Arkansas Edge, Saracen Resort Casino Pushing For New Form Of Gambling In State

The University of Arkansas’ NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Collective, known as Arkansas Edge, has partnered with Saracen Resort to harness mobile wagering technology for a unique fundraising initiative.

This partnership aims to establish a 50/50 raffle, a popular fundraising mechanism at sporting events that is also a form of gambling. It’s the latest in a string of initiatives designed to help Arkansas Edge increase its bankroll.

The concept of a 50/50 raffle is not new, but the approach Arkansas Edge is taking is groundbreaking. As highlighted by Sports Illustrated, by collaborating with Saracen Resort, it plans on utilizing the casino’s existing mobile wagering infrastructure to facilitate the raffle.

This would allow Razorback fans to participate in the raffle conveniently through their mobile devices. This could potentially increase participation and, consequently, the funds raised for NIL capabilities.

However, for this raffle to become a reality, legislative changes are necessary. The current laws in Arkansas do not permit such a contest to fall under the standard raffle regulations. Instead, Arkansas Edge and Saracen Resort are seeking to create a special category that would allow NIL raffles to operate under the casino regulations governed by the Arkansas Racing Commission.

This is a significant departure from the traditional raffle laws, which require an entity to be recognized as a charity for at least five years to hold a raffle. Arkansas Edge, established in November 2023, is not recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Shifting the legal tide

The proposed legislative changes aim to address this issue by allowing NIL raffles to be conducted under a different set of rules, specifically tailored to support NIL initiatives through casino partnerships. This would bypass the current restrictions that prevent entities from profiting through games of chance without a charitable purpose.

Moreover, the existing legislation does not permit online ticket sales for raffles. The new legislation would change this, enabling anyone within the state of Arkansas to enter the raffle via their mobile device, thus leveraging the full potential of Saracen Casino’s mobile platform.

By tapping into the popularity of mobile betting and the communal spirit of 50/50 raffles, Arkansas Edge and Saracen Resort aim to create a sustainable way to fund NIL agreements.

The implications of such a change are far-reaching. If successful, it could pave the way for similar initiatives across other states, potentially reshaping the landscape of collegiate sports funding. It also raises questions about the role of technology in expanding the scope of traditional fundraising methods and the legal adaptations required to accommodate such changes.

Arkansas Edge gets creative

When not pushing the new Razorback Nuggets at Walmart, Arkansas Edge is actively engaging in various initiatives to support its student-athletes. One of its key campaigns is the “Drive for Five,” which aims to expand the collective’s membership to 5,000 members.

This initiative encourages fans, businesses, and the local community to directly support over 465 Razorback student-athletes, thereby maintaining competitive sports programs at the university. However, according to recent data, barely 750 people had signed up.

In addition to membership drives, Arkansas Edge has partnered with Homefield Apparel, offering discounts on merchandise. A portion of the sales from these merchandise purchases goes directly to supporting NIL activities. This approach not only provides financial support but also helps in building the personal brands of the student-athletes, allowing them to leverage their name, image, and likeness effectively.

Furthermore, Arkansas Edge has been working closely with local non-profits and businesses to create opportunities for student-athletes to engage with the community. These partnerships are designed to benefit both the athletes and the organizations they collaborate with, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

If those initiatives don’t work, perhaps a Razorbacks craft beer will help.