Residents across Arkansas may soon be able to place wagers on their mobile devices or computers by early Spring 2022. There are a few steps that must be taken before sportsbooks can launch their apps.
In September, the largest sports betting handle came from Oaklawn Racing Resort, where operators accepted $2.85 million in wagers.
Arkansas Sportsbooks Could Go Online by Next Year
The Arkansas Racing Commission plans to vote on November 18th on a rule change that would allow bettors to use mobile devices to place wagers across the state. This is the commission that regulates gaming in the state.
Before sportsbooks can launch their apps to start taking wagers, the rule change must be published online for thirty days and go through a hearing process. If the potential rule change is passed, it is subjected to be reviewed by the Joint Legislative Rules Committee.
As long as it is approved and signed by Governor Asa Hutchinson, mobile sports betting could begin by January or early February, which he has publicly supported.
The legislation is currently not in session; however, the joint Rules Committee meets regularly in Little Rock throughout the year to address numerous issues they come across. Legislators are expected to approve a mobile sports-betting endorsement from the seven-member Racing Commission.
The Governor has reiterated his support for mobile sports betting to take place in the state in the foreseeable future but is taking caution like other markets across the country. Geofencing would allow sports wagers to be accepted in permitted areas in the state as some parishes have prohibited sports betting to be placed in the vicinity.
Hutchinson believes that mobile sports betting will help the state stay competitive in the industry with states such as Louisiana and Tennessee. Mobile sportsbooks like DraftKings will go live in Louisiana once the Louisiana Gaming Control Board approves the license. On the other hand, Tennessee does not have commercial casinos, but sports betting has been going on since November 2020.
Mississippi is set to address mobile sports betting at the legislative session, which will begin in January in Jackson. Mobile sports wagering is only allowed in one casino grounds that only includes one casino, which is the Gold Strike, an MGM Resorts property in Tunica.
Locations That Allow On-Site Sports Betting in Arkansas
Arkansas allows on-site mobile sports betting; however, none of the state’s three commercial casinos offer the option to place a bet. The rule change would allow these casinos to extend partnerships with online sportsbook operators in order to accept wagers on their mobile platforms.
Oaklawn Racing Resorts is the only legal casino in the area that is home to a horse racing track. The Arkansas Derby that takes place every year is important to many as it is seen as a prelude to the Triple Crown races each year.
This year’s racing season is set to start from December 3rd to May 8th. Oaklawn Anywhere allows those interested in placing wagers on various races. Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff has a sportsbook on-site for customers to place wagers.
