Page 13 – Family Council

From Prop Bets to Proper Rules, Here are Eight Ways Arkansas Could Stop Predatory Sports Betting

Mar 9, 2026Jerry CoxGamblingGambling, Sports Betting

Nationwide, sports betting is now legal in 39 states — including Arkansas, where people wager an average of nearly $1.8 million on it every day. But a growing body of evidence shows sports betting is harmful. Internet sportsbooks and online gambling are especially destructive.

On the whole, most Americans do not believe sports betting has been good for society or good for sports.

Below are eight examples of common sense steps the State of Arkansas could take to rein in out-of-control sportsbooks. Many of these changes probably could be made through new rules from the Arkansas Racing Commission.

1. Arkansas Could Prohibit Sportsbooks from Offering Prop Bets and Micro-Bets.

The Arkansas Racing Commission could amend its rules to prohibit sportsbooks from offering wagers on individual player performance or in-game events. NCAA President Charlie Baker has actually urged state gambling commissions to eliminate player prop bets.

Arkansas could also prevent sportsbooks from accepting micro-bet wagers — such as bets placed on the next play, next pitch, or next possession during a game. Micro-bets are designed to be fast-paced and repetitive, both of which are linked to problem gambling and addiction.

Prohibiting sportsbooks from offering prop bets and micro-bets would be a major step forward.

2. Arkansas Could Prohibit Sportsbooks from Accepting Wagers on Same-Game Parlays.

Arkansas could prohibit sportsbooks from combining multiple wagers from the same sporting event — like passing yards, team win, and total points from a football game — into a single parlay ticket.

Same-game parlays rely on long odds that give the sportsbook a distinct advantage, and that can really hurt people who suffer from problem gambling. Stopping same-game parlays could be good for everyone.

3. Arkansas Could Prohibit Sportsbooks from Accepting Wagers After a Game Has Started.

One report found that one in eight people at NFL games opened betting apps while in the stadium — which seems to suggest people may be gambling impulsively or placing prop bets during games.

Along with prohibiting prop bets, micro-bets, and same-game parlays, Arkansas could require that all sports wagers be placed before the official start of the sporting event, and it could prohibit sportsbooks from accepting wagers after the event has begun.

4. Arkansas Could Require Sportsbooks to Limit Users’ Deposits and Losses.

The Racing Commission could require sportsbooks to set default daily, weekly, and monthly limits on deposits and losses for all accounts, and only allow increases after some sort of waiting period and financial verification. This would help prevent Arkansans from wagering and losing more money than they can afford.

5. Arkansas Could Stop Sportsbooks from Accepting Credit Cards.

Upwards of 20 million men are in debt or have been in debt as a result of sports betting. Research now shows that the legalization of sports betting may be linked to serious financial problems in America — such as credit card debt, overdrafts, late payments on loans, lower credit scores, and higher bankruptcy rates.

Prohibiting sportsbooks from accepting credit cards would protect gamblers from running up excessive gambling debts.

6. Arkansas Could Prevent Sportsbooks from Offering Bonus Bets and Other Aggressive Promotions.

Many sportsbooks offer bonus bets, risk-free bets, deposit matches, or similar promotions. These promotions may encourage people to place larger bets. They may promote intense gambling, and ultimately they may promote problem gambling.

Arkansas could also restrict sportsbook advertising. The State could prohibit sportsbooks from advertising during live sporting events or running TV ads during programming that appeals to children or teens.

7. Arkansas Could Require Sportsbooks to Provide Real-Time Loss Notifications.

Casinos and sportsbooks don’t mind telling people how much money they’ve won, but they might not feel inclined to tell people just how much they have lost.

Arkansas could require sportsbooks to automatically provide prominent notifications to users showing their total losses before letting them place additional bets. This would help make sure sportsbooks keep users informed about just how much money they have lost.

8. Arkansas Could Require Sportsbooks to Implement a “Cooling-Off” Period Before Accepting a First Wager.

Arkansas could require sportsbooks to implement a minimum 24-hour waiting period between when a user registers an account and when they can place their first wager. This could help discourage people from impulsively downloading a sportsbook app and placing bets.

There are Plenty of Other Things Arkansas Could Do to Rein in Predatory Gambling.

The State of Arkansas could increase reporting requirements from sportsbooks to help determine if their users may be suffering from gambling addiction.

Arkansas could ban sportsbooks from using algorithms to personalize users’ betting lines.

Even prohibiting sportsbooks from using smartphone push notifications to encourage gambling would be a small step in the right direction.

This list is just a start.

Sports betting promises entertainment and easy money, but it isn’t a harmless pastime. As powerful corporations try to make gambling part of everyday life, it’s important for Arkansas to protect its citizens and families from predatory gambling. Otherwise, problem gambling will simply hurt more and more people in our state.

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

A Christian Reflection on the Dangers of Marijuana and THC

Mar 9, 2026Jerry CoxMarijuanaChurch Ambassador Network, Marijuana

Marijuana and drugs made from THC have spread across the nation, and marijuana’s supporters often say these products are completely harmless. But the evidence tells a very different story.

Marijuana can damage adolescent brains — resulting in permanent loss in IQ, difficulty thinking and problem-solving, reduced coordination, and increased risk of psychosis.

High-potency marijuana can trigger serious mental health problems.

One recent study found nearly half of drivers killed in car accidents had THC levels well above legal DUI limits. Another found car crashes increase in states where recreational marijuana is legal.

Medical marijuana has failed to live up to its promises. Researchers writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that “evidence is insufficient for the use of cannabis or cannabinoids for most medical indications.” Even worse, the study revealed that 29% of people using marijuana for “medical” purposes actually developed cannabis use disorder — meaning they became dependent or addicted.

Scripture reminds us to be sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8) and not allow ourselves to be dominated by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12). Marijuana and THC are not harmless. They can enslave the mind and dull discernment.

Christians have a responsibility to speak the truth about these dangers, offer support for those struggling with addiction, and teach that true peace and healing ultimately come from Christ.

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

Marijuana, Marriage, and More: New This Week

Mar 6, 2026Jerry CoxCurrent EventsUpdate, Weekly Rewind

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Here’s a quick recap of the week’s top stories from Family Council and our friends:

From Family Council

Arkansas State Police Seize Hundreds of Pounds of Illegal Drugs in February Traffic Stops: In one stop alone, troopers found 600 pounds of illegal marijuana and 15 boxes of THC products in a van traveling from Los Angeles to North Carolina. Other stops netted 45 pounds of marijuana from Oklahoma City, 19 pounds of marijuana from Memphis, and 115 pounds of methamphetamine from Dallas. Keep Reading.

Marijuana Use Reduces Brain Activity: Research reminds us that heavy marijuana use is associated with reduced activity in regions of the brain that are critical for young adults. Keep Reading.

Revisiting How Sports Betting Hurts Young Adults: Research shows that gambling is more addictive for college-aged individuals. Player prop bets let college students to engage in “micro-betting,” a more repetitive — and therefore more addictive — form of sports betting. Keep Reading.

Research Reminds Us Marriage Still Matters: A recent study from Barna reveals that fewer Americans are getting married today, but most still believe marriage is important and they want to get married someday. Keep Reading.

Supreme Court Sides with Parents Against California Public Schools’ Secret Gender Transition Policies: On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with a group of parents who challenged California’s secret social gender transition policy. The policy requires public school teachers and administrators to hide children’s gender dysphoria and social gender transition from parents. Keep Reading.

Spain’s Top Court Says 25-Year-Old Woman Paralyzed After Attempted Suicide Now Qualifies for Assisted Suicide: Noelia, 25, from Barcelona, attempted suicide multiple times before an October 2022 attempt left her paralyzed and in chronic pain. Two years later, she received approval for assisted suicide under Spain’s euthanasia policies. Keep Reading.

Western Civilization is Worth Defending: Marco Rubio has made a name, and a meme, for himself as the indispensable figure in the American government. Keep Reading.

Kansas Legislature Overrides Governor’s Veto, Protects Women’s Privacy in Public Restrooms: Kansas Senate Bill 244 requires public buildings—including schools and universities—to maintain single-sex private spaces “for use only by individuals of one sex.” The law also mandates that birth certificates and driver’s licenses designate gender based on biological sex, not subjective gender identity. Keep Reading.

Canada’s Alarming Milestone: 100,000 Deaths from Assisted Suicide: According to the country’s most recent Report on Medical Assistance in Dying, 76,475 Canadians had died via assisted suicide as of December 31, 2024. With an average of 45 assisted suicide and euthanasia deaths every day, Canada is projected to surpass its 100,000th death by early June. Keep Reading.