Arkansas Blog

I have said over and over they can have video Blackjack under the law that was passed. It leaves things wide open...

The people have spoken Max - we know you feel yourself superior, but the people have spoken.

ARK. BLOG Not exactly. The words video poker appear nowhere in the legislation or the local option elections. And track officials wouldn't admit it every time they were asked directly. I object to the dishonest nature of this campaign. It would have been much harder to pass if the tracks had told the truth. "We need video poker. We want the legislature and voters to approve video poker." I also object to the laughable notion that a machine paying at a predetermined rate, precisely as a slot machine does, is a game of skill. But enough suckers are born every minute to insure that the tracks will make zillions.

Max, just don't go the traclks and you will not lose, or win, one red cent.

I agree - if you don't want to gamble, don't go to the tracks. And, if you don't have the resources to gamble, exhibit some responsibility & self-control. What I DO resent is that Oaklawn has pushed this under the guise of improving the racing, while at the same time making decision after decision that is to the detriment of serious racing fans. This is about profit to the Cellas...not about improving racing.

Pine Bluff needs these machines. Why doesHot Springs have them and other towns don't

"This is about profit to the Cellas...not about improving racing."

Profit, indeed...the more money the track has going through there, the more attractive it is for higher purse races, not to mention the local economy. Both, especially West Memphis, could use it. I agree that the silly little video poker machines are lame, though...

The law that allows gambling only at Oaklawn and Southland is unconstitutional. When are other areas of the state going to sue over this?

"When are other areas of the state going to sue over this?"

There's no need to sue. Gambling option is left to individual counties. Just have a local election and see what you get....lots of So. Baptists and Penecosts putting signs in yards and a zillion bumper stickers saying NO, and newspaper ads explaining how the criminal element will come in and ruin life as you know it.
Meanwhile a zillion bucks a year goes to Okla and Mississippi from Arkies who enjoy gambling. On this matter seems Max and Huckabee walk hand-in-hand. Pity.
_

And Mr. Cella is a legal resident of what state?

Folks in Fort Smith are gearing up for their chance to play some Injun games of chance in our very own city. Of course the United Keetoowah Band of
Cherokee Indians will have video poker, but it will not be called that.

It will be called Rainbow Window of Much Wampum and represent the happy spirits blessing of good harvests. In a humorous turn around, the roulette wheel will be shaped like a shivering band of frightened women and children, while bettors will stand in mock circled wagons to place their bets. Beautiful Indian bar-maidens will attack the white settlers with frosty alcoholic beverages of their choice.

Slot machines will be shaped like authentic United Keetoowah Band of
Cherokee Indian's Tee Pees and the whole family will squeal with joy as they pull the handle and holler, come out little Indians! Indians being clever slang for real US silver dollars. Ho McClintock, big party!!!

Perhaps most surprising, the craps table will recreate a story straight from the Bible. The croupier will be dressed like a Roman soldier and instead of chips, pieces of real silver will be used to bet on the outcome of the game. The winners will find their prize money hidden behind a replica of clothes from the time of Jesus. A new twist on an old story for sure!

Fort Smith and Arkansas Post invented gambling way back when Frenchmen were squatting in Louisiana and it's high time we get legal gambling back in the Fort. For 102 years Fort Smith has watched Hot Springs and West Memphis, and lately Oklahoma taking all those Whirlpool paychecks and now it's time we got in on the action, before Whirlpool leaves.

Plus everyone coming to the United Keetoowah Band of
Cherokee Indians Casino can do their betting without being troubled with the icky smell of horse poopy. We'll guarantee the best gal darn Western show this side of Bullhead City, Arizona!

"There's no need to sue. Gambling option is left to individual counties."

No, it is not.

Of course the house is going to win overall. And if an individual plays long enough, the house is going to beat him head to head. But it's possible that although 10 people who played before me all lose $1, I might win $35 (with the house taking the difference). A "game of skill?" No, but the chance of being that one person out of 11is worth the gamble. To me, at least.

ARK. BLOG Just so long as you get it. I confess I like to play Wheel of Fortune slots now and then.

"The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools."