By Sienna Snider, True Crime Writer for Today in Fort Smith
What was once considered a leisurely pastime is becoming a growing concern for the residents of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and the surrounding areas in Oklahoma. An increase in gambling-related issues has been reported in recent months, with local authorities and community organizations sounding the alarm about its impact on families and individuals.
The spread of casinos, online betting platforms, and underground gambling rings has caused many to take a closer look at how this activity is affecting the region.
Fort Smith has neighboring towns in Oklahoma, such as Pocola and Roland, which have long been home to casinos like Choctaw Casino & Resort and Cherokee Casino Roland, drawing both locals and visitors looking to try their luck.
But with the expansion of these venues and the rise of online gambling platforms, addiction and financial strain are becoming significant issues. Law enforcement agencies have begun to notice an uptick in crimes directly related to gambling debts, including theft, fraud, and domestic disturbances.
Local and area courts have adjudicated numerous cases where embezzlement of funds from companies and even municipalities was cause by an individual's gambling addiction.
Recently, a Fort Smith man reported individual tried to strong-arm him for cash in the parking lot of a local casino after car doors "bumped" when opened simultaneously. When the potential victim of the scam went into the casino to report the incident to security, the man and woman jumped into their car and fled the scene.
The consequences of excessive gambling are not limited to criminal activity. Local addiction counselors report a surge in patients seeking help for compulsive gambling.
One Fort Smith counselor spoke about the growing issue: “We’ve had an influx of people coming in, often after hitting rock bottom. It’s not just the loss of money—it’s the damage to relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life. The accessibility of casinos and online betting is making it harder for people to resist,” he explained.
A Fort Smith resident who wished to remain anonymous shared their personal story of gambling addiction. “It started out as fun, just something to do on weekends with friends. But after a while, it took over my life. I was lying to my family, racking up debt, and even stealing to keep up with the habit. It felt like I couldn’t stop,” they said. Their story echoes those of many others who have found themselves caught in the cycle of gambling addiction, often with devastating effects.
Oklahoma’s looser gambling regulations have also contributed to the problem, as residents of Fort Smith frequently travel across the border to take advantage of the numerous casinos within driving distance. The Cherokee Nation and Choctaw Nation-run casinos are major draws, but local leaders are now grappling with the impact this accessibility has on addiction rates.
Community leaders are pushing for more resources to address the gambling issue, including public awareness campaigns, mental health services, and stricter regulations. Some advocates argue that more needs to be done at the legislative level to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly when it comes to online gambling, which can be done anonymously and in the privacy of one’s home.
Despite these efforts, the revenue generated by gambling in the region remains substantial, complicating the issue. The tax income from casinos helps fund local infrastructure, education, and community projects, making it a double-edged sword for lawmakers. Many are hesitant to push for stricter regulations that could affect the economic benefits, even as addiction rates rise.
As the gambling problem in Fort Smith and nearby Oklahoma towns continues to escalate, the question remains: how will the community strike a balance between reaping the economic rewards of the gambling industry while protecting its most vulnerable residents? For now, the focus is on education, prevention, and providing help to those caught in the grips of addiction before it’s too late.
Stay tuned to Today in Fort Smith for more updates as this story develops.
