Arkansas iGaming Bill Withdrawn, Recommended For Interim Study

As the 2025 Arkansas legislative session enters its final days, a bill to legalize online casino gaming statewide was withdrawn and referred to the House Judiciary Committee for interim study, according to the Arkansas legislative website.

Previously, Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, the Senate president pro tempore, told Gambling.com the bill, House Bill 1861, would fail because of opposition from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Attorney General Tim Griffin.

The bill's author, Rep. Matt Duffield, R-Russellville, withdrew it on Monday, April 7, and recommended an interim study on the same day. 

On Monday, Rep. Carol Dalby, R-Texarkana, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, emailed Gambling.com to say that interim studies occur between the general legislative sessions, "and it will be up to the sponsor as to when he wants to present his bill in that timeframe." The 2025 session is expected to end on April 16.

Rep. Duffield did not reply to an email on Monday seeking comment.

'Rampant' Unregulated Online Gaming

Carlton Saffa, chief market officer at Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, has sought to legalize online casino gaming, known as iGaming, while also banning casino platforms that operate using a sweepstakes model.

"Unregulated online gaming is rampant across the U.S. and Arkansas," Saffa previously told Gambling.com. "Most are offshore, and many directly linked to China." 

According to the American Gaming Association, regulated, taxed iGaming is legal nationwide in seven states but not in Arkansas or any state bordering Arkansas.

Regulated iGaming is taxed and allows bettors to play traditional casino games such as craps and slots for real money on a cellphone or computer. 

In some states, however, executives at brick-and-mortar casinos oppose regulated iGaming. Opponents are concerned patrons will prefer using a cellphone from anywhere in the state to gamble rather than entering the physical casino, where they might spend additional money on food, entertainment, and other in-person amenities. Proponents of regulated iGaming contend that studies show that online casino gaming does not detract from in-person visits. 

While regulated iGaming is illegal in Arkansas, sports betting is legal online or in person at one of the state's three casinos. In addition to Saracen, the state is home to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs and Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis. The three casinos have their own branded sports betting apps available to users. Oaklawn also has an app available for bettors wanting to wager on horse races.

Nationwide, sports betting is legal and live in 38 states and Washington, D.C. It is legal but not yet live in Missouri.