Research Shows Growth of Sports Betting Linked to Bankruptcy, Financial Problems

Gambling,

Research shows that the legalization of sports betting may be linked to serious financial problems in America.

Nationwide, sports betting is now legal in 39 states — including Arkansas, where people, on average, wager more than a million dollars on sports every day.

In August researchers out of California released a paper that showed access to legal online sports betting was tied to lower credit scores and higher bankruptcy rates. The study based these findings on credit bureau data from more than 4 million Americans. Researchers estimated that legalized sports betting is responsible for 30,000 additional bankruptcies and $8 billion in debt collections every year.

A second paper released this year found that legalized sports betting increased credit card debt, overdrafts, and late payments on loans — especially among financially vulnerable families.

These financial problems affect families — and sometimes even whole communities. This research shows that families who can least afford it often are hurt the most by sports betting.

Legalized gambling has become a blight in Arkansas. Tax revenue from casinos and sports betting has not improved Arkansas’ roads or boosted the economy. And unless Arkansas’ lawmakers and its people take a stand, gambling addiction is simply going to continue wrecking lives and hurting families in our state.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Jacksonville Police Bust Three Illegal Gambling Operations

Gambling

Jacksonville Police reportedly busted three illegal gambling operations.

In a statement issued Monday, the police department said,

On December 9th, 2024, the Jacksonville Police Department executed two search warrants on two local businesses for gaming machine violations, and charged a third owner of another business for related gaming violations. Officers seized over $13,000.00, drugs, and firearms.

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MAX’S CONVENIENCE STORE / PHILLIPS 66

713 SOUTH FIRST STREET, JACKSONVILLE, AR 72076

Detectives seized $9,288.23 in cash along with other evidence related to gaming violations. The owner, Venkata Melapu, was arrested and charged with:

• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House

• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device

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JACKSONVILLE STOP AND SHOP

1116 SOUTH FIRST STREET, JACKSONVILLE, AR 72076

Detectives seized 3 gaming devices, $4,098.14 in cash, 2 firearms, and approximately 2 ounces of marijuana from the business. The owner, Ahmed Ali, was arrested and charged with:

• 1 Felony count of Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms

• 1 Felony count of Use of Another Person’s Property to Facilitate Certain Crimes

• 1 Felony count of Possession with Purpose to Deliver, Schedule VI

• 1 Felony count of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House

• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device

• Penalty enhancement for Proximity of a Certain Facility within 1000 feet of a Church or Daycare

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AJ MART – 2 LOCATIONS

1521 SOUTH FIRST STREET AND 3701 NORTH FIRST STREET

Detectives obtained search warrants for both locations, however, during their investigation they determined that the gaming machines had been moved prior to execution of the search warrants. Jagjit Singh, the owner of the business, was arrested and charged with:

• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House

• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device

With the exception of the state lottery and the casinos in Hot Springs, West Memphis, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas law generally prohibits gambling.

This isn’t the first time illegal gambling machines have cropped up in Arkansas.

In 2017 authorities in Jefferson County reportedly raided illegal gambling houses in Pine Bluff.

In 2019, law enforcement raided illegal gambling operations at several gas stations and businesses in Jacksonville.

Illegal gambling machines often are placed in gas stations, liquor stores, or old store fronts. Some look and operate a lot like slot machines while others appear more like arcade games that let players gamble for money or prizes.

Gambling is a blight on the community. It is linked to bankruptcy, divorce, substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide.

If you suspect an illegal gambling house is operating in your community, please notify your local authorities. Then call us at (501) 375-7000.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Bill Filed Letting Colleges, Universities Offer Raffles During Sporting Events

Gambling,

A bill filed at the Arkansas Capitol on Thursday would authorize colleges and universities in Arkansas to offer raffles during sporting events.

Currently, Arkansas’ Charitable Bingo and Raffles laws let non-profit charities conduct bingo and sell raffle tickets as part of their fundraising efforts. State reports indicate the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration issued 719 bingo and raffle licenses to charities last fiscal year.

H.B. 1044 by Rep. R. J. Hawk (R — Bryant) and Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R — Little Rock), the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act, would let colleges and universities conduct raffles in-person or online during sporting events. Schools would be able to sell raffle tickets themselves or use a nonprofit charity affiliated with the school conduct the raffle. The bill contains a provision preventing casinos from operating or administering a raffle on a school’s behalf.

Schools could use raffle proceeds to benefit school athletic programs — including purchasing and maintaining athletic facilities or providing financial aid, scholarships, stipends, and other compensation to student-athletes.

Family Council is currently neutral regarding H.B. 1044. Family Council has never opposed charitable bingo or charitable raffles that benefit nonprofit groups as long as the charities themselves were the ones who administered the raffle. H.B. 1044 addresses that concern by making it clear that casinos cannot conduct raffles. We plan to continue monitoring and reporting on this bill.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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