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Arkansas Sen. Bryan King has filed a resolution that might modify the state’s constitution to allow gaming licensees in Arkansas to offer players online casino games. King’s proposal is currently just a vague suggestion to amend portions of the constitutions pertaining to casino gaming. However, the Senator has discussed legalizing iGaming as a way to increase revenues for Arkansas, so the intent is fairly clear.
One of the three current casino operators in Arkansas s expansion into iGaming, while another opposes it and the third hasn’t taken a stance. Without comprehensive buy-in from existing licensees, discussion regarding online casino legalization for 2025 would likely be exploratory and nothing more.
Resolution creates opportunity to amend Arkansas Constitution
King filed SJR8 on Jan. 30 and the resolution is on the agenda for the Arkansas Senate’s State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee’s March 13 meeting. Heading into the hearing, the resolution does not specify any changes to the state’s constitution concerning gambling.
Rather, it generally states that the resolution’s purpose “is to amend Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 100, concerning casino gaming.” In Arkansas, constitutional amendments can begin in either the state legislature or via petition.
In either case, a simple majority of ed voters must the proposal. King is likely to specify what changes he would like to affect if SJR8 moves forward.
Online casino legalization among possible modifications
King has shared his position that regulated iGaming is a vehicle to produce new tax revenues for Arkansas. It’s possible that SJR8 would propose expanding legal gambling in Arkansas to include digital table games, live dealer games, and online slots.
Currently, Arkansas is home to three commercial casinos, all of which offer online sports wagering to people in the state. There has been debate over whether these licensees could also offer online casino play without a new constitutional amendment explicitly stating that they have that privilege.
In April 2024, Saracen Casino Resort’s Chief Marketing Officer Carlton Saffa asked the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) to draft rules for legal online casino play. Saffa argued that the constitution already authorized such gaming as it did not restrict casino gaming to land-based action.
Although Saffa pointed out that the concept allows for online sports wagering in Arkansas, the ARC has thus far deferred to the legislature on the issue. Saracen has been the strongest advocate for expansion into iGaming but that is a solitary position at this point.
Oaklawn presents opposition to expansion
In September 2024, representatives for the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Arkansas expressed displeasure with the concept of legalizing online casinos in the state. Andrew Mobley of KATV reported that Oaklawn officials were concerned about the loss of revenues at their casino.
Oaklawn may not be the biggest obstacle for King’s resolution, however. Time might prove a bigger roadblock and might make 2025 just the start of a longer process.
Current session might be just a conversation starter
If SJR8 does move forward in 2025, it will need to do so quickly. The current legislative session in Arkansas ends April 11.
That could prove to be insufficient time to address all the concerns around iGaming in Arkansas and gain the requisite to the matter on to voters for 2026.
Instead, hearings on SJR8 might serve to gauge for the general concept and identify the concerns that proponents need to address. The current session may prove to be a stepping stone for a vote on iGaming in the future.
The vagueness of SJR8 lends toward broad discussions on the future of gambling in Arkansas. Those discussions are nearly certain to include online casino play to some extent.
