A bill calling for the introduction and regulation of online sports betting by casino licensees in Arkansas has been referred to the state House Rules Committee.
House Bill 1942, introduced by Representative Lee Johnson, asks for online sports betting to be approved “immediately” for operation in the state.
The bill outlines that each casino should have no more than three individually branded online sports betting platforms. The Arkansas Racing Commission would handle most other regulatory necessities such as determining the types of wagers offered, the record-keeping requirements, and ensuring children are not targeted by gambling advertising.
The bill was introduced to the Arkansas House of Representatives on April 19. It was read for the first time twice before its referral to the Committee on House Rules. The Committee will consider the bill on April 21.
The bill specified that the Arkansas Racing Commission will enact the conditions of the bill within 90 days of its effective date.
Currently, retail sports betting is permitted in Arkansas, following a 2018 constitutional amendment.