Surety Bond Encyclopedia

Combative Sports Bond - Arkansas Athletic Commission in Arkansas

Brief Summary

No event license, no fight card. In Arkansas the promoter's financial security goes in with every event application, and a surety bond is the way to post it without handing the Commission $20,000 in cash or a certificate of deposit that sits frozen for six months after the show. One bond can run up to a year and cover the cards you put on in that time.

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission requires a licensed promoter to post financial security with each event license application under 17 CAR 225-204. A surety bond must be at least $20,000, and the Commission may raise the amount when the venue seats more than 1,000. The bond guarantees payment of all obligations arising out of the event, including the 5 percent gross receipts tax, and claims may be filed up to 90 days after the event.

We can help with all Arkansas bonds!

How to Apply for a Combative Sports Bond:

Hold a current Arkansas promoter license before applying for an event license.
Confirm the bond amount with the Commission, at least $20,000 and possibly more for venues over 1,000 seats.
Legal name of the promoter exactly as licensed by the Commission.
Owner name, home address and Social Security number for the credit review.
Complete the bond application and review the quoted premium.
Pay the premium and receive the executed bond naming the Arkansas State Athletic Commission as obligee.
File the bond with the event license application and $50 fee at least 30 days before the event.

Detailed Information About the Arkansas Combative Sports Bond:

The minimum is $20,000 under the current rules

The Commission's rules were recodified as 17 CAR Part 225, effective August 26, 2025. Section 225-204 requires a promoter applying for an event license to submit a surety bond of at least $20,000 from a bonding company authorized in Arkansas. The Commission may increase the amount when the seating capacity of the venue exceeds 1,000 seats. The Combative Sports Surety Bond form still posted on the Department of Labor and Licensing site dates from 2020 and shows older minimums of $2,000 for amateur events and $5,000 for professional events. Ask the Commission which form it wants and make sure the penal sum meets the $20,000 floor in 225-204.

When it has to be filed

The event license application, the nonrefundable $50 application fee and the financial security are all due at least 30 days before the proposed event date. You must already hold a promoter license, which costs $100 under 225-113 and expires June 30 each year under Ark. Code Ann. 17-22-302(e).

What the bond covers

The bond guarantees payment of all obligations arising out of the event, including the gross receipts tax, which 17 CAR 225-103 sets at 5 percent. A claim may be made on the bond if it is filed with the Commission no later than 90 days after the event. The Commission's bond form requires the surety to pay a valid demand within 30 calendar days and describes the bond as irrevocable.

Term and alternatives

A bond may be issued for as long as one year but can never be valid for less than 90 days. Instead of a bond, a promoter may post cash, certificates of deposit, irrevocable letters of credit or other security the Commission accepts, but that security is held for at least 180 days after the event.

Amateur events

17 CAR 225-209 sets out exemptions for all-amateur events that are regulated, sanctioned and run under the rules of an approved amateur sanctioning body, with a physician present and written notice to the Commission at least five business days before weigh-ins. Confirm with the Commission how your amateur card is treated before you file.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Arkansas Combative Sports Bond:

Arkansas State Athletic Commission named as obligee.
Penal sum of at least $20,000 under 17 CAR 225-204.
Surety authorized to do business in Arkansas.
Term of up to one year and never less than 90 days.
Bond answers for all event obligations, including the 5 percent gross receipts tax.
Premium set by the surety after reviewing the promoter's credit, finances and event history.

Arkansas Combative Sports Bond FAQs:

Is it $2,000, $5,000 or $20,000?

The current rule, 17 CAR 225-204 effective August 26, 2025, sets the surety bond at no less than $20,000. The $2,000 and $5,000 figures come from the Commission's 2020 bond form. The Commission can also require more for venues seating over 1,000.

Can one bond cover several events?

A bond may be issued for as long as one year, and never for less than 90 days. Confirm with the Commission that it will apply your bond to each event license you file during that term.

How long after a show can someone claim on the bond?

Under 17 CAR 225-204 a claim must be filed with the Commission no later than 90 days after the event.

Why use a bond instead of cash?

Cash, certificates of deposit and letters of credit are held for at least 180 days after the event. A bond keeps that money in your business.

How is the premium set?

The surety looks at the bond amount, the promoter's personal and business credit, and the promoter's record of paying fighters, officials and taxes on past events.