Originally introduced by Representative Matt Duffield (R) with bipartisan backing from Representatives Jamie Scott (D), Fred Allen (D), Glenn Barnes (D), Ken Ferguson (D), Jessie McGruder (D), Mark Perry (D), and Jay Richardson (D), the bill aimed to legalize online casino gaming through state-licensed operators.

Arkansas is currently home to three local casinos—two racinos and one tribal-owned property—which collectively generated approximately $116 million in tax revenue in 2025, marking a significant contribution to the state’s General Revenue Fund. Proponents of HB 1861 argue that authorizing regulated online casinos could further expand state revenues while offering consumers safer, state-sanctioned alternatives to unregulated platforms.

However, any effort to revive the bill will need to clear significant political hurdles, as tensions among lawmakers contributed to its earlier stagnation.

What HB 1861 Proposed

HB 1861 sought to establish the “Interactive Gaming Act,” a framework that would have legalized online casino operations in Arkansas through existing state-licensed operators. While the gambling sites listed at LegalArkansasCasinos.com are already accepting players from the state, this bill would have given local operators a chance to compete for those players.

In addition to expanding the legal market, the bill aimed to crack down on illicit activity by classifying the unauthorized operation of an online casino as a felony offense. Of course, this only pertains to operations based in Arkansas; offshore sites fall outside of US jurisdiction and laws.

The legislation also proposed stricter compliance measures, including mandatory identity verification protocols, enhanced personnel reporting requirements, and updated technical standards for gaming systems to ensure integrity and consumer protection.

Currently, the Arkansas Racing Commission regulates the state’s licensed gaming facilities: Southland Casino Hotel, Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, and Saracen Casino Resort (which is also subject to tribal regulation). Under HB 1861, the Commission’s authority would have expanded to include oversight of online gaming, granting it responsibility for establishing and enforcing standards for digital casino operations.

What’s Next For iGaming In Arkansas?

After HB 1861 was recommended for interim study by the House Judiciary Committee, Representative Duffield withdrew his sponsorship—an outcome that significantly weakened the bill’s prospects. Its absence from the 2026 legislative session agenda further suggests that the measure is effectively stalled. That said, the door is not entirely closed; another sponsor could revive the proposal, or lawmakers may introduce a revised version in a future session.

In the meantime, Arkansas players remain reliant on offshore operators—a market that has matured over the years and cultivated a deeply established player base. This entrenched ecosystem could present a meaningful challenge for any future state-regulated platforms attempting to compete.

While many industry observers expect iGaming to eventually expand across most U.S. states, the timeline remains uncertain. Legislative hesitation around gambling expansion continues to slow progress, and in Arkansas, meaningful movement could still be years away.

Until regulated iGaming becomes a reality, players in Arkansas will continue turning to offshore platforms, many of which are featured in online casino reviews and have built reputations for reliability within the player community.

Sources:

Talk Business & Politics

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