Saracen Casino Resort submits online gaming expansion proposal
However, current laws on the books could make approval difficult.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration has raised concerns regarding a recent proposal submitted by Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, according to an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette local report.
The casino resort wants to create an online game that would send money to collegiate athletic collections around Arkansas. The game would function like a raffle, the local report said.
Saracen Casino first sent the proposal a couple months ago, asking that existing casino rules be amended to include statewide online casino gambling.
Earlier this month, Saracen had its attorney submit a revised version of the proposal to a lawyer for the Racing Commission. The updated version includes asking for an online raffle that would send proceeds to schools around the state.
Arkansas currently has a statutory ban on online raffles. The state regulator maintained that launching a raffle of this kind would require more than a simple rule change.
Department of Finance and Administration Secretary Jim Hudson explained to local news why he believes Saracen’s proposal would not be approved.
He commented, “We believe the proposed NIL raffle is not authorized under existing Arkansas law and could not be implemented with just a rule change. It’s also important to note the proposal is part of a broader request to allow casino gaming online.
“This would represent a major expansion of gaming in Arkansas and should not be rushed into without understanding its impact on our state. I share the concerns about foreign illegal gaming, and DFA is committed to working with our casino partners and law enforcement to address it.”
At this time, the Racing Commission has not discussed Saracen’s proposal to add a raffle or expand online gaming.
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