Measure Allowing Casinos In Arkansas' Washington County Makes Ballot

Arkansas election officials have approved for the ballot a measure that would legalize casinos in three border counties.

The measure would legalize casinos in Boone, Miller and Washington counties.

Washington County is in the northwest part of the state.  Boone County is located south of Branson, Missouri and Miller County is in the southwestern corner of Arkansas.

Secretary of State Mark Martin's office said Thursday that the group Arkansas Wins submitted 100,977 valid signatures to qualify for the November ballot. The group needed 84,859 signatures from registered voters to qualify as a constitutional amendment.
   
Arkansas Wins has previously announced that Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Entertainment would operate the Washington County casino if voters approve the amendment.
   
The proposal calls for a five-member commission appointed by the governor to regulate the casinos, and it would also require the casinos to pay the state an 18 percent tax on net gambling receipts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.