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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Experts Call for Action to Address Problem Gambling

Gambling, ,

Public health experts are calling for more action to address problem gambling.

Last week the Lancet Public Health Commission published a report highlighting concerns over gambling’s impact on public health and calling for “stronger policy and regulatory controls” to protect individuals, and families.

The report notes, “Gambling can inflict substantial harm on individuals, families, and communities. Beyond the obvious danger of financial losses and financial ruin, these harms can include loss of employment, broken relationships, health effects, and crime-related impacts. Gambling can heighten the risk of suicidality and domestic violence.”

The public health commission’s report calls attention to the gambling industry’s “strong partnerships” with media and sports, which helps make gambling look like harmless entertainment while downplaying its risks.

The report urges governments and other organizations to protect people by enacting stricter regulations on advertising, mandating clearer information on risks associated with gambling, and establishing better support for those harmed by gambling.

Gambling has expanded drastically in the past few years — especially online and in the form of sports betting. It has become more accessible, and millions of people are now at risk of suffering as a result.

For families and communities, especially in places like Arkansas, this public health report is particularly timely. The Arkansas Problem Gambling Council has seen a 22% increase in calls for help with problem gambling this year — a spike largely driven by sports betting. In spite of these problems, Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff has been pushing for a rule change that would likely make things worse by allowing casino-style gambling statewide on any smart phone or mobile device.

As powerful corporations try to make gambling part of everyday life, the Lancet report is a reminder of just how important it is for our laws to protect children and families.

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

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