Lawmakers in Arkansas are moving forward with plans to legalize iGaming for the state’s three land-based casinos while aiming to ban online sweepstakes casinos. The proposed legislation, SB524 and HB1861, introduced by Senator Dave Wallace and Representative Matt Duffield, seeks to establish the Interactive Gaming Act. If approved, it would allow Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, and Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis to offer online casino gaming.
Expansion of iGaming in Arkansas
Currently, these three casinos operate online sports betting, but the passage of the new law would make Arkansas the eighth state in the US to legalize iGaming. Supporters argue that expanding online gaming would generate additional tax revenue and provide a regulated environment for players.
Crackdown on Sweepstakes Casinos
The proposed bills also introduce strict measures against online sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks using dual-currency funding. If enacted, operating these platforms in Arkansas would become a felony. Lawmakers pushing the legislation believe it is necessary to curb unregulated gaming and protect state interests.
Industry Response
The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) strongly opposes the bills, arguing they are designed to eliminate competition and favor traditional casino operators. The group voiced concerns about the impact on businesses, innovation, and consumer choice.
“We acknowledge the state’s role in overseeing interactive gaming, but these bills go too far. Social sweepstakes are not casinos. They offer free-to-play entertainment to millions of adults, with most users never spending money. Treating them as a public harm is misguided and unsupported by data,” the SPGA stated.
The organization urged lawmakers to reconsider, calling for collaboration with industry stakeholders to develop fair regulations. “The SPGA urges Arkansas lawmakers to reject this broad, punitive legislation and instead engage with stakeholders to create a balanced, informed policy. Don’t destroy a legal, thriving industry—and consumer choice—based on misinformation.”
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