The Arkansas Racing Commission recently approved the publication of proposed rules to allow mobile sports betting from anywhere in Arkansas. Currently, sports bets only may be placed on-site at casinos. The Racing Commission’s draft rules would allow casinos to have up two mobile wagering platforms−either developed by the casino itself or in partnership with existing betting platforms which would receive a percentage of betting revenue.
Now a 30-day public comment period will begin, and the commission will discuss whether or not to adopt the rules at its December 30 meeting, Commission Attorney Byron Freeland said. He stated the process should be completed in late January or early February, meaning Arkansas could start placing mobile sports wagers by February.
Hardin also noted sportsbooks have been operating successfully at each of the state’s three existing casinos, Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs.
Hardin added Arkansans have said they want the ability to place mobile wagers. “When the rules were drafted, it limited sports betting to physically on-site casino property. Offering mobile immediately seemed like a large step. This seems like the time to make the move,” Hardin said. He pointed out the mobile sports wagering app would use technology to ensure only adults age 21 and above could place bets.
Saracen Casino Chief Marketing Officer Carlton Saffa said the casino supports legalizing mobile sports betting. “Our patrons wanted crab legs on our buffet, so we made it happen. And our patrons want to bet on sports on their phones, so we’re hopeful that the state would allow that to happen. This has long been something that we are regularly asked about,” Saffa stated.
He added mobile sports wagering “would bring this to Arkansas in a way where Arkansas could get a fair share of tax revenue.” Saffa also said mobile sports betting appeals to younger patrons who are more likely to go through a mobile device. In addition, he noted illegal sports betting already takes place on mobile apps based in other countries. Regardless, Saffa said, slot machines always will be the casino’s core business.
Jerry Cox, director of the conservative group Arkansas Family Council, said making sports betting more accessible is sure to contribute to more gambling addiction. “Anytime you expand the availability of gambling you run the serious risk of contributing to gambling addiction, which is a problem not just in Arkansas but across the nation. You’re going to see a lot more people lose their hard-earned money by gambling.”
In September, Governor Asa Hutchinson said he could support mobile wagering.
Sports betting in Arkansas launched in July 2019, and since then bettors have wagered $86 million at the three casinos, with $74 million in payouts and $12 million in state revenue, Hardin said. Still, sports bets remain a small percentage of the casinos’ business, he said.
