Arkansas Racing Commission to draft casino rules

The commission will be in charge of developing rules for operating casinos in the state.

US.- The Arkansas Racing Commission has been set as the authority to determine the rules for casinos that wish to operate in the state after voters approved a measure to expand gambling in Arkansas in November.

The commission has to approve the new regulations by March 14, 2019, in order for them to come into force in time. The amendment approved by voters, Issue 4, authorises the state to issue licences for casinos in Jefferson and Pope counties, which are also eligible to offer sports betting if they decide to do so. It also allows the expansion of operations at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in Hot Springs and Southland Gaming and Racing in West Memphis; both facilities have offered electronic games of skill since 2005.

Voter support letters are mandatory to apply for a licence, the new legislation establishes. A public comment hearing would take place once the commission approves a draft of the operating regulations, local media reported. The commission would then finalise the rules and send them to state lawmakers for final authorisation.