In Arkansas, known for its strict gambling regulations, Saracen Casino Resort made headlines with a proposal to expand online gambling. Located in Pine Bluff, the casino, under the leadership of Chief Marketing Officer Carlton Saffa, aims to launch an online game reminiscent of a lottery. This game would allocate a portion of its revenue to state-wide college sports associations, which support athletes by compensating for the use of their names, images, and likenesses (NIL).
However, according to the Arkansas Times, the proposal has encountered significant obstacles. The Arkansas Racing Commission, which oversees the state's casinos, has expressed concerns. Michael Wickline of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that the commission views the game as similar to a lottery, a form currently prohibited by state law.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
The core of the regulatory challenge lies in the nature of the proposed online game. A spokesperson for Governor Sarah Sanders, Alexa Henning, reiterated that state law does not permit such lottery activities. Additionally, Jim Hudson, the state's Secretary of Finance and Administration overseeing the Racing Commission, expressed caution regarding the proposal.
Department spokesperson Scott Hardin conveyed a statement highlighting the complexity of the situation. He stated, "Several months ago, Saracen Casino initially proposed an amendment to existing casino regulations that would allow online casino gaming in the state." The amended proposal also included a lottery activity, the proceeds of which would go to Arkansas schools' NIL programs, yet to be formally discussed by the Racing Commission.
"The proposed NIL lottery activity is not authorized by existing Arkansas law and cannot be implemented merely by changing rules," Hudson stated, emphasizing the potential impact of the expansion of gambling in Arkansas. His statement reflects broader concerns about allowing online casino gambling, including issues related to foreign illegal gambling.
Competition and Controversy Among Casinos
The proposal has also sparked controversy among other local casinos. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, a direct competitor to Saracen, has expressed opposition to iGaming. Oaklawn's General Manager Wayne Smith clarified that while they oppose online gambling, they do not oppose raising funds for Arkansas college sports programs.
Despite these obstacles, Saracen Casino Resort, owned by the Quapaw Nation, continues to actively promote its proposal and its gambling application through TV ads featuring former Razorback athletes. Saffa uses his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to candidly promote the potential benefits of the proposal, not only for the casino but also for Arkansas's college sports community. Amid ongoing debates, UA spokesperson Mark Rushing issued a statement emphasizing the university's neutral stance on specific regulations but affirmed the importance of NIL funding for student athletes.
