Players who frequent online casino games in Arkansas might eventually have access to regulated options sooner than later. A new online casino bill has been introduced in the Arkansas legislature which seeks to allow online casino gaming in their state.
House Bill 1861 (HB 1861) proposes allowing local operators and gambling licensees to offer online casino games. This includes online slot games, digital table games, and live dealer options for players in The Natural State.
Representative Matt Duffield presented HB 1861 as the main sponsor last March 19. He was backed up by 13 other members who are effectively co-sponsors of the bill. HB 1861 is currently waiting for its scheduled hearing in the House’s Judiciary Committee.
Lawmakers Push for HB 1861 to Address Arkansas’ Online Casino Market
HB 1861 is heavily being pushed by local legislators since it will be used to regulate the state’s online casino market. The house bill has four primary effects in relation to gambling.
First, it will increase the classification of “the operation of an interactive gaming system without a casino license” to a Class D felony. Second, the bill expands the offerings for gaming licensees to include online casino play.
Third, HB 1861 will establish a lottery whose proceeds shall fund payments to athletes at the University of Arkansas. This would be separate from the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery. Fourth, HB 1861 establishes a state of emergency related to illegal gambling in the state and the need for additional funds to support those athletes.
As of this writing, there are three land-based casinos operating in Arkansas. Two of them are in opposition to the online casino bill, citing that iGaming would be a net loss for their gambling revenue.
Meanwhile, the last operator is in full support of HB 1861, stating that it could help bring in much needed revenue to the state. Moreover, it would also make it easier to identify problem gambling instances.
Deadline for HB 1861 Approval
For lawmakers backing up HB 1861, they have a tight deadline to follow. The Arkansas legislature holds far shorter sessions in odd-numbered years than it does in even-numbered years. This means that the session concludes on April 11 for this year.
The bill needs to pass through two both chambers in Little Rock, and finally pass Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ potential veto. Such efforts ramp up the potential of online casinos in Arkansas.
