The Arkansas online casino discussion took a dramatic turn earlier this week.
In an unexpected turn of events, Rep. Matt Duffield recently withdrew his bill that sought to introduce iGaming in Arkansas.
This move came just weeks after House Bill 1861 was first introduced. Originally scheduled for discussion at a House Judiciary Committee meeting on Monday, the bill was unexpectedly pulled from the agenda. This wasn't the first setback for the proposed online casino legislation, as Sen. Dave Wallace had also withdrawn the corresponding Senate Bill 524 (SB524), merely a day after its introduction.
It's a decision that was applauded by The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA).
What the Arkansas Online Casino Bill Would Have Changed
If the bill had moved forward, it would have permitted Arkansas's three land-based casinos in Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, and West Memphis to create online casino platforms.
These platforms would have allowed people to play games for real money on the internet, all under the control of the Arkansas Racing Commission, which manages gambling activities in the state. A driving point behind the bill is the growing presence of offshore and unlicensed gambling platforms.
HB 1861 also aimed to clear up any confusion about the legality of sweepstakes-style gaming platforms. These platforms often use a dual-currency system to avoid being labeled as traditional gambling. HB1861 proposed limiting these sweepstakes casinos to operators who are officially licensed in Arkansas.
Online Casinos Still Face Political Opposition in Arkansas
Political opposition has been a major obstacle for the bill's progress.
Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester mentioned that the bill wouldn't likely get the necessary legislative support. Sen. Hester, a member of key committees like Senate Revenue and Taxation, emphasized that the Arkansas legislature isn't very interested in expanding online gaming.
Additionally, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Attorney General Tim Griffin are against legalizing online casinos. Their opposition makes it even less likely for similar legislation to pass anytime soon.
While this year's attempt to legalize online casinos might have reached a standstill, there is still hope for future progress.
The House Judiciary Committee recommended the bill undergo further study before next year’s legislative session. This suggests that we may see renewed efforts to tackle the issue in 2025.
As the debate over online casinos continues in Arkansas, it remains a topic to watch. Supporters and critics will likely engage in further discussions as more evaluations and studies unfold. Stay tuned for updates on how this will play out in the coming years.
In the meantime, the bill's failure means that people in Arkansas can continue to play sweepstakes casino games as they have been.
Sweepstakes-style gaming platforms often operate using a dual-currency model, which allows them to function without being classified as traditional gambling. Without new regulations to change the current setup, these platforms remain accessible to players in Arkansas. As a result, residents of The Natural State can still enjoy these games while the legal landscape around online casinos remains unchanged. Follow this link to a list of sweepstakes casinos from which you can choose.
