HB1634

House Bill 1634 establishes the 'Arkansas Sports Raffle Act,' which authorizes institutions of higher education and their affiliated nonprofit organizations to conduct raffles associated with collegiate athletic events. These raffles are exempted from the regulations of the Charitable Bingo and Raffles Enabling Act. The bill allows these organizations to use digital platforms or electronic devices to conduct one raffle per official athletic event. Funds raised may be used for scholarships, student-athlete compensation, general athletic department support, and the construction or maintenance of athletic facilities. The bill mandates that participants must be at least 18 years old and requires reasonable age verification. Additionally, it amends alcoholic beverage laws to clarify that these raffles are not considered prohibited gambling on licensed premises. The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon enactment.