WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1861

TO MAKE OPERATION OF AN ILLEGAL ONLINE CASINO OR SPORTS BETTING A FELONY; TO CREATE THE INTERACTIVE GAMING ACT; TO REGULATE INTERNET GAMING AND INCLUDE NAME, IMAGE, OR LIKENESS GAMES AND GAMING; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Fred Allen and 7 co-sponsors

House Bill 1861 regulates online gaming in Arkansas, making illegal operations a felony, while allowing licensed casinos to offer legal interactive gaming.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on JUDICIARY COMMITTEE- HOUSE
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1861

Summary of House Bill 1861 (HB 1861)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1861 aims to regulate online gaming in Arkansas by establishing the Interactive Gaming Act. The bill seeks to make the operation of illegal online casinos and sports betting a felony, thereby enhancing the legal framework surrounding internet gaming. It also includes provisions for games that utilize a person's name, image, or likeness, particularly in relation to collegiate athletics.

Key Provisions

  • Criminalization of Illegal Gaming: The bill amends existing laws to classify the operation of unlicensed online casinos or sports betting as a felony. This includes any entity that conducts or offers gaming activities without a license from the Arkansas Racing Commission.

  • Creation of the Interactive Gaming Act: This act allows licensed casinos to offer interactive gaming through approved systems. Key definitions include:

    • Interactive Gaming: Placing wagers via mobile devices or internet browsers, including games that benefit name, image, or likeness collectives.
    • Casino Licensee: Entities licensed by the Arkansas Racing Commission to conduct casino gaming.

  • Regulatory Framework: The Arkansas Racing Commission is tasked with:

    • Approving interactive gaming systems and game titles.
    • Setting standards and rules for interactive gaming operations.
    • Requiring casino licensees to report on licensed personnel involved in interactive gaming.

  • Technical Standards: Interactive gaming systems must comply with minimum technical standards as defined by Gaming Laboratories International.

  • Fiscal Impact: The bill anticipates an increase in net casino gaming receipts tax collections, although the exact amount is currently undetermined. The Arkansas Racing Commission will require additional staffing and resources to implement the new regulations.

Affected Parties

  • Casino Licensees: Entities holding a casino license will be directly impacted as they will be allowed to offer interactive gaming.
  • Gamblers: Arkansas residents will have the opportunity to engage in legal online gaming activities through licensed casinos.
  • Arkansas Racing Commission: The Commission will have expanded responsibilities, including the hiring of additional staff to oversee the new regulations.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 19, 2025
  • Status: Recommended for study in the Interim by the House Judiciary Committee on April 7, 2025.
  • Amendments: The bill has undergone amendments to refine its language and provisions, including the addition of regulatory details and definitions.

Conclusion

HB 1861 represents a significant shift in Arkansas's approach to online gaming, aiming to regulate and legitimize interactive gaming while imposing strict penalties for illegal operations. The bill's passage would establish a framework for legal online gambling, potentially increasing state revenue and providing a safer environment for gamblers.

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

Sign in to ask a question.