Illegal-exaction lawsuit targets lack of Arkansas funding for programs on problem gambling

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Arkansas Democrat-Gazette raised questions about the lack of funding for the problem gambling programs. The Racing Commission is working to meet the constitutional requirement. In 2015, Hutchinson signed legislation to eliminate the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery's $200,000-a-year contribution to compulsive-gambling treatment and education programs, increasing the amount of money available for scholarships. Former Lotteries Commissioner Smokey Campbell complained about payments to the Higher Education Department and to Legislative Audit. Lobbyist Bruce Hawkins is going to put together a proposal for Racing commission concerning the Problem Gambling Hotline required by Amendment 100.

Lottery provides funding each year to the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling. The association answers calls from Arkansas to National Problem Gambler's helpline. Southland Casino Racing and Oaklawn Racing & Gaming donate $12,500 annually to help fund the National Council on Problem Gamblers' network.

The Racing Commission's general-revenue budget in fiscal 2021 was $1.75 million. Amendment 100 requires that the money be distributed to racing purses. Casino tax revenue could be used to provide the $200,000. The plan is to use the funds from Rainy Day to launch the program and build the budget for the next years.