Online Gambling License in Arkansas

The Arkansas State Racing Commission (ARC) is a regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating horse racing, greyhound racing, and land-based casino gaming in Arkansas. Its main duty is to ensure that these activities are in accordance with state laws.

The ARC regulates greyhound and thoroughbred horse racing in the state of Arkansas. Other relevant duties of the ARC are licensing, registration of casino operators, responsibility for animals involved in racing, enforcing anti-doping measures, and ensuring complete compliance with racing rules. The Arkansas Racing Commission also oversees wagering and how revenue from it is allocated.

This legal body consists of 7 members. Each of the members represents a congressional district. The members are appointed by the Governor and have a 5-year term. They must be residents of Arkansas for at least 10 years to be eligible for the position. Before obtaining the duty, the members must take an oath to support the American Constitution and the Arkansas Constitution.

Types of Gambling Regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission

The Arkansas Racing Commission is responsible for regulating and overseeing horse and dog racing activities in Arkansas. Its main duties include:

Horse Racing

Arkansas has a rich history of horse racing, and one of the most notable locations is the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs. Oaklawn is also a renowned thoroughbred track that has operated for over 100 years. It hosted some of the most famous races in the U.S. Among the many events, the most famous one is the Arkansas Derby.

Oaklawn’s live racing season is from January to May, and each year, participants compete for a prize of $1.25 million. In addition to onsite betting, simulcast wagering is available year-round.

In terms of horse racing, the ARC regulates proper conduct and fair play. Both horse racing and pari-mutuel betting were legalized in Arkansas in 1935, and two decades after that, in 1957,  the Racing Commission was formally established.

Today, the ARC enforces racing rules, regulates betting to prevent fraud, and ensures the integrity of the sport. As of recent, online horse betting has become more popular with platforms like Oaklawn Anywhere. Oaklawn Anywhere is a state-approved mobile betting service platform that allows Arkansas residents to bet outside of the premises of Oaklawn.

Greyhound Racing

In the past, greyhound racing was a major attraction in Arkansas, especially at the Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis. Nowadays, a significant decline is notable across the state, mainly due to animal welfare. The Greyhound Protection Act was passed to address growing concerns in 2015.

Following this act and its goals, by 2022, greyhound racing will be fully eliminated from the market, marking the end of an era. The Greyhound Racing office in West Memphis still stands as a monument to that.

Overview of the Arkansas Racing Commission’s Regulatory Framework

The Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) operates under a set of laws that define its main roles, responsibilities, and goals. These laws provide the ARC with the authority to ensure all gambling and racing activities in Arkansas are conducted fairly and ethically.

Key Statutes and Authority

1. Arkansas Code Title 23, Subtitle 2, Chapter 110
   This chapter is central to ARC’s regulatory power. Under Arkansas Code 23-110-401, the ARC is authorized to issue, suspend, and revoke Service Industry Licenses. It also has the authority to regulate racetracks and enforce rules, including anti-doping regulations and track standards. This code also outlines rules for pari-mutuel wagering, types of legal bets, winnings pools, and tax regulations.
2. Chapter 113: Licensing for Games of Skill
   Chapter 113 describes the requirements for casino licenses and other casino-style games. Sections 23-113-101 to 23-113-604 detail licensing requirements for those operating casinos and racetrack casinos (racinos) in Arkansas.

Greyhound Protection and Animal Welfare

The Greyhound Protection Act of 2015 (part of Act 777) was a significant step toward stricter regulations for greyhound racing. This act introduced veterinary inspections, mandatory rest periods, and specific care requirements for racing greyhounds to ensure their well-being.

Casino-Style Gaming Authorization

Amendment 100 to the Arkansas Constitution, passed by voters, authorized casino-style gaming in the state. This amendment officially granted the ARC the authority to regulate casino gaming in Arkansas.

Additional Rules and Regulations

The ARC also follows guidelines from several other regulatory documents, including:

• Arkansas Regulations for Franchise Holders Operating Electronic Games of Skill
• Arkansas Casino Gaming Rules
• Rules and Regulations Governing Greyhound Racing in Arkansas
• Rules and Regulations Governing Horse Racing in Arkansas

These documents collectively support ARC’s mission to promote safe, fair, and responsible gambling and racing in Arkansas.

FAQs about the Arkansas Racing Commission