Key Things You Need to Know
- Your legal and regulated options for gambling online in Arkansas are pari-mutuel wagering, daily fantasy sports, and AR sports betting.
- Online casino gambling is not legal, but you can play real-money games at offshore online casinos. These casinos are not regulated nor prohibited in Arkansas, so they are considered a “gray area.”
- Listed on this page are the top offshore gambling sites. They offer hundreds of the hottest slots, table games, and video poker titles; massive promotions; and secure banking options.
- When choosing an online casino, always ensure that it’s legitimate. Reputable sites should be licensed overseas and use random number generators (RNGs) for online casino games.
- It’s unlikely that online casinos will be legalized in Arkansas any time soon. No proposals have been introduced in this legislative session, meaning offshore sites are your only option for the foreseeable future.
This page serves as a comprehensive guide for casino gambling in Arkansas, covering both land-based casinos in Arkansas and top online gaming sites. The state offers limited options for in-person gambling but provides ample opportunities for online slots for real money, table games, and sports betting. The guide also provides insights into how to choose safe and efficient online casinos, ranked by our team of experts based on licensing, game variety, and banking options.
Types of Legal Gambling in Arkansas
Arkansas offers a diverse range of legal gambling activities. The state has a few land-based casinos that provide a variety of games, including slot machines and table games like blackjack and AK poker. These venues are state-regulated and must adhere to strict rules to maintain their licenses.
Sports betting has also found its way into the legal framework, allowing residents to wager on a wide array of sports events both at retail sportsbooks and online platforms. You have the choice to place legal online sports bets through one of the available state-regulated applications: Oaklawn Sports, and BetSaracen. Additionally, Betly Sportsbook, is regulated in the following states, Arkansas, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
In addition to casinos and sports betting, Arkansas has a rich history of horse racing. The Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs is a notable venue for live horse racing and wagering.
The state also has its official lottery, known as the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, which provides an array of games, encompassing scratch-offs and multi-state lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions. Proceeds from the lottery primarily support scholarships and educational initiatives.
While Arkansas doesn’t offer state-regulated online casinos, residents can access offshore platforms. However, it’s crucial to use reputable sites when choosing this route.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is another legal option, with platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel available to residents. The state also permits pari-mutuel wagering, not just on horse races but also on dog races, although the latter has declined in popularity.
Regardless of the type of gambling you’re interested in, each comes with its own set of regulations and age requirements. It’s important to be aware of these and to always gamble responsibly.
Charitable Gambling
Charitable gambling is permitted and regulated by the state. Non-profit organizations can legally host raffles and bingo games for fundraising purposes. These organizations are required to register with the state and adhere to specific rules and regulations, ensuring that all proceeds are used for charitable causes.
Bingo Halls
Bingo has a dedicated following in Arkansas and is another form of legal gambling. Both commercial and non-profit organizations can operate bingo games under specific licenses. As per Arkansas law, An approved organization with the appropriate license is permitted to hold a single bingo game within any given 24-hour day and is limited to conducting no more than two such games in any single calendar week.
Arkansas Online Casinos vs. Local Casinos
Arkansas currently features three comprehensive local casinos, offering a range of options from slot machines and table games to sports betting. For example, Saracen Resort Casino boasts approximately 2,000 gaming machines.
Despite the presence of two commercial casinos and one tribal casino, these venues still face stiff competition from the myriad of choices available at online Arkansas casino sites. Although the state has introduced local mobile sports betting options, users have encountered recurring issues with these platforms.
As of the most recent update, Arkansas activated legal online sports betting but still does not have a regulated market for online casino gaming. The state remains one of the few in the U.S. where poker games are only available in designated gambling establishments. The only sanctioned poker room is located at the Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff.
For residents who live far from Saracen, Southland, or Oaklawn, planning a visit could require a week’s time. However, this doesn’t mean you have limited options. You are still able to engage in online gambling through top Arkansas online casinos, enjoying a premier gaming experience from your own home around the clock.
Gambling in and Near Arkansas
Arkansas is home to three land-based casinos. Oaklawn Racing Casino and Southland Casino served as exclusive horse racing and greyhound tracks before upgrading to full-service casinos. A third casino is Saracen Casino Resort— a tribal gaming venue in Pine Bluff.
A fourth casino—the River Valley Casino Resort—is currently under construction. This in-person gambling venue in Russellville plans to open soon. According to some, it will be the largest casino in Arkansas, with 2,200 gaming machines and 100 table games.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Address: 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort initially launched horse racing in 1905 and was subsequently allowed to offer electronic games and slot machines in 2005. Then, in 2018, Oaklawn added table games to its offerings, following a gambling revision.
Today, the property hosts over 1,500 electronic gaming machines, including video poker. Oaklawn is also home to a retail sportsbook.
Southland Casino Racing
Address: 1550 N Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, AR 72301
Southland, which has long served as a greyhound racing track, now features over 2,000 slot machines, electronic games, a sportsbook and table games.
Saracen Casino Resort
Address: 1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff is the only tribal casino in Arkansas. The Quapaw Nation owns the Saracen Casino, which offers slot machines, table games, and live poker. This is the only poker room in the entire state.
Other Forms of Gambling in Arkansas
Discover additional types of lawful gambling avenues in Arkansas by consulting our comprehensive guides below:
- Arkansas online casinos
- Arkansas online sportsbooks
- Arkansas poker sites
- Arkansas online racebooks
- Arkansas casinos
- Arkansas bingo
- Arkansas lottery
- Arkansas sportsbooks
- Arkansas race tracks
Casino Games You Can Play in Arkansas
Although Arkansas has specific rules governing gambling, there are still avenues for indulging in a range of online casino games. Here is an overview of the games that are commonly pursued by players in Arkansas:
Slots
Slot machines are a staple in Arkansas casinos. These are games of chance where you spin reels in hopes of lining up symbols for a win. They come in various themes and styles, including classic slots, video slots, and progressive jackpot slots.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a well-known card game where you aim to have a hand totaling 21, or as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. The game is available in several variations at Arkansas casinos, offering multiple ways to bet and win.
Poker
Poker is a popular card game involving strategy and skill. It’s available in various formats including Texas Hold’em and Omaha. You’ll play against other players and aim to make the best five-card hand.
Roulette
Roulette is a game of chance where a ball is dropped onto a spinning wheel. Players bet on where the ball will land—either on a specific number, range of numbers, or a color (red or black).
Craps
Craps is a well-known dice game where players place bets on the outcome of the roll of a pair of dice. It’s a fast-paced game that can be played in both formal settings and casual back-alley games.
Video Poker
Video poker combines elements of slots and poker. It’s a machine-based game where you aim to make the best five-card poker hand possible.
Baccarat
A card game where you bet on the ‘Player’, the ‘Banker’, or a tie. The aim is to have a hand totaling 9 or as close to 9 as possible.
Three-Card Poker
A simplified version of poker where you play a three-card hand against the dealer’s three-card hand.
Let It Ride
A poker variant where you make three bets and have the choice to withdraw two of those bets after seeing your cards and the community cards.
Pai Gow Poker
A card game where you make two poker hands and aim to defeat both of the dealer’s hands.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games in online casinos replicate the experience of a physical casino by streaming real dealers in real-time. Popular options typically include Blackjack, Roulette, and various forms of Poker, along with specialized games like Baccarat and game shows.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Arkansas
- 1874: The Arkansas Constitution bans lotteries.
- 1904: The first horse racing track is built in Arkansas.
- 1907: Horse racing becomes illegal.
- 1935: The state legislature approves horse racing, but governors stop it in 1934 and 1935.
- 1956: Act 46 is passed, legalizing horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in Hot Springs. Additionally, the Arkansas Racing Commission is created.
- 2005: Oaklawn and Southland are allowed to become “racinos” with limited casino games.
- 2007: Charitable bingo and raffles are legalized.
- 2008: Arkansas creates a state lottery.
- 2017: State lawmakers approve daily fantasy sports.
- 2018: Issue 4 allows four full-fledged casinos and legal wagering.
- 2019: Arkansas takes its first in-person sports bet.
- 2022: The Joint Budget Committee approves the Arkansas mobile sports betting rules prepared by the Arkansas Racing Commission.
Arkansas Online Gambling FAQs
Are online casinos legal in Arkansas?
No. While most forms of online gambling are legal in Arkansas, there are no regulated online casinos. However, Arkansans can enjoy online casino games by joining the top offshore casino platforms that accept players from the Natural State.
Are there brick-and-mortar casinos in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas houses three land-based casinos: Oaklawn Racing in Hot Springs, Southland Gaming in West Memphis, and Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff.
How can I find the best real-money slot games in Arkansas?
There are two ways to play real-money slot games in Arkansas. The first is visiting one of the three land-based casinos in Oaklawn, Southland, or Saracen.
However, if you’re not located near any of these areas, the best alternative is to join one of the best Arkansas casino sites. All the recommended AR online casinos boast thousands of slot games—more than any land-based gambling venue in the Natural State.
Can I play at Arkansas online casinos from my smartphone?
Yes. The best thing about Arkansas online casinos is that you can enjoy its top-notch casino games from the comfort of your home. Many of the best real-money casino apps, such as Wild Casino, don’t even require you to download software. Instead, you can play the best free slots with no download by browsing directly through your phone or tablet.
The only downside of playing through mobile casinos is that you may not enjoy some games that are only available on desktop. However, considering the convenience of mobile gambling, we don’t consider this a major shortcoming.
Can I play online poker in Arkansas?
Yes. Most of our recommended online gambling sites feature separate online poker sections. For example, Ignition Casino boasts one of the best poker rooms in Arkansas.
Where can I find the best online casino in Arkansas?
The answer depends on your specific gambling needs, as “the best” is a subjective term here. All of our suggested online casinos are the best in the areas they serve. For example, if casino games are your sole focus, you should check out Wild Casino. However, if you love casino games and sports betting, we recommend BetUS and BetOnline. If you want to play games at the best live dealer casinos, Bovada is your destination.
What is the legal gambling age in Arkansas?
You must be 18 or above to purchase a lottery ticket. However, the legal casino gambling age in Arkansas is 21.
What forms of gambling can one find in Arkansas?
In essence, permitted on-site gambling is limited to horse and greyhound pari-mutuel wagering, the state-run lottery, and some other games at racing venues. The regional laws are rather unusual, requiring all these forms of gambling to be skill-oriented and electronic, which results in these locations often resembling establishments featuring video poker, electronic blackjack, or other electronic games.
What regulations govern internet gambling in Arkansas?
Most of the issues pertaining to playing games of chance for money are covered by Arkansas gambling laws, Section 5. None of the Arkansas statutes deal with online play, but you must take note that Arkansas officials are free to claim the general regulations do indeed extend to online gambling-related actions.
Is wagering real funds through online gambling platforms authorized in AR?
Wagering with real funds online isn’t explicitly banned within the borders of Arkansas. The legislation is somewhat ambiguous, but we firmly believe that playing online is safe and secure for Arkansas residents wanting to engage in iGaming.
Which international gambling platforms accept AR residents?
US-facing sites generally tend to accept Arkansas-based customers, which shouldn’t be all that surprising since the local laws aren’t trying to prevent them from playing on international gambling platforms.
What are the top payment methods supported by Arkansas sites?
The best way to fund your poker, casino, or sports betting account is via the use of a credit or debit card. However, take note that this payment option isn’t 100% reliable. Still, both Visa and MasterCard enjoy a rather elevated rate of success.
Is there any form of online gambling available exclusively within Arkansas?
No. Contrary to what some people may believe, Arkansas has never established a real money online gaming market. Arkansas entrepreneurs can’t offer real-money online gaming services due to the existing regulations.
Is there a strong possibility that Arkansas will establish regulations for online gambling?
The idea of regulating AR online poker and initiating a local, intrastate market doesn’t seem to be on the agenda of any local lawmaker or lobby group. Consequently, Arkansas isn’t likely to draft an iGaming bill in the foreseeable future.