Bill > HB1044

This bill establishes the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act, which allows institutions of higher education and their affiliated nonprofit organizations to conduct raffles specifically tied to collegiate sporting events. The bill creates a new legal framework that permits these organizations to conduct raffles through digital or electronic platforms, with each raffle limited to one per official game. Qualifying organizations can use raffle proceeds for various purposes, including providing student-athlete scholarships, compensating athletes for publicity rights, supporting athletic programs, and funding athletic facilities. The bill includes specific requirements for raffle operations, such as publicly announcing prize amounts before ticket sales, restricting ticket purchases to individuals 18 and older, and prohibiting casino licensees from administering raffles. Importantly, the bill amends existing laws to exempt these sports-related raffles from current gambling restrictions and creates clear definitions for what constitutes a qualifying organization and a raffle. The legislation also includes an emergency clause, arguing that these raffles will support economic development, education, and commerce by providing financial resources for higher education athletic programs and student-athletes.

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1044&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R