A proposal to legalize Arkansas online casinos has been withdrawn from consideration and referred for interim study. The referral means that while the legislature may discuss House Bill 1861 between legislative sessions, it will not receive a vote.
Rep. Matt Duffield, who sponsored HB1861, withdrew it from the House Judiciary Committee’s agenda before its scheduled hearing. The move effectively halts its progression in this current legislative session.
Had it progressed, HB1861 would have allowed casinos to offer online slots and other internet-based casino-style gaming statewide, regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission.
In addition to legalizing online casino gambling, the bill aimed to clarify the legality of sweepstakes casinos, which are similarly under scrutiny in several states. Under the bill, laws would have restricted sweepstakes casinos to licensed gambling operators.
However, after an extensive committee debate last week, Duffield requested that the bill be pulled and sent for Interim Study.
Sen. Dave Wallace sponsored then withdrew the Senate’s companion bill, SB524, just a day after its introduction.
Arkansas law allows retail casino and sports betting at the state’s three casinos—Oaklawn, Southland, and Saracen. Online sports betting is also available through the state’s three legal online sportsbooks.
Door to online casino legalization remains open
However, despite the bill’s withdrawal, Arkansas online casinos are not entirely off the table. Rather than outright shutting down the possibility, the House Judiciary Committee recommended that the proposal undergo further study before the next legislative session.
The decision suggests that despite a lack of current support, lawmakers recognize the need for more in-depth consideration. Further, it signals the potential that online casinos will undergo renewed debate in 2026.
In the meantime, political opposition proved too great a barrier.
Shortly after the bill’s late March introduction, Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester indicated it was unlikely to receive the necessary legislative support. Combined with opposition from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Attorney General Tim Griffin, online casino legislation passing in the short term had little chance.
Notably, the Arkansas governor substantially influences legislative agendas and has veto power. As the AG, Griffin helps interpret and enforce gaming regulations. Sanders and Griffin are eligible for reelection in 2027, but only the governor has publicly shared the intention to reoffer.
Despite chilly reception, warmer days may be ahead
Despite increasing interest in expanding online gambling options among Arkansas stakeholders, the state’s existing political climate remains primarily opposed.
Because of that opposition, passing online casino legislation in Arkansas was always a long shot for 2025. However, as expansion efforts have stalled in bigger states, we’ve seen smaller states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Wyoming give regulation a try.
For example, Rhode Island has shown that a small state with fewer stakeholders can produce success without dragging the effort on over several years. So, having the bill pulled for further study rather than shut down entirely is a positive. Next year, revamped legislation could return with a more realistic chance of passing.
In the meantime, the current legislative session wraps up on 11 April, so further discussion will have to wait.
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