The majority of states have an official state lottery to help raise revenue, either for general use or for a more specific purpose. Quite a few state lotteries are created with the intention of funding public education, which helps gain needed support when lotteries are presented on ballots or introduced as legislation. State lotteries usually include both instant win (scratch-off tickets) and multimillion-dollar jackpots (number drawings with much slimmer odds). Lotteries are still controversial, particularly their popularity in poorer communities, but more states have embraced the practice as a way to raise needed revenue without raising taxes.
The Arkansas State 'Scholarship' Lottery at a Glance
As its title suggests, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Act was founded with the intention of raising money for scholarships to state universities. The state lottery was formed after voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2008, with scratch-off tickets first sold the following year. In addition to Arkansas-specific games, the Arkansas Lottery Commission also participates in Power Ball, Mega Millions, and other multi-state games.
The following chart provides additional details about state lottery laws in Arkansas.
| Code Section | 23-115-101, et seq. (Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Act) |
| Distribution of Lottery Revenue | About 66 percent for prizes; 20 percent for the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (for scholarships); and the rest for gaming costs, commission, sales, and administration  |
| Additional Purpose of Lottery | Net proceeds of lotteries conducted under this chapter shall be used to: (A) Fund and provide for scholarships and grants to citizens of the State of Arkansas enrolled in public and private nonprofit two-year and four-year colleges and universities located within the state; and (B) Supplement, not supplant, nonlottery educational resources |
| Lottery Prize Subject to Garnishment | Yes |
| Time Limit to Claim Prize/Disposition | 180 days |
| Prohibited Related Activities | Those under 18 years old or incarcerated are ineligible to play; tickets must be sold for cash only; may be sold only by a certified retailer |
Note: State laws are always subject to change at any time, usually through the passage of new legislation but sometimes via appellate court decisions. You may want to contact an Arkansas gaming attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Arkansas State Lottery Laws: Related Resources
