Arkansas sports betting was passed by voters in the only mid-term election ballot initiative in the country dealing directly with betting on sports. The initiative appeared on the ballot as Issue 4, a measure to amend the state constitution to license casinos and also to allow sports betting. As of 7 am ET on Wednesday, with 99 percent of votes counted, 54.1 percent of voters voted “yes” and 45.9 percent “no” to authorizing casinos to operate in four counties — and offer sports betting. Arkansas becomes the second state in its region to legalize sports betting after Mississippi did so…

A constitutional amendment that would authorize Arkansas sports betting at four casinos is being considered in the state, but it looks as if New York will miss regulating sports wagering until next year. The Secretary of State of Arkansas has confirmed that the initiative will feature on the November 6 general election ballot, despite Governor Asa Hutchinson having declared his opposition to the effort. Should the motion pass, the state Racing Commission would be able to issue casino licenses for Arkansas sports betting to applicants in Jefferson County and Pope County, as well as Southland Racing Corp. in West Memphis and Oaklawn…