Saracen Casino is agitating for modifications to allow one kind of online gaming

Little Rock, Arkansas – An Arkansas casino has been making waves online by advocating for what it refers to as reform.

In an effort to support collegiate athletes throughout the state, Saracen Casino plans to use the proceeds from the legalization of a particular form of online gaming. But not everyone is on board, and the process takes time.

“Every NIL program in America needs money; that much is clear,” said Carlton Saffa, Saracen Casino’s chief market officer.

Saffa claimed to have recently heard of someone who purportedly informed state officials that NIL funding is not required for the University of Arkansas program. Knowing that information causes problems, he said.

“What we’re seeking in 2024 is games of chance to include 50/50 drawings, legal, statewide,” Saffa stated.

For two reasons, he wants to legalize online slots and table games.

He first wants to stop foreign businesses who are already engaging in illicit activity.

As of right now, the only places in Arkansas where you may legally bet on sports are the three state-run casinos and their respective apps.

“In a desire to displace them, to push them out, we want to follow what Michigan did, which was a model where you legalize it for the authorized actors, and heavy law enforcement pushes them out,” he said.

There is a proper process to legalize it in Arkansas.

According to Saffa, Saracen will not be able to hold 50/50 drawings and use the proceeds to fund NIL activities in the state until that time.

“Without the underlying permissions to authorize a game of chance, we can’t do a drawing,” he said.

He’s concerned that the process of making the internet games viable could be slowed down now that news is getting out that the University of Arizona doesn’t need the money.

Although the Department of Finance clarified that a regulation change by itself won’t be sufficient, he still believes it will be helpful.

The secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, Jim Hudson, issued the following statement: “We feel that the proposed NIL raffle is not permitted by current Arkansas law and could not be implemented with merely a rule modification. It’s also crucial to remember that the plan is a component of a larger push for online casino gaming approval. This would amount to a significant increase in gambling in Arkansas, therefore it is important to consider the implications for our state before moving further. I’m concerned about unlawful gaming in foreign countries, and DFA is determined to solve this by collaborating with law enforcement and our casino partners.

According to DFA Spokesperson Scott Hardin, the Arkansas Code Section 23-114-401 ban on internet raffles is the reason the DFA does not think this can be done through rule changes.

Saffa expressed optimism that they will hold a hearing shortly to begin the process. Saracen will then be able to fund collegiate initiatives all throughout the state.

“My sense of urgency is to help my alma mater where I went to college, and with every day that we wait, we are wasting opportunities to provide tools to Fayetteville to put the best team on the field they can,” Saffa said.

We did inquire about the NIL money claims with the U of A System, but we haven’t heard back as of yet.