Saracen Casino, located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is making waves in the gambling industry as it pushes for a change in online gambling laws in the state. The casino, owned and operated by the Quapaw Nation, is seeking to expand its reach to online platforms in order to attract more patrons and increase revenue.
Currently, Arkansas law prohibits online gambling, with only a handful of exceptions for daily fantasy sports and horse racing wagering. Saracen Casino argues that the restrictions are outdated and limiting its potential for growth in an increasingly digital world. The casino has proposed legislation that would allow for online sports betting, casino games, and poker, citing the success of other states that have legalized online gambling.
However, Saracen Casino is facing opposition from a rival casino in the state, who believes that online gambling could have negative effects on the industry as a whole. The rival casino, which has chosen to remain anonymous, argues that online gambling could lead to increased problem gambling, underage gambling, and money laundering.
Despite the opposition, Saracen Casino remains determined to push for a change in the law. The casino has promised to implement strict regulations and safeguards to prevent any potential issues with online gambling, such as age verification checks, responsible gambling measures, and anti-money laundering protocols.
In a statement, Saracen Casino CEO John Berrey emphasized the potential benefits of online gambling for the state of Arkansas. “Online gambling has the potential to bring in significant revenue for the state, create jobs, and attract new customers to our casino,” Berrey said. “We are committed to implementing responsible gambling practices and ensuring the safety and security of our players.”
The debate over online gambling in Arkansas is likely to continue in the coming months, as lawmakers consider the proposed legislation. Saracen Casino is hopeful that they will be able to sway lawmakers in their favor and usher in a new era of online gambling in the state. Only time will tell if their efforts will be successful. Overall, the industry awaits to see what the outcome will be. Stay tuned to GamblingNews.com for updates on this developing story.
