Arkansas Senator Proposes Online Casino Expansion Amid Growing Debate

A resolution filed by Arkansas Senator Bryan King aims to amend the state's constitution to potentially allow for the legalization of online casino gaming, a move that could reshape the state’s gambling landscape and generate new tax revenues. Although the proposal is still in its early stages and remains vague, it signals a significant discussion about the future of gambling in Arkansas.

The Proposal

On January 30, 2025, Sen. Bryan King introduced Senate Joint Resolution 8 (SJR8), which seeks to amend the Arkansas Constitution, specifically Amendment 100 concerning casino gaming. While the resolution lacks specific details about the changes it aims to make, its general language calls for modifications that could open the door for online casino gaming in Arkansas. King has been vocal about his belief that regulated iGaming could provide a much-needed source of revenue for the state.

Currently, Arkansas is home to three commercial casinos, which, since 2022, have been allowed to offer online sports betting. However, the constitution’s language is unclear as to whether these operators are authorized to provide other forms of online gaming, such as digital table games, online slots, or live dealer games. King’s resolution could potentially clear the way for expanding the scope of casino gaming to include these online formats.

A Mixed Industry Response

While King has framed iGaming as a promising avenue for revenue growth, the response from the casino industry itself has been less unified. Saracen Casino Resort, one of the three current operators in the state, has strongly supported expanding into online casino gaming. In fact, in April 2024, Saracen’s Chief Marketing Officer Carlton Saffa petitioned the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) to draft rules for legalized online casino play. Saracen’s position is that the Arkansas Constitution’s current language already authorizes online gaming, citing the precedent set by the state’s legal framework for online sports betting.

However, not all casino operators are in agreement with Saracen’s stance. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, another of the state’s three casinos, has expressed concerns about the potential for revenue loss if online casino gaming is legalized. Oaklawn’s opposition highlights the fear that online casinos could cannibalize the profits of land-based operations, especially those in competitive markets.

Currently, the third casino operator has not publicly stated a clear position on the matter, leaving the industry’s unified support for iGaming uncertain. Without comprehensive buy-in from all three major licensees, efforts to legalize online casinos could face significant obstacles, as it’s likely that legislation will require a more cohesive consensus before advancing.

Legislative Roadblocks and Timing

Despite the early support from some quarters, the legislative process surrounding SJR8 may be slower and more complex than anticipated. The Arkansas state legislature's current session ends on April 11, 2025, leaving limited time for lawmakers to address all the concerns surrounding online casino gaming and for King’s resolution to make significant headway. The Arkansas Senate’s State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee is slated to discuss SJR8 on March 13, 2025, but it remains to be seen whether the resolution will make it to a vote in time for this legislative session.

Even if SJR8 moves forward, the proposal would need to pass through several more hurdles. If the resolution succeeds in the legislature, a statewide referendum would be required, and a simple majority of registered voters would need to approve the amendment. This makes it likely that the issue would not be resolved until the 2026 election cycle, potentially pushing the effective date of any new gaming rules several years into the future.

King’s SJR8 is being seen by some observers as more of a conversation starter than an immediate legislative fix. The resolution’s vague wording suggests that it is intended primarily to open up a broader discussion about the future of gambling in the state, particularly the prospect of legalized online casinos. By gauging public and industry support in the current legislative session, the resolution could lay the groundwork for future action, even if substantive changes to the state’s constitution do not occur immediately.

As Arkansas’ gambling industry evolves, the question of how to balance land-based and online gaming remains a critical issue. With competition increasing both within the state and across the region, proponents of iGaming argue that online casinos could give Arkansas a competitive edge in the national gambling landscape while also offering a significant revenue stream for state programs. Opponents, like Oaklawn, fear that iGaming could siphon profits away from traditional casino operations, threatening jobs and reducing the economic benefit that casinos bring to their local communities.

Moreover, there are broader questions about the future of gambling in the state, particularly in terms of regulation, taxation, and how to protect consumers. Lawmakers will have to carefully consider the long-term implications of any changes to the state’s gambling laws, not only for the casino industry but also for the residents who might benefit from new tax revenue or suffer from potential social harms tied to gambling.

 

Regulated iGaming is a vehicle to produce new tax revenues for Arkansas.

Looking Ahead

Though SJR8 is still in its infancy and faces several hurdles before it can become a reality, it marks the beginning of an important conversation about the future of gambling in Arkansas. With time running short in the current legislative session, it is unlikely that Arkansas will see any concrete changes to its gambling laws in the near term. Instead, lawmakers may use this session as an opportunity to gather feedback and build support for iGaming, which could set the stage for future legislation on the issue.

Whether 2025 becomes the year Arkansas moves forward with legalized online casinos or simply serves as a conversation starter remains to be seen. However, as the debate heats up, it is clear that the state’s gaming landscape is on the cusp of significant change, and the coming months will likely reveal how lawmakers and the public ultimately respond to the possibility of online casino play.