Asa Hutchinson Stands Behind the Mobile Betting

Arkansas Governor Supports Mobile Betting Online Betting

Arkansas Governor Says He Supports Mobile Sports Betting

By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 29 September 2021

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

See Full Bio

According to recent reports, the state governor of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, is supportive of mobile sports betting in the state. With other areas in the South already enjoying the wide range of benefits that come from this type of activity, the governor suggested that he would be supportive of mobile betting in Arkansas at a recent luncheon event in Fayetteville.

The governor did add that he would support mobile sports betting as long as certain measures were put into place, such as geofencing to ensure that those outside of approved areas did not engage in mobile wagering.

Revenue earned through the taxation of sports betting could prove to be hugely beneficial in the state, as it has become in many others where it has already been approved and gone live.

Commission Being Urged to Change the Rules

At present, sports betting in Arkansas can take place at kiosks and sportsbooks inside the state’s casinos. There are three casinos in the state at present, and a fourth one has been licensed but is currently in the midst of a legal issue.

Even with four casinos in place, the choices will still be limited for sports fans in the state, and it also means that they have to go to the inconvenience of visiting a specific venue in order to place their bets.

If mobile sports betting was to be introduced, it would provide fans in the state with far more choice and far greater ease and convenience.

Speaking at the luncheon recently, the governor said:

If they adopt the appropriate rules, I would be supportive of it.

However, in order for mobile sports betting to be brought in, the Arkansas Racing Commission would have to allow rule changes – something that sportsbook operators are now urging the commission to do.

In fact, the regulator has been approached by an official on behalf of major sportsbook operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel with regard to changing the rules so that mobile sports betting could be allowed in the state. The governor said that it was now ‘appropriate’ for the commission to look into the introduction of mobile sports betting.

The Need to Compete

One of the things that has been highlighted is the need for Arkansas to be able to compete effectively with other nearby states. Tennessee already offers legal mobile betting, while Louisiana has legalized mobile betting, but it’s yet to start. Mississippi is also expected to legalize mobile betting soon.

Not having mobile sports betting in place could mean that the state is not able to compete with states that do offer it, and it can also have a negative impact on state finances because of the loss of revenue from mobile sports betting.

Many other states have brought in mobile sports betting over the past year, and they have been able to benefit from a boost in state revenue from the taxes raised. This type of sports betting has gained huge popularity as people prefer the convenience and ease.

In addition, many prefer to place bets online due to the current pandemic, as opposed to going into a crowded casino or sports betting facility.