Ark. lottery backers counter lawsuit's casino claims (UALR Public Radio) - Supporters of a proposed Arkansas lottery told the state's highest court today that a lawsuit's argument that it would allow casino gambling is a "classic red herring."

Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter and other members of a committee he formed to campaign for his lottery ballot measure filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit before the Arkansas Supreme Court. The Arkansas Family Council filed the lawsuit last week to keep the proposal off the November 4 ballot, claiming its title was misleading to voters because it did not define a lottery.

In court papers, the Hope for Arkansas campaign committee members said the proposed constitutional amendment "would have no effect, one way or the other, on 'casino gaming."'

"Casino gambling is prohibited by statute in Arkansas, not by the Constitution," the filing said.

Arkansas is one of eight states without a lottery. Halter has proposed establishing a state-run game and dedicating its proceeds to college scholarships. Halter estimates the lottery will bring in $100 million annually, though critics have said the revenues would be significantly lower.

Arkansas voters have rejected lotteries twice before, but earlier proposals tied them in with casinos.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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