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HB 1721

DCFS-FOSTER-PARENTING YOUTH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Amy Elik

HB 1721 bans greyhound racing and wagering in Arkansas, impacting operators and bettors starting January 1, 2028, amid declining industry participation and revenue.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1721

Summary of HB 1721: Prohibition of Greyhound Racing and Simulcasting

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1721
Title: To Amend Sections of the Arkansas Code to Prohibit Greyhound Racing and Simulcasting of Greyhound Racing
Status: Now Act 394
Introduced: March 10, 2025
Effective Date: January 1, 2028

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 1721 is to prohibit greyhound racing and the acceptance of wagers on greyhound racing within the state of Arkansas. This bill aims to amend existing Arkansas laws to eliminate greyhound racing activities, reflecting a significant shift in the state's approach to this form of gambling.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition on Racing and Wagering:

    • The bill prohibits any entity holding a casino license or a franchise for horse or greyhound racing from conducting greyhound racing or accepting wagers on greyhound races, whether live or simulcast.

  • Repeal of Authority:

    • It repeals the Arkansas Racing Commission's authority to adopt rules that would allow for wagering on greyhound races shown live or via any other means.

  • Amendments to Existing Laws:

    • Several sections of the Arkansas Code are amended to reflect these prohibitions, including definitions and regulations surrounding casino licenses and franchise holders.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • Greyhound racing operators, bettors, and associated businesses will be directly impacted, as they will no longer be able to engage in greyhound racing or wagering activities starting January 1, 2028.

  • Fiscal Considerations:

    • Currently, the state collects a 1% tax on the total handle from greyhound races. However, revenue from this source has been declining significantly, with a 32% decrease noted from FY2023 to FY2024. The elimination of greyhound racing is expected to further reduce this revenue stream, although the long-term fiscal impact may be minimal due to the existing downward trend in the industry.

Procedural Aspects

  • Implementation Timeline:

    • The bill provides adequate time for implementation, with an effective date set for January 1, 2028.

  • Regulatory Changes:

    • The Arkansas Racing Commission will need to update its rules to remove any provisions related to greyhound racing and ensure compliance with the new law.

Conclusion

HB 1721 represents a decisive move by the Arkansas legislature to phase out greyhound racing and related wagering activities. As the industry faces declining participation and revenue, this legislation aims to formally end greyhound racing in the state, impacting operators and bettors alike while aligning with broader trends in gambling regulation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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