Sports Betting
Casino Gambling
Online Casino / iGaming
State Lottery
Horse Racing / Racetracks
Arkansas came to commercial gambling relatively late but moved deliberately once it started. Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2018 that authorized casinos at four specific locations, all tied to existing horse racing tracks. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs and Southland Casino in West Memphis were the first to open full casino floors. Sports betting launched in 2022 at licensed casinos, both in-person and via mobile within the state.
The state lottery has operated since 2009 and funds the Arkansas Academic Challenge scholarship program. Horse racing at Oaklawn has been a tradition since 1904, and the track draws serious bettors during its winter-spring meet. The pairing of a historic racing venue with a full casino floor at Oaklawn makes it one of the more interesting regional gambling destinations in the South.
For residents, the options are real but limited geographically. If you live in the Little Rock area, Hot Springs or West Memphis is a reasonable drive. West Arkansas residents are relatively far from any casino. Mobile sports betting is available statewide through licensed operators, so that piece is accessible regardless of where you live. Online casino gambling is not legal in Arkansas.
Casinos at racetracks. Sports betting launched 2022.
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People Also Ask
Does Arkansas have legal gambling?
Casinos and casino gaming are hereby authorized in four locations within the State of Arkansas. Casino licensees may accept wagers on sporting events unless prohibited by federal law. Franchise holders will continue to accept wagers on horse and greyhound racing.
What is the new gambling law for 2026?
However, as of tax year 2026, taxpayers can only deduct up to 90% of their gambling losses against gambling winnings. Prior to 2026, gamblers could deduct up to 100% of their winnings based on losses. For example, you bet $100 on 10 NFL games during the regular season and lost each bet.
What word is illegal to mispronounce in Arkansas?
Did you know the name: Arkansas is pronounced "Arkansaw". It's illegal to mispronounce the state's name, though there's no legal punishment for doing so.
What two states are gambling illegal in?
If state-run lotteries are included, then 48 states allow some form of gambling. The exceptions are Hawaii, where gambling was outlawed prior to statehood, and Utah, which bans gambling in its state constitution.
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In the News
- DraftKings Arkansas promo code is now live: Get $100 in bonus bets instantly with a $5 bet - CBS SportsMay 17
- Arkansas sports betting 2026: Best AR sportsbooks - CBS SportsMay 10
- DraftKings, FanDuel could soon enter Arkansas sports betting market - KHBSFeb 21
- Southland, Oaklawn post March losses in mobile sports book betting - The Arkansas Democrat-GazetteApr 27
- Arkansas casinos took hit on sportsbook switch - AxiosApr 29
Full Arkansas profile
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Sources: American Gaming Association 2024, Legal Sports Report, NCSL. Gambling laws change frequently — verify current status before wagering.