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Arkansas Razorbacks NIL Collective Asks State for Online Raffle to Fund Players

Arkansas Edge, the University of Arkansas' collective for name, image, and likeness (NIL), aims to conduct an online 50/50 raffle that it claims could generate millions to attract top talent to Razorbacks programs. 

Arkansas Edge is requesting approval from the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC), the state regulatory body for gaming and racing, to modify its regulations to allow electronic 50/50 raffles. Running an online raffle would incur significant expenses, as overseeing an internet sweepstakes would necessitate Arkansas Edge collaborating with a geolocation technology provider such as GeoComply to guarantee that only individuals present in the state are taking part. There would additionally be elements of "know your customer." 

In order to reduce overhead expenses and provide Arkansas Edge with additional funds for NIL sponsorships for the Razorbacks’ college athletes in the fiercely competitive and heavily NIL-supported SEC (Southeastern Conference), Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, has announced its willingness to offer its Bet Saracen Sportsbook for the online raffle campaign. 

Bet Saracen possesses geofencing technology and KYC protocols that enable individuals aged 21 and over, located within Arkansas, to place online sports bets. Therefore, the casino, managed by the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, claims it can conduct the electronic 50/50 raffle. 

Large Catch 

Saracen representatives state that if Arkansas wants to permit an online raffle for the Razorbacks’ NIL program, the state should also consider legalizing iGaming, which encompasses online slot machines and interactive table games. Casino officials have proposed regulatory changes to ARC’s online sports betting regulations to permit raffles and iGaming. 

Saracen leaders have suggested changing the definition of “interactive gaming” to encompass “a NIL drawing game operated via an electronic device or machine to support a Name, Image, Likeness collective in accordance with the Arkansas Student-Athlete Publicity Rights Act.”

"We would have an innovative NIL fundraising strategy that no state has,” Saracen Chief Marketing Officer Carlton Saffa told Best of Arkansas Sports.

“I graduated from the University of Arkansas,” Saffa added. “My wife graduated from the University of Arkansas. My children have no choice. They will attend the University of Arkansas. This is where we need to be focusing.”

Regarding online slot machines and table games, Saffa stated that granting the three physical casinos in the state permission to offer such interactive gaming would assist in eliminating illegal offshore websites and applications that specifically target players in regions where iGaming is prohibited. 

Prompt Response 

The chances of Arkansas Edge and Bet Saracen collaborating for NIL are not particularly high. 

The Charitable Bingo and Raffles Act of the state mandates that bingo events and raffles must be associated with charitable organizations that the state has acknowledged for at least five years. Arkansas Edge is not a 503(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

To address that issue, Arkansas Edge and Saracen meticulously crafted their suggested regulatory wording to define an online 50/50 raffle as a “NIL drawing game.” 

Arkansas’ Finance and Administration Secretary Jim Hudson remains skeptical.

"We believe the proposed NIL raffle is not authorized under existing Arkansas law and could not be implemented with just a rule change,” Hudson said in a statement.

“It’s also important to note the proposal is part of a broader request to allow casino gaming online. This would represent a major expansion of gaming in Arkansas and should not be rushed into without understanding its impact on our state,” Hudson continued.