Will Arkansas Embrace iGaming in 2025?

As the 2025 legislative calendar takes shape, Arkansas has emerged as a potential battleground for iGaming expansion. With few states seriously considering online casino legalization this year, Arkansas could be one of the industry's last hopes for progress. But how realistic is the possibility?

The Current State of Legislation

Despite growing speculation, there is no formal iGaming bill in Arkansas at the moment. What does exist is Senate Joint Resolution 8, a shell bill filed by Sen. Bryan King (R), which signals his intent to propose an amendment to the state's constitution regarding casino gaming. However, the bill lacks any concrete language detailing what those amendments might include.

Sen. King has expressed a desire to bring iGaming to a statewide vote, potentially earmarking tax revenue from online gambling for public safety and law enforcement. Discussions among lawmakers in the coming weeks are expected to shape the final details of the proposal.

Arkansas Casinos Are Divided on iGaming

Arkansas currently has three operating casinos, and their stance on iGaming is far from unanimous. Saracen Casino Resort has been the most vocal proponent, advocating for online gambling to keep gaming revenue within state lines. Last year, Saracen's Chief Marketing Officer, Carlton Saffa, submitted a letter to the Arkansas Racing Commission highlighting studies, like the study from Penn State, that suggest iGaming does not significantly impact land-based casino revenue.

The argument is particularly relevant in Arkansas, where the state’s three casinos are spread out across less populated areas. Many residents already travel to neighboring states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Missouri) to gamble. According to Saracen, legalizing iGaming could help recapture some of those lost dollars.

On the other hand, Oaklawn Casino Resort remains firmly opposed. The Hot Springs-based casino has previously fought against mobile sports betting and is now taking a similar stance against online casinos. The opposition largely stems from concerns that iGaming would give Saracen and Southland Casino in West Memphis an advantage, as both have been more aggressive in expanding their digital gaming operations.

What’s Next for Arkansas iGaming?

With a significant budget surplus in recent years, Arkansas has the financial flexibility to consider iGaming without immediate pressure. In 2023 alone, the state had over $1 billion in surplus funds, with its casinos contributing $110 million in tax revenue.

The question now is whether lawmakers will see iGaming as an opportunity to strengthen Arkansas’ gaming industry or if opposition from key players like Oaklawn will stall any progress. While the economic argument for iGaming is strong, particularly given the number of Arkansas gamblers crossing state lines or playing on offshore sites, political realities could prove to be a bigger obstacle.

For now, the fate of iGaming in Arkansas remains uncertain, but as discussions unfold in the legislature, 2025 could be the year the state finally takes a serious step toward online casino legalization.