Proposed Integration of Online Gaming Under Consideration in Arkansas
In the heart of Arkansas, the debate over the legalization of online casinos, or iGaming, is gaining momentum. This contentious issue has divided key stakeholders, with Senator Bryan King expressing a cautious opposition, aligning with concerns raised by major local gaming entities, while Carlton Saffa has expressed support for expanding online gambling in the state.
Senator Bryan King, a prominent figure in the legislative dialogue surrounding gambling expansion, has introduced a "shell bill," Senate Joint Resolution 8, a proposed constitutional amendment "concerning casino gaming." The bill, though yet to be filled with specific language, suggests a potential pathway for the regulation of iGaming in Arkansas.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, a significant land-based casino operator in Arkansas, has publicly opposed the legalization of online casinos. The concern stems from the potential impact on its business and the regulatory challenges it may pose. Oaklawn, which operates the state's first land-based sportsbook, has been a major player in Arkansas gaming.
Carlton Saffa, chief market officer of Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, supports the legalization of iGaming in Arkansas. Saffa advocates for licensed online casino operations to complement the state's existing land-based casinos, believing it could boost revenue and attract more players.
The debate over iGaming legalization in Arkansas is not isolated. Across the country, iGaming typically generates more tax revenue than sports betting in states where both are legal. However, brick-and-mortar casino operators in some states have opposed the legalization of iGaming due to fears that customers won't visit physical properties if they can bet from anywhere with a cellphone.
Senator King is leaning towards a statewide vote on the legalization of online casino gambling (iGaming). As the legislative session in Arkansas is set to end in April, King is engaging in discussions with stakeholders, including other legislators at the Capitol in Little Rock and casino operators, over the next week or so.
Meanwhile, sports betting is already legal in Arkansas, with the first bets expected to be placed this fall. Arkansas currently allows only retail and limited mobile sports betting regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission. Proposals to legalize online casinos and prohibit sweepstakes-style online games face resistance from stakeholders like Oaklawn.
The national debate over iGaming was recently discussed by Steve Bittenbender on a recent episode of "The Edge." Larry Henry, a veteran print and broadcast reporter and editor with experience in media outlets in states with gaming, including Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana, provided insights into this complex issue.
As the debate unfolds, Arkansas remains without legal online casinos but has regulated online sports betting through casino licensees. The state joins 38 others where sports betting is legal and operational, while iGaming is legal in eight states. The future of iGaming in Arkansas hangs in the balance, with Senator King considering earmarking iGaming revenue for law enforcement and public safety. The outcome of this debate could reshape the gaming landscape in the state.
- Despite Senator Bryan King's introduction of Senate Joint Resolution 8, aimed at potentially regulating iGaming in Arkansas, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, a significant land-based casino operator in the state, has publicly opposed the legalization of online casinos due to potential impacts on its business.
- Meanwhile, Carlton Saffa, chief market officer of Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, supports the legalization of iGaming in Arkansas and believes it could boost revenue and attract more players, complementing the state's existing land-based casinos, much like sports betting, which is already legal in Arkansas.
