Gamblers in Arkansas continue enjoying legal online sports betting, launched in 2022 more than three years after in-house services began at the state’s casinos.
The Arkansas Racing Commission prepared for expansion by passing rules and regulations late in 2021 relating to the authorization of online sports betting.
The online service ended a long wait, with Arkansas’ gamblers utilising sports betting facilities at a number of casinos in the state that have their sportsbooks, offering markets on a range of sports including football, basketball and baseball—plus top apps like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
For those wanting to watch and wager on live racing they can head to the Oaklawn track where the ‘Racing Festival of the South’ is held, with the Arkansas Derby the feature event, or use advance-deposit wagering, ADW, operators like TVG and FanDuel Racing to place their bets. The state also had one of the few remaining greyhound tracks in the US at the Southland Casino in West Memphis, with racing ended there in 2022.
Arkansas Betting
In-house sportsbooks are available at a number of casinos in the state with legislation passed this year for online sports betting.
Arkansas Casinos
Online casinos are outlawed in the state but in-person gambling can be found at a number of venues including the Oaklawn Casino at the race track in Hot Springs and Southland Casino at West Memphis.
Arkansas Poker
The state is not one of around half a dozen in the US to have a legal online poker market but you can play in-person with the Southland Casino attracting players from across Arkansas. Online poker, however, may be available through offshore sportsbooks, but players use these sites at their own risk and without any consumer protection.
Arkansas Horse Racing Betting
The state has a long history of horse racing at Oaklawn and you can bet on race meetings across the US and overseas at the casinos who have sportsbooks. Advance-deposit wagering operators like TVG, TwinSpires and BetAmerica are also available to place bets using your phone or a laptop.
Arkansas Lottery
A state-wide event is run but only allows for tickets to be bought at physical retailers and not to be purchased online.
Arkansas DFS
State residents have been allowed to play daily fantasy sports (DFS) operated by the likes of DraftKings and FanDuel since 2017.
FAQs
Is it legal to gamble in Arkansas?
The state introduced online sports betting in 2022 and the legal age for casino gaming and sports betting in Arkansas is 21.
Where can I get help with problem gambling in Arkansas?
If you need some guidance around problem gambling, or you think a friend or relative needs help, details can be found at National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).