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AR HB1861

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/19/2025

Primary Sponsor

Matt Duffield

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

AI Summary

  • Operating an illegal online casino or sports betting operation becomes a Class D felony, with the gambling house statute expanded to cover internet-based games using dual-currency payment systems that simulate casino games, lottery games, or sports wagering

  • Creates the "Interactive Gaming Act" allowing Arkansas Racing Commission-licensed casinos to operate one branded interactive gaming system each, with servers required to be hosted within the United States

  • Introduces "name, image, or likeness drawing games" as a new form of interactive gaming, where net proceeds are split between student-athlete NIL collectives affiliated with Arkansas collegiate athletics programs and winning participants

  • Prohibits interactive gaming arrangements where a third-party vendor receives more than 50% of net casino gaming receipts from the operation

  • Declares an emergency to address unlicensed online gambling threats and to enable financial support for student-athletes through NIL organizations, making the act effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval

Legislative Description

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.

Last Action

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on JUDICIARY COMMITTEE- HOUSE

4/7/2025

Committee Referrals

Judiciary3/19/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available