Gambling in Arkansas: Laws, Casinos, and Betting Options
Arkansas maintains a regulated gambling framework focused on land-based casinos, retail and online sports betting, pari-mutuel horse racing, and the state lottery. Following voter approval of a 2018 constitutional amendment (Issue 4), the state authorized four casino locations with full Vegas-style gaming and sports wagering. Online casinos and real-money poker remain unregulated and unavailable intrastate, with offshore platforms operating in a legal gray area where individual player enforcement is rare but statutory prohibitions apply broadly.
Legal Gambling Landscape in Arkansas
Arkansas Code Title 5 prohibits unauthorized gambling houses and games of chance, with exceptions for licensed casino operations, sports betting at approved venues, charitable gaming, and the state lottery. The Arkansas Racing Commission oversees casino gaming, sports wagering, and pari-mutuel activities. Legal options include four full-scale casinos (three operational, one forthcoming), mobile sports betting apps tied to those casinos, horse racing, and lottery products. No intrastate online casinos, poker rooms, or broader iGaming exist, though recent legislative proposals seek to expand casino licensees into regulated online casino gaming while cracking down on unlicensed offshore and sweepstakes operators.
Residents access diverse regulated experiences locally, with offshore sites commonly used for additional options despite potential risks.
Casinos in Arkansas
Four casino licenses were issued under the 2018 amendment: two at existing racetracks and two new developments. Current operational venues feature slots, table games (blackjack, roulette, craps), poker rooms, and on-site sportsbooks:
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs) – Historic racetrack with extensive gaming floor, table games, and poker.
- Southland Casino Racing (West Memphis) – Former greyhound track now offering over 2,200 slots, table games, and poker.
- Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff) – Modern facility with slots, table games, and sportsbook.
A fourth casino, Legends Casino Resort near Russellville (Pope County), is expected to open in 2026. These venues generate revenue through a tiered tax structure and contribute to state funds.
Online Casinos and Poker in Arkansas
No regulated online casinos or real-money online poker platforms are licensed in Arkansas. State authorities have warned against unregulated iGaming, including offshore sites and sweepstakes casinos, with ongoing efforts to clarify prohibitions and pursue felony penalties for unlicensed operators. Players access international platforms in a gray area, but such activity technically violates broad gambling statutes, though individual prosecutions remain uncommon. Recent bills propose allowing licensed casinos to offer mobile casino games, potentially launching in the near future if passed.
Sports Betting Status
Sports betting is legal since 2019 at the four casino locations, with mobile and online wagering approved in 2022 via rule changes and Joint Budget Committee oversight. Bettors place wagers through casino-branded apps (e.g., BetSaracen, Oaklawn Sports) while physically in Arkansas. Options cover major professional and college sports (with in-state college prop bet restrictions), including moneylines, spreads, parlays, and live betting. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing continues at Oaklawn, with historical greyhound betting at Southland now phased out in favor of casino gaming.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Lottery
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests are legal since 2017 under Act 221 (H2250), with operators paying an 8% tax on Arkansas-generated revenue. Major platforms accept residents without state-level restrictions. The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery offers draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash 3, Natural State Jackpot), scratch-offs, and Fast Play instant games, available at retailers; online ticket sales remain prohibited, with the website providing information only.
Bingo and Charitable Gaming
Bingo operates exclusively as charitable gaming, with licensed nonprofits and organizations permitted under strict rules and taxes on bingo faces. No commercial or state-sanctioned real-money online bingo exists.
Future Prospects for Gambling Reform
Proposals to legalize online casino gaming tied to existing licensees continue, with bipartisan bills introduced in recent sessions aiming to regulate mobile casino apps while banning unlicensed platforms. Opposition from some casino operators persists over potential impacts on retail traffic. Expansion depends on legislative approval and Racing Commission rules, with no immediate intrastate iGaming beyond sports betting. Monitor official sources for developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is online gambling legal in Arkansas? Online sports betting is regulated and legal; online casinos and poker are not, with offshore access in a gray area carrying risks.
- Is sports betting available in Arkansas? Yes, retail at casinos and mobile/online via licensed casino apps since 2022.
- Are there legal casinos in Arkansas? Yes, three operational full-scale casinos with a fourth expected in 2026; slots, table games, poker, and sportsbooks available.
- What about daily fantasy sports? DFS is legal and unregulated beyond taxation; major platforms accept Arkansas players.
- Can residents use offshore betting sites? Many do for casino-style games, but they lack regulation and face state warnings due to prohibitions on unauthorized gambling.
Arkansas provides solid regulated options through its casinos and sports betting market. For secure, protected play, use licensed operators overseen by the Arkansas Racing Commission.