Gambling Laws in Arkansas

Arkansas takes a largely permissive approach to gambling, with many activities deemed legal. The state's laws are somewhat outdated regarding online gambling, though there are some exceptions.

What Type of Gambling Is Legal in Arkansas?

Arkansas' gambling laws are dictated by the Arkansas Code sections 5-66-101 and 23-110. These rule that most forms of gambling are legal in the state, with a few caveats.

Online gambling remains currently unregulated.

Online and Landbased Casino Games

Casino gambling has been legal since the late 1990s when the state decided to allow some forms of gaming (e.g. skill-based machines and instant betting) at its two main racetracks. This was a way to prevent losses of revenue to the newly built casinos of neighbouring states.

Online casino gambling in Arkansas is currently unregulated. Residents access out-of-state online casinos to play online casino slots and other games though. Whilst this is illegal, no prosecutions have been brought against any residents of Arkansas.

Gambling on Poker

This is legal in Arkansas but only offered at 2 of the three gambling venues in the state: The Saracen Resort and The Southland. Interestingly the law states that home-based real money poker games are classed as illegal, with those taking part facing a fine of $10 to $25. In reality, this hasn't ever been enforced.

Online poker falls into the same category as online casino gambling. As such, the activity is unregulated in the state, with players accessing offshore online poker sites instead.

Bingo Halls and Online Games

Land-based bingo is legal but charitable organizations can only run games. There are currently no standalone bingo halls and the existing permitted casinos and racinos do not run games.

Online bingo gambling is another activity not specifically mentioned in the state's legislation. This leaves residents playing at offshore sites instead, in unregulated environments.

The Arkansas State Lottery

Lottery gambling has been legal since it won a landslide vote in 2008. The state is now part of the Multi-State Lottery Association, which can offer tickets for the larger Powerball and Mega Millions games. Residents can buy draw tickets and scratch cards at their local retailer. Whilst Video lottery terminals are illegal in Arkansas.

Online lottery gambling is not permitted. Even the state lottery doesn't sell tickets online via its website, instead simply operating as a checking point for results. Residents wishing to play online lottery games for real money generally have no problem accessing lottery sites outside Arkansas.

Social Games and Crypto Casinos

Neither lootboxes nor skins gambling are mentioned in Arkansas' current gambling legislation, meaning these activities are not regulated. However, the state has some pretty dated views regarding social gambling within your home. Specifically regarding real money card games such as poker and Blackjack which can be punishable with a fine.

Although Arkansas recognises virtual currencies and has made activities such as Bitcoin mining legal, the law does not mention crypto gambling. None of the established legal gambling venues in the state accept cryptocurrencies either.

Arkansas Sports Betting Legislation

Sports betting has been legal since 2018, with three operators currently licensed to offer markets to residents. These are historical racetracks and land-based casinos.

Online sports betting is also legal in Arkansas and has been since March 2022. The existing licensed sportsbooks are the only operators permitted to offer their online services via apps.

Daily fantasy sports betting has been legal since April 2017. Residents can bet on their favourite markets via popular sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings.

What Are the Arkansas Gambling Age Restrictions?

Arkansas laws dictate a different age depending on the gambling activity. To enter a casino or racino or bet on daily fantasy sports markets, individuals must be at least 21. However, residents need only be 18 or over to bet on sports or purchase lottery tickets.

Gambling Tax Regulations and the Implications for Players

Arkansas gambling tax regulation stipulates that operators must pay varying amounts of tax based on revenue, with 13% charged on the first $150 million and 20% on anything over $150 million. Gambling winnings are also taxed in Arkansas at the rate of 4%.

History of Gambling Laws in Arkansas

Gambling in Arkansas was widespread until the last casino closed its doors in 1967. From that point, the only forms of gambling were dog and horse racing betting at the state's two main tracks, Oaklawn and Southland.

Casinos opened in neighbouring states Mississippi and Louisiana in the 1990s and started pulling punters away from the Arkansas racetracks. So to address this, the state legalised instant betting machines in 1999 and skill game machines in 2005. Some limited forms of internet betting were also legalised at the tracks in 2013.

Sports betting was permitted in 2018, followed shortly after that by a vote to legalise casinos, with Saracen Casino opening in 2019. Online sports betting followed in 2022.

Key Facts

• Casino gambling is legal but only at licensed venues.

• Online casino gambling, such as live casino sites is unregulated.

• Poker gambling is legal but only offered at two licensed venues.

• Online poker gambling is unregulated, but home-based games are deemed illegal.

• Bingo gambling is legal, but charitable organizations can only offer games.

• Online bingo gambling is unregulated.

• Lottery gambling is legal in Arkansas, but online lottery gambling is unregulated.

• Offline and online sports betting are legal in Arkansas, but only via the three licensed operators.