The Arkansas State Legislature’s House Rules Committee passed the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act (House Bill 1634) by voice vote, allowing universities to conduct in-house raffles for fundraising efforts. The bill, sponsored by Rep. RJ Hawk, permits the use of raffle funds for various university needs, including scholarships, athletic revenue, and facility maintenance. The bill had previously failed to advance, but this new attempt garnered support from Carlton Saffa, the chief market officer at Saracen Casino Resort, who testified in favor of the bill despite previous opposition.
However, concerns were raised during the hearing regarding the potential misuse of raffle funds, particularly in relation to paying for NIL. Saffa emphasized the importance of auditing such funds to ensure compliance with Amendment 84 of the Arkansas Constitution. Additionally, he expressed reservations about the lack of transparency within certain university foundations, specifically mentioning the Razorback Foundation.
Despite acknowledging that the bill may not be the most efficient way to raise funds, both sponsors and supporters agreed that it is a necessary step to comply with state laws. The bill, which is seen as a compromise between fundraising needs and legal requirements, passed without issue in committee and now advances to a full House vote. This development comes amid ongoing sports news, including victories for Arkansas teams and updates on the Razorbacks’ spring activities. Stay updated by subscribing to various media channels and following HogsSI on social media platforms.
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