Online gambling bill advances in Arkansas legislature, paving way for potential expansion of gaming industry.
Unleashing Regulated Online Casinos in Arkansas: A Bipartisan Gamble
Let's talk about Arkansas' gamble to legalize online casinos! House Bill 1861, proposed by lawmakers Matt Duffield and Dave Wallace, aims to reshape the state's digital gambling landscape by permitting Arkansas' three licensed casinos to venture into online casino games like blackjack and roulette.
The bill has garnered substantial political backing, even earning the backing of influential figures like Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester. With defenders spread across the aisle, this measure represents a collaborative effort to modernize Arkansas' gambling laws.
If approved, the three licensed casinos – Saracen, Oaklawn, and Southland – will join the ranks of esteemed casinos nationwide, offering a convenient, online alternative for lovers of games like roulette, poker, and blackjack. The casinos already operate online sports betting platforms, but iGaming promises a significant expansion.
Currently, the bill is awaiting review by the House Judiciary Committee, with proceedings expected to commence after lawmakers return from their spring break in April. Although a Senate companion bill was initially planned, it has since been withdrawn, leaving HB 1861 as the primary proposition.
Cracking Down on Offshore Competition
One of the key motivations behind the bill is the prevalence of illegal offshore gambling platforms. By allowing state-licensed casinos to tap into the online market, the bill seeks to displace unregulated offshore competition.
In 2023, Saracen Casino proposed regulatory changes to the Arkansas Racing Commission in an attempt to level the playing field. HB 1861 builds on that effort, emphasizing the importance of establishing a competitive, controlled online gaming landscape within Arkansas.
Indeed, this push follows a broader national trend. In recent years, states like Michigan, Mississippi, and others have cracked down on unauthorized gambling operators – issuing cease-and-desist orders and making illegal online gambling a felony.
Legal Consequences for Unlicensed Operators
Should HB 1861 pass, the operation of unlicensed gambling sites in Arkansas will become a felony. Under the bill, licensed casinos within the state will hold exclusive rights to offer real-money online gambling to Arkansas residents.
The strict legal framework is designed to protect consumers, preserve local tax revenues, and ensure the presence of reliable, regulated gambling options. The bill also reinforces the Amendment 100 framework, the 2018 constitutional amendment that legalized casinos and sports betting in the state.
Notably, the fourth casino license originally earmarked for Pope County remains unclaimed due to ongoing disputes. As a result, the bill affords exclusive online rights to the existing three casinos.
A New Funding Source for NIL Collectives
Looking beyond consumer protection and market control, the bill includes a unique provision that allows interactive gaming and promotional drawings to support college athletic Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collectives. The Arkansas Racing Commission would oversee this component, ensuring proper regulation and compliance.
While HB 1861 has garnered substantial support from lawmakers and the state's top casinos, criticism has arisen as well. The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA), a trade group representing various interests, has expressed concerns about market competition and innovation.
Arkansas stands on the precipice. With HB 1861, the state could forge a new path by legalizing, regulating, and taxing online casino gaming activities while simultaneously shuttering illegal offshore operators. The bill's success would signify a responsible, tech-forward step towards gambling reform, modifying the state's gambling framework and offering a safer environment for its citizens.
[1] Arkansas Online Casinos Bill HB 1861: What to Know (GAMINGO, 2023)[2] Arkansas Legislature: House Bill 1861 (GovTrack, 2023)[3] Arkansas Bill Aims to Legalize Online Casinos, Crack Down on Illegal Gambling (The Associated Press, 2023)[4] HB 1861: Arkansas's Online Casino Bill is Effectively Dead for the 2025 Session (Legal Sports Report, 2025)[5] Arkansas Bill to Legalize Online Casinos Dies in Committee (Arkansas Business Online, 2025)
- The Arkansas Online Casinos bill, HB 1861, is designed to regulate online gambling and displace unauthorized offshore competition, allowing Arkansas' licensed casinos to offer games like blackjack and roulette online.
- By legalizing online casinos, Arkansas hopes to generate revenue not only from gambling activities but also by supporting college athletic Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collectives, where the Arkansas Racing Commission would oversee this component.
- If HB 1861 passes, unauthorized online gambling operators will face legal consequences, as the bill affords exclusive rights to offer real-money online gambling to the existing three casinos: Saracen, Oaklawn, and Southland.
- The bill builds on a national trend, with states like Michigan, Mississippi, and others increasingly cracking down on unauthorized gambling operators to establish controlled online gaming landscapes.
