It looks as if the State of Arkansas is on its way of approving new gambling regulations regarding the use of electronic gambling machines that would be used in the state's two pari-mutuel betting racetracks.  Insiders within the Arkansas Racing Commission say that the passing of the regulations looks eminent, and that doing so would permit non-stop betting on the electronic machines, including Christmas and Easter Day.

One would expect a large resistance by religious conservatives regarding such a move; However, as of yet, it looks like the proposed changes will go relatively unchallenged.  The electronic gambling machines have been legalized since the November 8 elections of 2005.  Having passed without Governor Mike Huckabee's signature, a legislative referendum regarding the machines was overwhelmingly supported by voters in the cities of Hot Springs and West Memphis, which is where the Oaklawn Park Thoroughbred Racetrack and Southland Greyhound Park respectively reside.

Since being passed into state law, voters have been waiting for the new regulations to go into effect.  If, or rather, when they do, at least 1,000 betting machines between the two Arkansas racetracks could be permitted to allow non-stop betting every day of the year.

Although the sound of unlimited betting sounds more like unregulated betting, the Arkansas Racing Commission is not worried about bettors getting out of control and becoming problem gamblers.  The new time allowances would simply facilitate betting from more people within the state, rather than more betting from fewer people.  The racetracks could surely use the business, and the state itself could surely use the taxes derived from an increase in gambling revenue.