea to open up amusement game parlors that will, no doubt, make some entrepreneurs a considerable amount of money all for the purpose of raising money for student scholarships.

That is like this marijuana initiative. While we understand the intent, let’s all clearly understand that it is all about making tons of money, not only for the marijuana growers, the pot shop owners but also the state.

If, in the highly likelihood this ballot initiative making smoking pot legal for recreational purposes, does get voter approval one can just imagine the money that will be made by a select few individuals.

This is a ridiculous and unnecessary effort on the part of a few individuals and as a strong support of Southland Casinos voters should oppose its passage if it so happens to make it to the ballot level.

As those of us in Crittenden County know, Southland is this state’s largest tourist attraction, generates millions upon millions of dollars in taxes, contributes heavily to non-profit organizations, such as our local boys and girls clubs, ASU-Mid-South and many other venues. Southland employs hundreds of individuals and offers salaries well above the average. It is for these reasons and many others that such hair-brained ideas such as this amusement machine scheme should not even be considered. We would also think that Gov. Asa Hutchinson and his lottery honchos would come out in opposition to this proposed initiative.