On December 30, 2021, the ARC had approved a new rule that would allow local casinos 51 percent in profits when in partnership with well-known online bookies. It was revealed that once Arkansas’ Legislative Council approved of the rule change, sports bettors would be able to place their wagers in February 2022.
ARC’s final decision was formed after a few weeks of disputes on multiple social networking platforms. The disputes had been triggered by the fact that online bookies normally shared 5 and 5 percent of their profits with online casinos.
Brian Bowen, the state deputy attorney general, informed the subcommittee members that the ARC has the authority to set up casino gambling rules under the Arkansas constitution.
At present, Arkansas has three casinos, i.e., Oaklawn, Southland, and Saracen. Earlier in November, the ARC had also permitted a license for a new casino to be constructed in Pope County.
This is one step short of mobile sports betting becoming a legal practice in Arkansas. Much to the chagrin of online gambling platform operators, the state seems to be going forward with an agreement more in favor of its local casinos.
All that being said, gambling in Arkansas is still new, and the state has recently gone through a widespread shift with gambling. In this article, we discuss the current (and future) prospects of online casinos in the US state in question. You can learn more about online casinos in Arkansas at bestarkansascasinosites.com.
Games Rules at Arkansas Casinos:
Although the state does not have specific prohibitions in terms of what kinds of games gamblers are allowed to play, the state rules have specified what games count as actual “games”. Moreover, the state’s specified definition and other rules are not set up to lessen gaming options for gamblers. Put simply legit companies are allowed to host any game, provided the ARC approves of it.
The state of Arkansas has approved slot-centric games longer than lotteries. However, one somewhat complex rule restricts all types of slots from operating. The state does not allow slot games that are offensive, obscene, based on products aimed at people under 21, or contradictory to the state’s public policy. Put simply, slot machines are mostly aimed at adults, but they are still not without their restrictions.
Online Slots in Arkansas:
As of now, gamblers cannot play slots online. As it stands, Arkansas law generally deems slots illegal, apart from some exceptions the state has specified in the past years.
For now, players can find slot titles on sweepstakes websites. The sites feature titles like Funzpoints, LuckyLand Slots, and Chumba Casino, all available twenty-four-seven. Note that they are not old-fashioned, subpar games either. You will come across slot games that are easily comparable to any you would find on a legit casino website. You will also find progressive jackpot games; those are where you can play and possibly win copious amounts of money.
In terms of sports betting online, daily fantasy sports (or DFS) has been legalized by the state. However, that was after state legislators established laws that ensured DFS would not represent gambling.
Poker Websites and Sweepstakes Casinos:
In terms of legal games, the only ones available to Arkansas residents are poker websites and sweepstakes casinos. These categories in themselves offer plenty of choices as well. It is crucial to understand what makes sweepstakes contests legal. Even though laws tend to vary based on every US state, they all specify the same things.
- The sweepstakes contests should be free of cost for gamblers to take part in.
- Players are strictly not allowed to increase their winning chances via any type of purchase.
- The contest must deliver the prize initially advertised, that too on time.
Considering gameplay, not much separates the ones legal in Arkansas, from actual poker rooms or online casinos found elsewhere. The table games and slots have the same rules and work the same way. The only difference between them and real online casinos is that the latter is not obligated to award the prizes advertised or be free of cost to take part in.
Online Casino Games Expected to Launch in Arkansas:
Considering the practice were approved by the ARC, gamblers could expect the following popular online casino games to be introduced in Arkansas:
- Online poker
- Lottery
- Online slots
- Live dealer
- Online blackjack