Casinos in Arkansas are seeking permission from regulators to offer online gambling. This is a distinctive approach in the context of online gambling becoming a significant challenge in the year 2024.
Arkansas casinos are employing a unique strategy to legalize online gambling. Six years ago, voters approved the expansion of gambling in Arkansas. This included up to four physical casinos, in-person and online wagering, and online poker. The legislation did not explicitly prohibit Arkansas residents from participating in online gambling. It also did not explicitly permit it.
The legislation itself governs “casino gambling,” defined as “handling, operating, conducting, managing, maintaining, or publicly playing any game played with cards, dice, devices.” It can also include “any mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic device or machine used for money, property, checks, credit, or any representation of value.” Casino gambling should also include “accepting bets on sporting events.”
Online sports betting and poker are legal
When regulators interpreted the law, they included statewide online sports betting and online poker. Currently, no operators are offering digital poker. Last month, Carlton Saffa, Chief Marketing Officer of Saracen Casino, sent a letter to the Arkansas Racing Commission requesting a change in the regulations. This was initially reported by Gambling.com.
By modifying ARC Regulation 5, which already permits online poker, to incorporate other forms of table games and slot machines,” Safa stated to Gambling.com. “This would produce substantial tax income for the state. And, equally importantly, guarantee that operators are responsible to the government.”
Is it feasible to authorize online casino betting in Arkansas without going through the legislative process? One casino proprietor believes the response is affirmative. Find out more in today’s press release: https://t.co/yQF8evzBTH.
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The Racing Commission’s Regulation 1 defines casino gambling in the same manner as the law. The regulation doesn’t address online casinos in Arkansas. Instead, it mentions “interactive games” and specifically defines online poker as legal. Regulation 5.060 also specifies that operators cannot offer new interactive gaming systems unless it has been authorized by the commission.
But Regulation 5.140 — “Acceptance of Bets” — states that operators cannot accept bets for “any other games except poker and its variations,” which must be approved by the commission and published on the commission’s website.
The primary distinction between online poker and other online casino games is that poker is peer-to-peer, while casino games like blackjack or roulette are played against the house. These two types of games are defined and regulated separately in every region of the United States.
The most recent idea is a workaround.
Safas proposition is a detour to circumvent legislative action, constitutional changes or the governor’s consent. Governor Kay Ivey backed the last gambling expansion, but stated earlier this year that she “won’t sign any bills.”
If the Racing Commission approves Safa’s plea, online wagering in Arkansas would be regulated and could go live shortly. But it could be blocked by legal challenges or legislative action. Safa told Gambling.com he hopes his request will be on the agenda for the Arkansas Racing Commission gathering on May 6. The agenda has not yet been released.
In Minnesota, lawmakers have been attempting to legalize sports betting for years. This year, the Racing Commission voted to permit historical horse racing machines to be installed at local racetracks. Thus far, one state legislator has labeled the move “illegal” and has filed a bill to prohibit the machines; racetracks have sued the state’s tribes, one of which has sued the Racing Commission. All of this suggests that even if the Arkansas Racing Commission “legalizes” it, it might not endure.
Seven states offer online casinos
So far, neither of the other two racetracks – Oaklawn or Southland – have been involved in the discussion. iGB contacted Saracen Casino and the Arkansas Racing Commission on Tuesday (April 23) but did not receive a response.
Bally’s, the sole operator in Rhode Island, has launched the state’s first online casino, making the state the seventh in the US to offer online casinos.
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In the U.S., seven states – Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia – have permitted internet wagering. Rhode Island is the most recent state to begin offering online casinos. Internet gambling has been legal in the state for some time, but it only officially began in March of this year.
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