Arkansas has traditionally maintained strict gambling laws, permitting only pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog racing.
However, recent years have seen an expansion of legal gambling activities, including the legalization of land-based casinos in 2018 and online sports betting in 2022.
State-regulated online casinos still aren’t legal in The Natural State. Therefore, players looking for online gaming can only access offshore websites outside Arkansas’s jurisdiction.
This page will cover the legality of various types of gambling in AR, along with details about the top online casinos available to players in the state.
Summary of Arkansas Gambling Laws
Recent updates to gambling laws in Arkansas have expanded the range of legal gaming options available to visitors and residents in the state.
However, online casinos were not included in these changes. Players must use websites based outside the state to gamble online. Here’s a quick overview of what forms of gaming are legal in The Natural State.
| Gambling | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | Yes |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Yes, offshore only |
| Legal Age Online | 18+ |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes |
| Legal Age Land-Based | 21+ |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes |
| State Lottery | Yes |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in Arkansas?
Arkansas allows various types of in-person gaming, like casinos, betting on horse races, sports betting, lotteries, and charitable bingo.
However, online casinos are not regulated by the state. For online gaming, players usually turn to offshore websites, with sports betting being the only legal form of online gambling in the state.
| Gambling | Arkansas Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Casino Gambling | In-person casinos became legal in 2018. Currently, three active land-based venues in the state offer slot machines, table games, and more. |
| Poker | Playing poker in AR is not legal, except for one live poker room at the Saracen Casino Resort. Poker players who want to play online can only do so at online poker rooms outside AR. |
| Horse Racing Betting | Betting on horse racing is legal at two designated locations in The Natural State, including the state’s active Oaklawn Park Race Track. |
| Dog Racing Betting | Dog racing betting is legal at the same two locations that offer simulcast horse racing betting. |
| Lottery | The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery was founded in 2009 and is legal for all players who are at least 18 years old. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Arkansas became the first state in the USA to formally legalize Daily Fantasy Sports in 2017. |
| Sports Betting | Sports betting at retail locations became legal in 2018. Online sports betting became legal a few years later and officially launched at state-regulated online sportsbooks in March of 2022. |
| Charitable Gaming | Charitable bingo games became legal in 2007. Non-profit organizations must receive a license before hosting charity bingo events. |
| Social Gambling | Social gambling among friends is only legal if there are no wagers of money or anything of value. Social sweepstakes online casinos are legal nationwide. |
| Online Gambling | Online casinos are not legally permitted to operate in The Natural State. Players looking to gamble online must use websites running outside of the state. |
Best Online Casinos for Arkansas Players in 2024
Our list of the top offshore online casinos for Arkansas players features sites that are legally operated and offer attractive welcome bonuses to new players. These platforms provide access to a variety of popular games, including slots, blackjack, and roulette.
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Where to Gamble in Arkansas
In Arkansas, several land-based casinos provide various gaming options. While online sports betting is accessible through state-regulated platforms, other forms of online gaming require visiting offshore online casinos. Here’s a breakdown of the legal gambling options available in the state.
Land-Based Casinos in Arkansas
Voters passed Arkansas Issue 4 in 2018 to authorize one casino each in Crittenden, Garland, Pope, and Jefferson Counties. There are currently three active venues that have slot machines and table games:
| Casino | Address | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Saracen Casino Resort | 1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 | Jefferson County |
| Southland Casino Hotel | 1550 Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, AR 72301 | Crittenden County |
| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | Garland Count |
Legal issues and political opposition have prevented the Pope County casino license from being awarded as of January 2024.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Two in-person locations offer simulcast betting on horse and dog racing in Arkansas:
Oaklawn is home to an active major horse racing track with live horse racing from December through May. The Southland Casino started as a dog racing track in 1956 and ran its final greyhound race on December 31, 2022.
Online Sports Betting
Sports betting became legal at retail locations at the same time as casinos did when voters supported Arkansas Issue 4. The Racing Commission approved online sports betting late in 2021, paving the way for mobile sports betting to launch statewide in April 2022.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Legislators amended the Arkansas Code § 23-114-101 in 2007 to allow non-profit organizations to host charitable bingo games and raffles. The prize for one bingo game can not exceed $1,000, and the prize money awarded in a single session can not exceed $7,500.
Social Gaming at Home
In the Natural State, social gaming involving money or anything of value outside of land-based casinos is illegal. Participating in card games or other forms of gambling is deemed a violation of state law.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
The sole active poker room in AR is located at the Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff. While offering limited cash game options, it does not host regular tournaments.
As for state-regulated online poker, it’s unavailable in The Natural State, leaving offshore online poker rooms as the only option for players seeking online play.
Eight-Liners
Electronic games, including eight-liners outside Arkansas’ legal casinos, are prohibited. Governor Asa Hutchinson vetoed a bill in 2017 that would have made it more difficult for authorities to crack down on businesses operating illegal eight-liner machines.
Casino Cruises
Arkansas, being landlocked, does not host any active casino cruises. Those seeking gambling on a boat must travel to neighboring Louisiana.
Arkansas Real Money Online Casino Games
Casino websites operating offshore give players access to their favorite real-money online games on their computers and mobile devices in AR.
Online Slots
Arkansas residents seeking online slots can only access out-of-state websites, as there are no state-regulated options available.
Online slots offer the same excitement as traditional machines, with hundreds of titles featuring diverse themes, jackpots, and features. For instance, the Golden Buffalo slot on DuckyLuck boasts 4,096 ways to win on a 6×4 grid and offers a bonus game with multiplying wilds.
Players can also select their preferred denomination for each spin.
Online Poker
In AR, poker options are scarce, with only one casino hosting live games. Players often turn to online poker rooms outside the state for a more diverse and engaging experience.
Offshore platforms welcome players globally, ensuring a wide range of opponents for cash games and tournaments in popular variants like No-Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha.
Blackjack
Arkansas’s retail venues feature table games, including blackjack. Players seeking to enjoy this game on their mobile or desktop devices can turn to offshore online casinos.
These platforms offer a diverse selection of online blackjack games. In addition to the standard 21, players can explore variants with unique rules, fewer decks (such as double-deck), and additional bonus bets (like perfect pairs).
Live Dealer Games
Players who like seeing real dealers and live card dealing can enjoy table games online through live dealer games.
Offshore online casinos offer live dealer options like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. You can place bets and watch the dealer live on camera. Plus, you can chat with them through the chat feature.
Other Available Games at Arkansas Online Casinos
You can find a variety of games including slots, poker, and blackjack, among others, at top online casinos accepting players from the state. Here are some other popular games you can enjoy.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Arkansas Players
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Arkansas Online Gambling Laws
The Natural State has become a much more gambling-friendly state in recent years. The passing of Arkansas Issue No. 4 in 2018 made both casino games and sports betting legal simultaneously.
Online sports betting followed just a few years later when the Arkansas Racing Commission created rules for it in 2021 that led to its launch in 2022.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Arkansas?
Unfortunately, Arkansas only allows online sports betting within state regulations. While there are no specific laws banning residents from accessing out-of-state gambling sites, this leaves offshore online casinos as the primary choice for players seeking online slots, table games, or poker.
Casinos and Sports Betting are Now Legal in Arkansas
The AR Issue 4 sought to change the state constitution to allow four licenses for legal casinos, one in each county. This proposal covered different types of gambling, such as card or dice games, electronic games, and sports betting, to be held at these licensed venues. (Arkansas Issue No. 4)
Social Gambling is a Violation
All forms of gambling in AR besides charity games and lottery that don’t take place at a state-approved casino are illegal. Betting money or anything of value on any game is considered a violation and would be subject to a fine of a “sum not less than $10 nor more than $25.” (Arkansas Code § 5-66-112)
*Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
Arkansas Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States
The Natural State shares its border with six different states. These neighbors have a wide range of laws regarding land-based and online gambling. The table below shows how Arkansas’s laws compare to its neighboring states.
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Oklahoma | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Gray Area | Legal |
| Missouri | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Tennessee | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal, Annual Events Only |
| Mississippi | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Louisiana | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Texas | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Gray Area | Legal |
Oklahoma and Texas have the strictest gambling laws among Arkansas’ neighboring states. These are the only two states that have not legalized online sports betting or daily fantasy sports. Missouri made daily fantasy sports legal in 2016 but is still one of only 12 states in America that doesn’t have legal online sports betting.
The Natural State, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana all have legal online sports betting. None of these states have legal online gambling, forcing residents to play at online casinos operating offshores outside their state’s jurisdiction.
Tips When Playing at Online Casinos in Arkansas Safely
Playing games online at a reputable and legitimate website should be a safe and enjoyable experience. Make sure you select one of the online casinos we have recommended for Arkansas players on this page, and follow these tips to help you choose the right site.
Verify Security Measures
Prioritize your safety by ensuring the online casino implements Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption or similar technologies. This guarantees the protection of your personal and payment data.
Evaluate Reputation
Choose online casinos endorsed by positive reviews. Seek insights from both Arkansas residents and US players to form expectations about the website under consideration.
Look For Transparent Gaming
The top online casinos prioritize transparency, furnishing comprehensive game details such as game rules, expected returns, and information about software developers.
Embrace Responsible Gambling
Prioritize your well-being by selecting casinos promoting responsible gambling practices. Explore resources like self-imposed limit options and help hotlines to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
Assess Banking Methods
Analyze top-rated online casinos’ deposit and withdrawal methods. Confirm that the gambling site you are interested in has your preferred banking options before deciding.
Verify Licensing Status
Check the casino’s licensing status in its country of operation. Contact customer service for comprehensive regulatory insights if this information is challenging to locate.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in Arkansas
Gambling in Arkansas has become more enjoyable since the legalization of land-based casinos and sports betting. However, there are still areas that could be improved. Here are the main pros and cons of gambling in The Natural State.
Pros
- Land-based casinos deliver an authentic gambling experience with slot machines and table games.
- Online casinos outside of Arkansas are available for safe mobile gaming and online poker.
- Betting on sports is legal at retail locations and online.
- Simulcast horse and dog racing betting is available at two in-person locations, and Oaklawn also hosts live horse racing each year.
- Charitable bingo and lottery are legal in AR.
Cons
- State-regulated online casino sites and poker rooms are not available in Arkansas.
- In-person options for betting are limited to only three retail locations statewide.
- Social gambling is illegal and considered a violation.
Future of Online Gambling in Arkansas: Our Prediction
For years, the Natural State only allowed pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog racing. However, the state expanded its gambling options significantly over the past decade.
In 2007, charitable gaming became legal, followed by the establishment of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery in 2009. In 2017, daily fantasy sports gained legality, and in 2018, both casinos and sports betting were legalized. The most recent development occurred in 2021, when online sports betting became legal in the state.
Despite these advancements, legal online casinos and poker rooms are not yet available in AR. This delay is because none of the neighboring states have legalized this type of gambling, and there is no current legislation in place for such activities in The Natural State.
While Arkansas may eventually legalize online casinos and poker if the trend continues nationwide, it’s not expected to happen soon. In the meantime, offshore online websites operating beyond the state’s jurisdiction will likely remain the primary option for AR residents for the foreseeable future.
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Arkansas Online Gambling FAQ
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about AR online gambling in the section below.
There are no state-regulated real money online casinos in Arkansas at this time. Online offshore casinos that are available to AR residents sometimes offer no-deposit promotions.
All gambling winnings are subject to income tax in Arkansas and at the federal level. Players who win money at online casinos are responsible for reporting their online winnings as income.
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.