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Arkansas Seeks to Legalize Online Gambling, Kill Sweepstakes
Summary
Arkansas is moving towards legalising online gambling while simultaneously seeking to eliminate sweepstakes gaming models. Lawmakers have introduced two bills, SB524 and HB1861, which aim to ban sweepstakes due to concerns over their unregulated gambling nature. If passed, the legislation could pave the way for Arkansas to establish online casinos and sportsbooks, helping it advance its gaming framework significantly.
Leading this initiative are Sen. Dave Wallace and Rep. Matt Duffield, with backing from 14 other legislators. The bills propose allowing established casinos like Saracen Casino Resort and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort to operate online gambling platforms, which would align Arkansas with other states embracing regulated online gaming.
Key Points
- Arkansas lawmakers are introducing measures to legalise online gambling and ban sweepstakes gaming.
- The proposed bills aim to restrict unregulated gambling practices compared to traditional casinos.
- This move could enable Arkansas to quickly establish an online gambling presence, including sports betting.
- The bills have bipartisan support, though they require legislative approval without the necessity of the governor’s endorsement.
- Other states like Maryland and Mississippi have also taken steps to limit or ban sweepstakes models.
Why should I read this?
This article highlights a significant shift in Arkansas’s stance on gambling, indicating a trend towards the legalisation of online gambling while addressing the proliferation of sweepstakes models. It reflects the broader regulatory landscape across the United States as states move to secure more control over gambling activities, enhancing both revenue opportunities and safer gaming environments for residents.
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