Arkansas
Gambling Laws 2026

Sports betting is legal in Arkansas, one of 36 states where it is, as of May 2026. Commercial casinos are legal, as they are in 24 states, and online casino gambling is illegal. Arkansas has a state lottery, and horse racing is legal.

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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Also on Arkansas: the full Arkansas profile covers taxes, cost of living, crime and schools, and the county map lets you compare every county in the state. For related rules, read the Arkansas sex laws guide and the Arkansas country music guide.