Arkansas Resort Seeks Online Casino Gaming Approval
An effort by one Arkansas casino to introduce online casino gaming in the state is on hold for now but could become a reality.
Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff is seeking to let users download an iGaming app to play traditional casino games such as craps and blackjack for real money. The app would be for on-site use only. Anyone not on Saracen’s property would not have access to the online games.
This would make Saracen the first casino in the region with iGaming.
The Pine Bluff resort is seeking to place the iGaming proposal on an upcoming Arkansas Racing Commission agenda, said Scott Hardin, commission spokesman. However, Hardin told Gambling.com this week that it “has not been determined if it will be an agenda item.”
A date for the next commission meeting has not been posted online, though it is expected to take place on or about April 16.
“Ultimately, Saracen is asking the commission to confirm the existing rules as they (Saracen) interpret them, which would allow them to move forward with implementation,” Hardin said.
The seven-member Racing Commission regulates all gambling matters in Arkansas, including gaming at Arkansas’ three licensed casinos, horse racing and sports betting.
Recently, the commission authorized DraftKings and FanDuel to partner with two licensed Arkansas casinos in operating mobile sports betting apps statewide. DraftKings is partnering with Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis. FanDuel has joined with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs. Those apps are now available in Arkansas.
Commission Delays Action
Earlier this month, the Saracen iGaming proposal came up at a Racing Commission meeting, but no action was taken.
During the meeting, a discussion took place about geofencing and whether it could be used at Saracen to permit iGaming only on the casino floor. There was no decision whether that should be mandated.
Also during the meeting, an Oaklawn representative said the resort is opposed to on-site and off-site iGaming in Arkansas. A Southland representative said officials there would look at the idea if Saracen's proposal is approved.
Carlton Saffa, Saracen’s chief market officer, has previously sought legislative approval for statewide iGaming. Lawmakers rejected that proposal.
Debate Over iGaming
Currently, iGaming is legal in only eight states, according to the American Gaming Association. Those states are in a general geographic region stretching from Michigan to Maine. Arkansas would be the first in its region to allow traditional casino games to be played on a cellphone app, though, in this case, only on the casino grounds.
Nationally, iGaming usually generates more revenue than sports betting in states that offer both. However, some brick-and-mortar casino operators object to letting customers play casinos games online from anywhere in the state. The concern is that some customers will stop visiting the brick-and-mortar casino, resulting in less money spent at the physical property on food, entertainment and lodging.
Proponents of iGaming argue it doesn’t reduce foot traffic to brick-and-mortar casinos. During a video interview on Gambling.com's “The Edge” two years ago, Henry Williams, executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, said the state’s online casinos do not take business away from brick-and-mortar casinos.
“We haven’t seen that at all,” Williams said.
The executive director also said iGaming creates jobs for live dealers.
“We have more occupational licensees for dealers at the live studios than we have in some of our casinos,” Williams said.
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