Online Gambling in Arkansas
Arkansas has recently updated its laws to allow land-based casinos and online sportsbooks within its borders.
However, Arkansas still does not host online casinos, so residents play at offshore internet casinos. I have chosen a few of the best online casinos for Arkansas gamblers to explore based on their safety and reliability.
This guide to gambling in Arkansas also covers all types of gambling available to folks in the state, the legal details of each type, and how the laws came to be.
Gambling Highlights
Arkansas is a comparatively liberal state compared to some of its neighbors in the region. Below, you can take a quick snippet of what’s allowed gambling-wise in The Natural State.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
18-21
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Casinos
Offshore Only
Land-Based Sports Betting
Yes
Online Sportsbooks
Yes
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
Jump to Specific Areas of This Page
Is Online Gambling Legal in Arkansas?
Key Takeaways
- Online sports betting is legal in Arkansas.
- At least three online sportsbooks run inside the state.
- Arkansans have access to online casinos based offshore.
- There are several other legal gambling options in the state.
Sports betting and horse racing are the only forms of online gambling legal in Arkansas. Sports betting became legal after voters approved it as part of a 2018 referendum that also expanded the number of casinos permitted in the state.
Arkansas presently hosts three land-based casinos, and another casino project was seeking a license. All three casinos have online sportsbooks.
The state hasn’t yet legalized online casinos inside the state, and online casino gamblers turn to top offshore sites for casino gambling from home.
Take an in-depth look at Arkansas gambling legislation.
Best Arkansas Online Casinos in 2024
Arkansans don’t yet have online casinos within the state. But, there are some excellent options beyond state and US borders. Here are some of the top online casinos based offshore that I recommend for players from Arkansas.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 699 | SLOTS 600 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: November, 2024
Top Online Casinos Reviewed – Key Features
Below are a couple of sites that are great destinations when it comes to online casino games or sports betting.
Best AR Online Casino for Slots & Other Games
DuckyLuck Casino is a vibrant site loaded with high-quality online casino games.
The site has over 600 slots, with new games showing up regularly. They refurbish the stock so often because they work with the most innovative game makers in the industry.
Names like Betsoft, Rival, and Dragon Gaming are known for creative and compelling productions in 3- and 5-reel displays, multiple payline setups, and features galore.
There is plenty beyond slots, as there’s a wealth of blackjack, other table games, and a wide variety of video poker games, from standard Jacks or Better to wild-card favorites.
If you want something more realistic, you can try the Live Casino section, where professional dealers stream right to your screen with top table games and stakes as you would find in an Arkansas land-based establishment.
Top Features
- DuckyLuck Casino has about 600 slots from top game makers.
- The site has a great variety of table games and video poker.
- DuckyLuck’s Live Casino brings real live dealers to your screen.
Best AR Gambling Site for Sports Betting
Bovada is a perfect example of a fully-fledged sportsbook beyond the state’s limited local offerings.
They’ve served Arkansas and US players for over a decade with competitive odds for all major – and many minor – sports, and the site’s live or in-game betting has odds that move as fast as the game itself.
The sportsbook has a racebook with top odds from horse races worldwide and a poker room with the most popular games and regular tournaments.
Bovada also hosts a fully stocked online casino, something you won’t find at Arkansas sites.
Top Features
- Bovada is a great offshore option to Arkansas online sportsbooks.
- The site offers all sorts of betting options, including in-game wagering.
- A racebook, poker room, and full casino are also available at Bovada.
How to Choose the Best Online Casinos
I take many factors into account when choosing the right casinos for you. Here are some of the key elements I consider:
Reputation
An online casino established over time and popular with players is good enough for us and great for you.Fast & Reliable Payments
An internet casino should deliver what it promises. That means fast, dependable banking methods.Security & Safety
I want you to play worry-free, so I seek out online casinos with modern security protocols that protect your money and information.Game Variety
As a gambler, I seek the best games, and I ensure a casino site has the volume and variety of games for any player.Quality Bonuses
Bonuses are great lures, but they can be deceptive. I want players to get only the best, which means fair and lucrative bonuses.
Top Real Money Online Casino Games in Arkansas
With no online casinos based in Arkansas, gamblers can still find plenty of real money casino games at other sites. Here are summaries of the types of games available at these top casino sites.
Online Slots
Slots are the most predominant games at any casino, and online casinos are no exception.
The best sites have hundreds of slots from well-known game makers who use random number generators to rate player returns competitively.
In addition to fair returns, slot players can expect entertainment, variety, and fun. Slots come with the most popular themes, bonus features, and various displays and setups.
Look for 3- and 5-reel displays and one to 20 or more payline options with penny slots on up to $25 spins or more.
My favorite slots sites have the popular Hot Drop Jackpots contests that offer hourly and daily pots and an Epic Jackpot.
Online Poker
Many of the best online casinos host poker rooms with variations like Omaha and Stud games.
You can also play Texas Hold ’em with no-limit, pot-limit, and limit tables.
The stakes range from buy-ins or a few bucks to high-end games like the live tables at land-based rooms.
The deals are as random and fair as at any live room, and the rakes are even more competitive. Each site also has daily tournaments, including freerolls that cost nothing to enter.
Many online poker rooms let you build up points and convert them to cash or prizes as you play.
Online Blackjack
Blackjack is a favorite game for casino players because it is easy to play and offers steady returns for those who follow strategy.
Online blackjack players get the same returns as any land-based casino.
That applies to standard 3:2 blackjack and bonus versions of blackjack you don’t find at many land-based casinos.
The bonus versions have blackjack side-bet options that offer extra payouts for particular card combinations, such as 7s or matched suits.
Live Dealer Games
Top online casinos host live dealer rooms that offer the feel of sitting at an actual casino table while sparing you a long drive and a pricey stay.
These rooms feature friendly professional dealers and are streamed live on your screen. The displays are easy to follow, and you mingle with other players.
The stakes are much like those you would find at land-based casinos. These live studios create as realistic an experience as you can have without leaving home.
Other Online Casino Games
A great thing about online casinos is the variety of games. You can stray from the most common games and find new wagering challenges you may not get at an Arkansas establishment.
Arkansas Online Casino Bonuses
There are plenty of bonus categories available at AR sites. These are the most common.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Bonuses
Online casinos offer bonuses opposed to land-based casinos comps. Both function with the same goal: to get gamblers to play games in their establishments over time. Below are top online casino bonuses to consider.
500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Bonus
DuckyLuck Casino welcome bonus is the biggest – a three-deposit matching 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins.
The cash bonus has a rollover requirement of 30x the deposit plus the bonus.
The free spins bonus has a 30x rollover on winnings from the spins.
125% up to $3,750 Welcome Package
Online sites such as Bovada know that many gamblers prefer paying and withdrawing with cryptocurrency.
They offer a sports and casino bonus worth up to $3,750 with a meager 5X rollover requirement for sports betting and 30X for casino games.
Use the code BTCSWB750 when you deposit.
Casino Apps
Today’s HTML5 technology allows players to use the browser of an iPhone, Android, or e-tablet to quickly call up the best casino sites and click on games to play them with little problem.
Our top online casinos are all optimized for mobile browser play, providing a seamless and immersive experience. Tap on any of them and see how the games work for you.
Facts About Online Casinos for Arkansas Players
- Arkansas gamblers can play at online casinos based offshore.
- Offshore-based online casinos are licensed and regulated in foreign jurisdictions but accept US players.
- The variety of games at online casinos is much broader than games on the floors of Arkansas’s land-based casinos.
- The best online casinos stream live dealer games for an interactive counterpart to land-based casino games.
- Cryptocurrency is a preferred payment option for online casino players because you can withdraw and deposit.
- Bonuses are exclusive to online casino players.
Arkansas Gambling Laws Summary
Legal gambling in Arkansas has opened up in recent years. It now includes everything from charitable games to online sports betting.
The most recent updates in the law came after Arkansas voters approved resort casinos and sports betting in 2018. There are now three casinos in the state, each with sportsbooks in person and online. Two casinos host regulated poker rooms.
The state has long had legal pari-mutuel betting on horses and is home to one of the nation’s premier thoroughbred race courses and events.
Regulation for charitable bingo and raffles has existed in the state since 2007, and there are bingo halls in more than 50 towns and cities across the state.
Arkansas has sponsored a lottery since 2009, and it carries a variety of games with proceeds going to scholarships. The Lottery Commission regulates the State Lottery and charitable games by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Most other forms of gambling operate under Arkansas Racing Commission rules. The state now prohibits hosting online casinos within its borders, so state online casino players turn to sites based offshore.
| Arkansas Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-based casinos in Arkansas | The state has three legal casinos with slots, table games, and other games. The state Racing Commission oversees the casinos. A fourth casino is proposed and seeking licensing. You must be 21 to gamble in a casino. |
| Online Gambling | Arkansas’s three casinos host online sportsbooks, but state law has yet to address online casinos. Online casino players in the state access sites based offshore and regulated in foreign jurisdictions. |
| Sports Betting | Sports betting is legal in Arkansas, and the state’s three casinos offer in-person and online sportsbooks regulated by state authorities. Other online sports betting operations seek government approval in the state. You can bet on sports at age 18. |
| State Lottery | The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery offers typical numbers draws, including the multi-state jackpot draws such as Powerball and Mega Millions. The AR State Lottery Commission oversees the operation and allows people aged 18 and over to play. |
| Charitable Gambling | Charities and other qualified organizations in Arkansas can sponsor bingo and raffles regulated by the state Department of Finance and Administration. Bingo games are in facilities throughout the state, and groups can sponsor raffles for up to $100,000 worth of prizes per year. |
| Poker | Arkansas has two legal poker rooms at casinos; state casino regulations control them. The rooms offer typical games such as Hold ’em and Omaha of low-limit and high-limit stakes. The rooms also host occasional tournaments. You must be 21 to sit in. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Oaklawn Park is home to legal pari-mutuel betting on thoroughbred racing. The racecourse hosts several graded stakes events, including the prestigious Arkansas Derby. Betting comes under the purview of the State Racing Commission. You must be age 18 to bet the horses. The state no longer hosts greyhound racing. |
| Fantasy Sports | Arkansas has regulated daily fantasy sports sites since 2017, and several DFS operations, such as FanDuel and Draft Kings, serve state players. You can play at age 18. |
| Social Gambling | State law prohibits unauthorized gambling houses but does not address private games in which no game organizer profits. |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | The Arkansas Department of Finance taxes a 3% flat rate on gambling winnings. On the other hand, players must also pay a 24% federal tax. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
Arkansas law has adapted to allow many forms of gambling. Now, casino gambling, sports wagering, pari-mutuel horse betting, charitable gambling, and a lottery are all legal options for gamblers in the state.
Online casino operations have not become legalized within state borders, so Arkansans have only offshore sites for their real-money online casino entertainment.
Land-Based Casinos
Arkansas is home to three land-based casinos, with another site under consideration. They operate under the Casino Gaming Amendment of 2018.
Two of the casinos sit at current and former racetrack facilities. The Quapaw Native American tribe owns the Saracen Casino Resort, which is not federally regulated, as are many tribally owned casinos. Saracen, Oaklawn, and Southland all work under state law and are regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission.
The casinos offer typical Las Vegas-type games such as slots, blackjack, craps, and roulette. They each have sportsbooks, and two casinos also have poker rooms.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Arkansas has been known for horse racing since Oaklawn Park opened in 1904. However, the sport officially became regulated in 1935 with the passage of Act 46, which established the Arkansas Racing Commission.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort hosts many graded stakes thoroughbred races each year, and it hosts an off-track betting facility. Among the big races is the Grade I Arkansas Derby, which is run each April as a qualifier for the Kentucky Derby.
Oaklawn also hosts the GI Apple Blossom Handicap for fillies and mares. Southland Greyhound Park was home to greyhound racing for a half-century before discontinuing racing and converting to a casino facility. Southland still hosts simulcasts of greyhound races from West Virginia.
Bingo, Lottery and Charitable Gambling
Bingo has been a big business in Arkansas for decades, but it was first regulated as a charitable activity in 2007 and now operates under updated rules set up in 2009. Games are held regularly in bingo halls and other facilities throughout the state. Players can win up to $1,000 per game, and an organization can give away prizes totaling up to $7,500 per session.
Charitable groups in the state can also hold raffles for merchandise valued at up to $100,000 annually. The cash prize for a single raffle can be at most $5,000. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration authorizes bingo and raffles.
The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has operated since 2009, with proceeds funding more than 720,000 college scholarships for state residents. The Lottery offers typical numbers draws, including the statewide Lotto, and nationwide draws, such as the Powerball and Mega Millions.
The Lottery also features instant-win games like scratch-offs and a Fast Play game at a lottery terminal. The State Lottery Commission oversees the operation.
Social Gaming at Home
Arkansas law does not explicitly address private gambling at home. It does have provisions that prohibit gambling houses, but they aim at unauthorized for-profit operations.
It’s a common notion that informal gatherings for gambling are not in legal danger unless a host or organizer takes a cut.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Arkansas has poker rooms at the Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff and Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis. The poker rooms offer a variety of cash games, starting with No-Limit Texas Hold ’em with $1/$3 blinds and $100 buy-ins.
Players can also find versions of Omaha, including hi-lo games. These facilities also hold tournaments, but only occasionally. The Arkansas Racing Commission oversees the poker rooms.
Sports Betting
Arkansas approved an all-purpose sports betting law with its casino law in 2019. The casino gaming rules encompass online and in-person sports betting and casino gambling. The state’s three casinos have sportsbooks and online sports betting sites.
Other sportsbook sites are seeking licenses. Players can wager on all major sports with play options, including point spreads, moneylines, total scores, and futures. Online sports bettors have more options, such as live or in-game betting.
Casinos in Arkansas
Three casinos are in business in Arkansas, and a fourth is seeking approval. They are a mixture of resort casinos and casinos attached to race tracks and offer typical slots and table games.
Top Arkansas Casinos
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort – Hot Springs
- Southland Casino Racing – West Memphis
- Saracen Casino Resort – Pine Bluff
Casinos Summary
- Total Casinos: 3
- Poker Rooms: 2
Arkansas Gambling vs. Neighboring States
Here is how Arkansas compares to its neighbors in gambling acceptance and laws.
| State | Is some form of Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Yes | 18-21+ | Yes | Offshore Only | Yes | Yes | Legal |
| Missouri | Yes | 18-21+ | Yes | Offshore Only | Pending legislation | Yes | Legal |
| Tennessee | Yes | 18-21+ | No | Offshore Only | Yes | Yes | Legal |
| Mississippi | Yes | 21+ | Yes | Offshore Only | Yes | Yes | Legal |
| Louisiana | Yes | 18-21+ | Yes | Offshore Only | Yes | Yes | Legal |
| Texas | Yes | 18-21+ | Yes | Offshore Only | No | Yes | Legal |
| Oklahoma | Yes | 18-21+ | Yes | Offshore Only | No | Yes | Legal |
Arkansas draws business from some more gambling-restrictive states. For instance, people in Memphis, Tenn., regularly cross the river to gamble at Southland. Oaklawn and the Arkansas Derby attract players from all of the neighboring states; Oklahoma has the most casinos of any state in the region.
A Brief History of Arkansas Gambling
Gambling was a tradition in Arkansas long before the law and regulation caught up. Lotteries were an excellent way to raise money, but the 1874 version of the Arkansas Constitution was the first time the state legally addressed lotteries or any other form of betting.
Wagering on horse racing was popular in the 1800s, even before building the first tracks in the late 1890s. As many as three tracks were open around the turn of the Century, all competing and facing the backlash of gambling opposition.
Oaklawn’s track opened in 1905 and had a few gaming machines, the first casino games in the state. But in less than a decade, legal prohibitions were put in place. Finally, in 1935, lawmakers and the governor approved Act 46 to legalize pari-mutuel betting on horse and greyhound racing.
Other attempts to bring more gambling to the state failed until the 21st Century when things opened up. A 2005 act included electronic games in the horse racing law update. Two years later, bingo, a popular activity for decades, was legalized as charitable gambling, and in 2008, voters approved a state lottery amendment.
The state took significant steps to modernize gambling laws in 2017 and ’18. First, daily fantasy sports came into the legal fold, and the following year, Arkansas voters checked off on a constitutional amendment to allow resort casinos and sports betting.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
The Arkansas Problem Gambling Council encourages responsible gambling and offers treatment through several tools and resources. Their website has a helpline, risk screening, prevention tips, and more resources.
Each Arkansas casino and sportsbook site also works with the APGC and has various responsible gambling tools, including helplines, self-exclusion measures, and self-imposed time and wager limits.
The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery site hosts a Player’s Hub page with tips on preventing problem gambling and the best way to play responsibly.
Summary: Arkansas’ Gambling Journey
It took the better part of a century for Arkansas residents and their lawmakers to finally acknowledge that legalization and regulation were the best solution for a state with people who love to wager on all sorts of games.
The latest indication of gambling acceptance was the 2018 referendum on the far-reaching proposal to legalize resort casinos and sports betting. So far, the returns on that investment look promising.
As Arkansas grows into its newest gambling phase, the prospects look good for continued prosperity. There is still some resistance. Opening a fourth casino in the state has met with legal challenges that make hosting online casinos in Arkansas seems years away.
For the time bieng, residents can still take refuge at quality casino sites based offshore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions players ask about gambling in Arkansas:
How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in Arkansas?
Arkansas has no casinos regulated federally by the National Indian Gaming Commission. The state Racing Commission oversees all Arkansas casinos.
Are there real money online casinos in Arkansas with no deposit bonuses?
There are real money online casinos with no deposit bonuses but offer them only as special promotions. Most regular online casino bonuses require deposits that they match.
