Arkansas iGaming Bill Gains Traction as Senator King Pushes for Voter Say
Arkansas Senator Bryan King is steering a new effort to bring iGaming to the state, with Senate Joint Resolution 8 (SJR 8) now in play. This “shell bill,” a proposed constitutional amendment, could let voters decide on legalizing statewide iGaming.
King’s iGaming Vision
SJR 8, introduced by King, is a placeholder for now; light on details but heavy on potential. It’s tagged as “concerning casino gaming,” with King eyeing language to add iGaming specifics later.
He’s set to huddle with lawmakers and casino operators in Little Rock this week, hashing out the next steps. The plan is to let Arkansans vote on whether online slots, poker, and more should go live, with tax revenue earmarked for law enforcement and public safety.
Support’s brewing. Carlton Saffa, marketing chief at Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, backs the push, seeing iGaming as a revenue goldmine, outpacing sports betting in states where both thrive.
But Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs is digging in against it, wary of market shifts. With iGaming legal in just eight states versus 38 for sports betting, Arkansas could leap ahead if King’s bill fills out and passes.
HB1634’s Lottery Play
On a parallel track, HB1634, dubbed the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act, has sailed through the House and now sits with the Senate. It lets universities run 50/50 lotteries at sports events, splitting ticket cash between winners and athletic programs.
Funds could fuel name, image, and likeness (NIL) collectives, scholarships, or facility upgrades, keeping Arkansas competitive post-2021 Supreme Court NIL ruling.
However, no casinos or third-party vendors can touch these lotteries – schools run the show. Attorney General Tim Griffin gives it a green light, saying it fits Arkansas’s constitution under Amendment 84 for nonprofit raffles.
But Saffa raises red flags, warning that Amendment 84’s lax online rules could invite abuse and questioning if athlete payouts align with its no-compensation clause. Still, Griffin sees a legal path for NIL support, including pay.
Progress and Pitfalls
SJR 8’s fate hinges on King’s talks and legislative finesse. As a shell bill, it’s flexible, King could flesh it out with iGaming rules and revenue splits before April’s curtain call.
Success means a public vote, likely in 2026, given constitutional amendment timelines. HB1634, meanwhile, is closer to the finish line. Its instant-effect clause could see lotteries launch this spring if the Senate agrees, though Saffa’s concerns might spark debate.
Both bills face a ticking clock as the session ends in April. King’s iGaming pitch could piggyback on HB1634’s momentum, but casino splits and regulatory wrinkles loom large.
Recommended