Is Online Casino Gambling in Arkansas's Future?

For several years, states like Indiana, Illinois, New York, and New Hampshire have been considering iGaming legislation, but to no avail so far. Out of the blue comes rumblings that online casino gambling might find its way to lawmakers in the state of Arkansas.

Arkansas Sen. Bryan King has formally filed a resolution that would seek to change the state constitution to allow the issuance of iGaming licenses to reputable operators. At this point, it's just rumblings, but those rumblings are supported by the state's need for more tax revenue. Online gambling has become a popular way for needy states to fill their coffers.

It's noteworthy that three (3) licensed retail casinos are operating within the state's borders. One of those casino operators supports the introduction of online casinos. One operator does not. The third operator has yet to show its cards.

What's in the Resolution?

Sen. King's resolution is numbered SJR8. It was issued on January 30 of this year. It is scheduled to initially be addressed on March 13 at the Arkansas Senate’s State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee. While the resolution does not specify what changes would need to be made to the State Constitution, it is intended to prompt conversation about the future of iGaming in Arkansas.

The language of the resolution simply states:

The purpose of the resolution "is to amend Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 100, concerning casino gaming.”

King made clear he would offer specifics should the resolution draw interest from his peers.

In Arkansas, resolutions for amendments can be created in the state legislature or by a petition of voting citizens. If a resolution passes Congress, it will be presented to voters on the ballot in the next schedule election be it the mid-terms or general election.

The Online Casino Gambling Battle Ensues

Sen. King has made clear that his motivation for presenting this resolution is largely focused on increasing tax revenue. The question at hand is how to proceed from here.

Currently, the state's three (3) retail casinos are allowed to offer access to online sports getting. THere has been some discussion that maybe iGaming licensing could piggyback off online sports betting, eliminating the need to change the constitution. That was the position of Saracen Casino Resort’s Chief Marketing Officer Carlton Saffa in April 2024. Unfortunately, it's not a position currently supported by the legislature.

It's worth mentioning that the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Arkansas is very much against any iGAming initiative. With the race track and casino doing well, they don't seem to be interested in sharing the wealth.

If anything is going to get done in 2025, it needs to happen quickly. The current legislative session is scheduled to end on April 11. If nothing moves forward, residents can take to heart that the conversation about online casino gambling in Arkansas has finally started. However, time is running out to get a resolution on the 2026 ballot, leaving the topic open until the 2028 election cycle rolls around.