Arkansas has a large selection of regulated gaming available. It started with horse racing in 1929. Around the same time, casinos opened in Hot Springs. Gaming there was comparable to the casinos that were legalized in Nevada at the time. However, gambling in Hot Springs was shut down after World War II as an antigambling movement hit Arkansas.
Greyhound racing started in 1957. Arkansas was one of the last states with a legal greyhound racetrack. The last races were run in December 2022.
In 2005, the state’s two racetracks were permitted to add slots and video poker. Electronic table games and poker rooms quickly followed. Table games, sports betting, and an expansion of casinos from tracks to resorts were approved in 2018. There is also a state lottery with the standard instant and lotto games, daily fantasy sports contests, and charitable gaming like bingo and raffles in Arkansas.
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Casinos in Arkansas
Three full-service casinos deal games like slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and live poker rooms. One Arkansas casino is located at the state’s greyhound track. Another is at the lone horse racing venue. There is also a resort casino. Retail sports betting counters and kiosks are permitted inside casinos. Casino patrons must be 21 years of age or older.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort – 2705 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
There are more than 1,500 slot and video poker machines, 30 table games, electronic table games, a sportsbook, and a Thoroughbred racetrack at Oaklawn. The property is also home to ten dining options and a 198-room hotel. Amenities include a spa and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Saracen Casino Resort – 1 Sarcen Resort Drive, Pine Bluff, AR
Saracen Casino has almost 2,000 slots, 30 table games, a race and sportsbook, and a poker room. There are four dining options available on the property.
Southland Casino Racing – 1550 N Ingram Boulevard, West Memphis, AR
Southland Casino ran greyhound races through December 2022. Announced in 2019, races were phased out over the last three years of live racing. The casino offers around 2,400 slots and video poker machines, 50 live table games, simulcast wagering, and a sportsbook. Multiple dining options are available on the property. A 20-story hotel offers 300 rooms, including pet-friendly options.
Proposed fourth casino in AR
In December 2021, a fourth casino was licensed in Pope County. The proposed Legends Resort & Casino will have 1,200 machines, 32 table games, a sportsbook, multiple dining options, 200 hotel rooms, a 100-site RV park, and multiple resort amenities. Due to ongoing legal struggles, construction has not started on Legends Resort & Casino.
Arkansas sports betting
There are sportsbooks at the state’s racetracks and casinos. All typical forms of sports betting are legal, including straight bets, parlays, teasers, futures, and props. Sports like baseball, football, hockey, basketball, golf, auto racing, and mixed martial arts are on the betting menu.
Mobile sports betting is also legal in the state. Unlike many states, mobile sportsbooks are required to have a retail location to operate within Arkansas. So, there are fewer mobile sportsbooks to choose from. Sports bettors must be 21 years of age or older.
Online gambling options in Arkansas
Online and mobile horse racing, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports contest wagers are permitted in Arkansas. This includes contests through companies like DraftKings and FanDuel. Sweepstakes contests are also allowed in the state.
Live racing in Arkansas
Horse and greyhound racing are legal. This includes live racing, off-track betting parlors, and mobile horse racing wagers. There is one active racetrack in the state. Thoroughbred races are still held in the state, however, the last greyhound races ran at Southland in December 2022. Accompanied minors are permitted to watch live racing.
Retail off-track betting is only available at casino racebooks. Bettors must be at least 18 years of age.
Thoroughbred racetrack
- Oaklawn Casino
- December through early May
Arkansas state lottery
There is a state lottery in Arkansas. It was created in 2009 and helps raise money for college scholarships. Games exclusive to Arkansas include Natural State Jackpot, Cash 3, Cash 4, Fast Play, and scratch-off tickets. Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lucky for Life are multistate lottery games. Lottery players must be at least 18 years of age.
Arkansas Gambling FAQs
Are casinos legal in Arkansas?
Yes. Casinos are legal in the state of Arkansas.
What is the minimum age to gamble in Arkansas casinos?
Casino players must be at least 21 years of age in Arkansas.
What types of games can be found in Arkansas casinos?
Players will find slots, video poker, live and electronic table games, and sportsbooks at Arkansas casinos. One casino also has a poker room.
Are table games allowed in Arkansas casinos?
Yes. Both live and electronic table games are offered by Arkansas casinos.
Are sportsbooks legal in Arkansas?
Yes. Retail and mobile sportsbooks are legal in Arkansas for players 21 years of age and older.
Is mobile sports betting legal in Arkansas?
Yes. Online and mobile sportsbooks are legal in Arkansas for players 21 years of age and older.
What online gambling options are available in Arkansas?
Available online gambling options in Arkansas include horse racing, daily fantasy sports, sports betting, and sweepstakes games.
Are live horse races held in Arkansas?
Yes. Live Thoroughbred races are held at Oaklawn in Arkansas.
Are live greyhound races held in Arkansas?
No. The last greyhound races in Arkansas were run at the end of 2022.
Can you wager on live horse races in Arkansas?
Yes. Wagers are permitted at the racetrack, off-track betting parlors, and using mobile apps.
What is the minimum age to wager on horse racing in Arkansas?
Horse bettors must be at least 18 years of age in Arkansas.
Can you play lottery games in Arkansas?
Yes. Available Arkansas lottery games include lotto drawings and scratch tickets.
Does Arkansas participate in multistate drawings?
Yes. Available Arkansas lottery games include Powerball and Mega Millions drawings.
How old must you be to play lottery games in Arkansas?
Players must be at least 18 years of age to buy and play lottery games in Arkansas.
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Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by Kristina Mehaffey