The Arkansas Racing Commission announced it will meet on December 30 in Little Rock to consider rule changes to sports betting in the state.
Among the changes to be considered is not requiring bettors to place wagers at casino sportsbooks, a move that could lead to online and mobile betting. Currently sports betting only is allowed on casino premises.
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration official Scott Hardin said, “So if you’re in Northwest Arkansas, Northeast Arkansas and don’t want to make the drive and want to place a sports wager, that opens up an entirely new market.” Hardin said if the proposed rule change is approved, mobile sports bets could launch in time for the 2022 Super Bowl.
The commission meeting will include a public comment period. After that, commissioners are expected to vote on the rule change following public comments.
Under the proposed rules, licensed casinos−Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Southland in West Memphis and Saracen in Pine Bluff−could partner with up to two platforms or apps. Bettors would not have to register for an account in-person, as required now.
A sports betting bill that would have allowed casinos to operate online sports wagering died in a House committee on the final day of the last legislative session.
Arkansas voters legalized sports betting in November 2018. At least $86 million has been wagered since the first retail sports bet was placed in 2019.
