Bill > HB1634

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 provides detailed regulations for these raffles, including that they must be based on an official game between the institution's athletic team and an opposing team, limited to one raffle per game, and can only be conducted by qualifying organizations. Raffles can be done digitally or electronically and must publicly announce prize amounts before ticket sales. Participants must be at least 18 years old, and credit card transactions are capped at $250 per transaction. The funds raised can be used for various purposes including student-athlete scholarships, athletic program support, equipment purchases, and compensation for student-athletes' publicity rights. Importantly, the bill specifies that raffle proceeds cannot be used to compensate people working for the organizing institution, and unclaimed prizes will be retained by the institution. The bill also amends existing alcohol-related laws to explicitly include these sports raffles as an exception to gambling prohibitions. An emergency clause is included, arguing that these raffles will support economic development, education, and commerce in Arkansas, making the act immediately effective upon approval.

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https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1634&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R