Online gambling expansion supported by Saracen Casino in Arkansas
In the heart of Arkansas, the gambling landscape is poised for a potential shift, as the Saracen Casino Resort seeks to expand its offerings to include online gambling activities. This move, if successful, would see the resort offering live dealer casinos, online craps, slots, and blackjack, among other games.
Representative Matt Duffield proposed House Bill 1861 (HB1861) in 2025, aiming to legalize online casino gambling in Arkansas. Although the bill was withdrawn before it could be considered in the legislative session, it was recommended for interim study, indicating a continued interest in this area.
Currently, Arkansas taxes land-based and online sports betting, with a 13% tax on the first $150 million in revenue and 20% thereafter, plus a 3% state tax on all gambling income. If online casino gaming were legalized, it could potentially increase state tax revenue significantly by expanding the taxable gambling market beyond sports betting to include table games and slots online.
Carlton Saffa, the chief market officer of Saracen Casino Resort, revealed in a recent interview that Arkansas residents are already participating in online gambling activities, albeit on unregulated websites that are not taxed or regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission. This situation raises concerns about consumers not being held to the standards the people of Arkansas have set forth for operators, such as ensuring that a customer must be 21.
To address these concerns and support the casino's efforts toward iGaming, Saffa sent a letter to the Arkansas Racing Commission's chairman, Alex Lieblong, asking for legislative changes that would enable Saracen Casino Resort to start offering online gambling activities. Saffa anticipates appearing before the Arkansas Racing Commission on May 6 to seek approval for these activities.
The legal iGaming market would not only address the concern of consumers not being held to the standards the people of Arkansas set forth for operators but also prevent the issue of residents gambling in unregulated online casinos, leading to taxes flowing out of the state. If permitted, Saracen Casino Resort predicts generating $12 million in additional taxes from iGaming.
As online gambling gains speed across the country, Arkansas finds itself in a unique position. While the state has already legalized online poker, it hasn't been launched yet. A legislative change that would bring online gambling activities is being pursued, which would amend ARC Rule 5 to include other types of table games and slots.
It's important to note that iGaming is already available in several states, while legal betting is legal in nearly 40 US states. Arkansas' potential step into online gambling could represent a significant expansion of the state's gaming industry, potentially increasing tax revenues and offering consumers a regulated, secure, and enjoyable online gambling experience.
- The Saracen Casino Resort in Arkansas aims to extend its gambling offerings, including online forms of casino-and-gambling such as live dealer casinos, online craps, slots, and blackjack, following the proposed House Bill 1861.
- The legal iGaming market in Arkansas, if established, could address concerns about residents already participating in online gambling activities on unregulated websites, ensuring that operators adhere to the standards set forth by the people of Arkansas, including age restrictions.
- Arkansas, with the potential legalization of online casino gambling, could increase state tax revenues significantly by expanding the taxable gambling market beyond sports betting to include table games and slots online.
- As online gambling continues to gain traction across the United States, the legalization of online gambling activities in Arkansas could represent a significant expansion of the state's gaming industry, offering consumers a regulated, secure, and enjoyable gambling experience while generating additional tax revenues.
