Hopeful Arkansas Bettors Will Wait Again

After delaying a legislative vote to begin the process of legalizing mobile sports betting on Wednesday, Feb 16, Arkansas lawmakers advanced regulations allowing statewide mobile sports betting Thursday, Feb. 17.

However, another vote is still required and could happen as early as next week.

https://twitter.com/ButlerBets/status/1494318472683216899

The big news is the revenue split, and as highlighted, it could be an obstacle for the established sportsbooks. National sportsbooks have argued profit-sharing should be negotiated between vendors and casinos and not mandated by the state.

A representative for the sportsbooks added to their objections at Wednesday's meeting, arguing that the rule is inconsistent with the Commerce Clause, a federal rule that prohibits differential treatment of in-state and out-of-state economic interests. Lobbyist and former state lawmaker John Burris told the committee that no other state has such a rule for their sportsbooks.

Sports betting in retail sportsbooks has been legal in Arkansas since 2019, and there is support from Governor Asa Hutchinson to legalize mobile sports wagering.

With neighboring states Tennessee and Louisiana allowing mobilized sports betting, it seems inevitable that Arkansas will push forward with the legislation.

However, how will national sportsbooks proceed if they’re opposed to the proposed profit-sharing?

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