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 legalized gambling?
Arkansas voters approved sports betting in November 2018 through a constitutional amendment allowing wagering at up to four casinos, with oversight from the Arkansas Racing Commission. Currently, three casinos are operational and offer both retail and online sports betting.
What is the new gambling law for 2026?
You can take a gambling loss deduction against your gambling winnings. 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.
What is the 777 law in Arkansas?
Will FanDuel ever be legal in Arkansas?
Arkansas regulators unanimously approved FanDuel and DraftKings to launch mobile sportsbooks through partnerships with Oaklawn and Southland casinos.
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In the News
- Arkansas Sports Betting 2026: Best Legal AR Sportsbooks & Betting Apps - CBS SportsJul 3
- National Sportsbooks Upend the Arkansas Mobile Betting Market - Arkansas BusinessJul 6
- FanDuel, DraftKings partnerships lead to increase in sports betting in Arkansas - thv11.comMay 29
- Arkansas Sports Betting - AR Sportsbook Apps, Bill Updates - Gaming TodayJun 30
- DraftKings and FanDuel Launch Arkansas Online Sports Betting - sbcamericas.comMar 20
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.