iGaming Proposal Eyed In Arkansas

An Arkansas lawmaker is considering introducing a measure to let voters decide whether to legalize online casino gambling statewide.

Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, told Gambling.com on Friday he will discuss the issue over the next week or so with stakeholders, including other legislators at the Capitol in Little Rock and casino operators. The legislative session is set to end in April.

For now, King has introduced a “shell bill,” Senate Joint Resolution 8, a proposed constitutional amendment “concerning casino gaming.”

The shell bill gives King the ability to fill it in later with specific language regarding “casino gaming,” including online casino gaming, known as iGaming. Online casino gaming allows bettors to use a cellphone or computer from anywhere in the state to place real-money bets on games such as craps, blackjack and slots. Sports betting already is legal in Arkansas.

King said he is leaning toward language that would earmark iGaming revenue for law enforcement and public safety. He wants to let the public decide in a statewide vote.

“We desperately need the revenue to reduce our high crime rate and keep families and communities safe,” he said.

Across the country, iGaming typically generates more tax revenue than sports betting in states where both are legal. iGaming is legal in only eight states, while sports betting is legal and operational in 38 states. Sports betting also is legal in Missouri but is not expected to be in operation until this fall, the state’s top gaming regulator told Gambling.com.

Efforts to legalize iGaming have been opposed in some states by brick-and-mortar casino operators concerned that customers won’t visit the physical property if they can bet from anywhere with the use of a cellphone. On a recent episode of "The Edge," Gambling.com's Steve Bittenbender discussed the national debate over iGaming.

In Arkansas, Carlton Saffa, chief market officer of Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, supports iGaming legalization. His efforts are being opposed by Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, a casino and horse track in Hot Springs.