Amelia Walker, a J.D. holder and senior content writer at Betting.us, is a legal expert in responsible gambling. Initially skeptical, she now has over six years in professional gambling. She’s studied gambling law and currently educates gamblers on our site in legal and safe play.
Sports Betting in Arkansas
By Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer at Betting.us
Updated: December 14, 2023
Welcome to our page dedicated to Arkansas sports betting. Most of the popular gambling options are still not active here, but we will explain about all legal ways to wager in the Arkansas sports betting locations. Explore the page to find the hot spots for every passioned gambler in the state of Arkansas.
Full List and Map of Sports Betting Locations in Arkansas
We prepared an interactive map for better localization of the facilities. At the moment it consists of two brands only, but we hope that the developing of the gambling industry will affect the sportsbooks in Arkansas too, and we will expand our list soon.
The Best Arkansas Sportsbook
| Name | Type | Website | Full Address | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | Casino Resort, Racetrack, Off-Track | www.oaklawn.com | 2705 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA | Read Review |
Betting Locations by Type
The variety of sportsbooks in Arkansas is limited, but we have two options – bets on horses for races taking place on the racetracks in the state, or off-track betting related to all races published in a simulcast calendar for a respective period.
Casino Resorts
The state has his pearl when we speak about gambling experience. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort can offer more than usual experience on the racetrack. You can benefit from many modern amenities like spa end pools, live events, several themed restaurants and unique shows.
| Casino Resorts | Number of Rooms | Free Parking | Resort Amenities | Review link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | 145 Hotel Rooms | Free | Live events,Themed Restaurants | Read Review |
Racetracks
Since horse betting is a highlight for Arkansas bettors, racetracks in the state have their prominent place for a gambling trip. We suggest you try both betting locations, each of them has its unique style and the beautiful surrounding environment. You can try your luck in Greyhound, Standardbred or Thoroughbred races, simulcast bets are allowed too.
| Racetracks | Types of Racing | Review link |
|---|---|---|
| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort |
Standardbred
,
Thoroughbred
|
Read Review |
| Southland Casino Racing |
Greyhound
|
Read Review |
Off-Track Betting
Another well-known version of horse betting in Arkansas is pari-mutuel betting, offered in off-track betting locations. Both racetracks in the state can offer you this experience. You can simply place your bet for any race listed in their simulcast calendar, that way you significantly expand your chances to win because in a given day of the week you can be offered with several races in one moment.
Cruise Ships and Riverboats
No cruise ships or riverboats offer any type of bets, but you can check this opportunity in the neighbour states of Mississippi and Louisiana.
List of Legal Offline Sportsbooks in Arkansas
Please find below the full list of land-based sportsbooks in Arkansas. It is quite short, but we will update it with any newly available spot in the state.
Search for Sportsbooks in Arkansas
| Casino Name: | Address: | Secure Link: | City: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs | |||
| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | 2705 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA | ||
| Saracen Casino Resort | 1 Saracen Resort Drive, Pine Bluff, AR 71601, USA | ||
| West Memphis | |||
| Southland Casino Racing | 1550 Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, AR 72301, USA | ||
Arkansas Sports Gambling - All Leagues and Bet Types
The sports betting is banned in the state, and we can not tell you when exactly this will be changed, but you have all plethora of races offered at the racetracks. No matter what kind of tracks you prefer – greyhound or horse type, you can explore both. Southland Casino Racing is famous with its greyhound calendar, in Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
You can enjoy horse races. In our table, you can find the popular bet types, and you can try your luck with them no matter of the types of races.
- HORSES & DOGS
-
- Standardbred racing
- Thoroughbred racing
- Greyhound
Bet Types: - OFF-TRACK (SIMULCAST) BETTING
-
The State Law Allows Off-Track Betting
Where Can I Check the Current Betting Odds and Lines?
If you are new in the local environment and wonder how to find the best odd, we suggest you to prepare a short research about the upcoming events related to the races. Both brands maintain updated information on their websites, and you can check the lines and the starting hours of the races in the pari-mutuel calendar. During their working hours, you can call the hotlines and ask for assistance.
Legal Sports Betting in Arkansas
Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?
Not yet, but the state offers alternative ways for betting
Legal age for sports betting?
The legal age for entering a gambling facility is 21
Can you bet online in Arkansas?
The only possible option is betting on Daily fantasy sports
Is fantasy sports betting allowed?
Yes. It legal since 2017
Is off-track betting allowed?
Yes. It is offered in all land-based casinos in Arkansas
Are there any restrictions?
Betting on any professional or college sport is banned
Who regulates AR sports betting?
The Arkansas Racing Commission is responsible for monitoring of this industry
History of Sports Betting in Arkansas
The gambling in Arkansas is banned for almost all varieties, but the state still has what to offer. The changes in the gambling law were dynamic with their ups and downs, and here we listed the milestones about legal betting in Aransas
| Year | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1929 | First Step of Easing the Gambling | Arkansas legalize pari-mutuel betting on horse races |
| 1959 | Dog races are Introduced as on Option | Legalization of pari-mutuel betting on greyhound races |
| 2009 | Another Benefit for the Local Gambler | The Arkansas State Lottery started and part of the profit is used for scholarships |
| 2017 | Online bets are close to Their Start in Arkansas | A bill about daily fantasy sports passed – another legal option to bet |
| 2018 | Hope for New Casinos in the State | A referendum was set and 54% votes for expanding the land-based gambling locations |
How to Bet on Sports in Arkansas
Betting on sports is banned in Arkansas, online bets too. The limited possible options are offered in the two locations listed above. There you can check the odds and lines, to fill your betting slip and to verify the bet on the cashier desk. You can ask for assistance about all open for bets for racing events. Cashing-out the winnings is a pretty straightforward procedure if you don’t exceed the highest amount mentioned in the rules of the brand.
General Rules
-
Once both parties accept a wager, it will not be altered or voided prior to the start of the event or championship
-
Winning tickets are void after one year counting from the date of the last event on the wager
-
Winnings of over $10,000 may be delayed until the next regular banking day
-
Betting Limits:
Minimum$0.01 Maximum depends on the brand
Are Exchanges and Pari-Mutuel Betting Available in Аrkansas?
Exchanges are not an option here, because sports betting is not legal. But pari-mutuel betting is on the bet table, and every visitor of the off-track betting location can place bets on races running not only on the racetrack he physically is. Both casinos upload information in their simulcast calendars, and you can have a better overview before your visit at the track.
Taxation of Winnings
The federal law requirements are the same for each state, but in Arkansas, you will be charged with an additional 3% state tax. If you are lucky and win, simply ask the person on the betting boot about the tax procedure. You will receive a W-2G form and all additional instructions.
Federal Law:
-
$600 or more - the payor is obliged to provide you with a W-2G form
-
Winnings of 300x the bet or more, must be reported
-
All gambling winnings must be filed under a W-2G form and are subject to 25% federal tax
Additional State Rules:
-
3%
About Arkansas
Here we listed some interesting facts about the “Natural State”. You can find alternative nicknames too.
| Capital | Little Rock |
|---|---|
| Largest City | Little Rock |
| Population | 3,017,804 |
| Area | 53,179 sq mi |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
| State Nickname(s) | The Natural State, Bear State, Toothpick State |
| Motto | Regnat populus – The people rule |
| Teams | Sport | League |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Razorbacks | Football | NCAA |
| Arkansas Bears | Football | NCAA |
| Arkansas RimRockers | Basketball | NBA Development League |
Helping Hand for Players in Arkansas
The gambling industry is not so developed in Arkansas, but still many organizations support the fight against compulsive gambling. Use the contacts provided if you need such help.
Help for Problem Gambling in Arkansas
- Hotlines National Council of Problem Gambling 1-800-522-4700
- Help centres Gam-Anon International Service Office, Inc. PO Box 307, Massapequa Park, NY 11762, 718-352-1671 www.gam-anon.org
FAQ
What sports can't you bet on in Arkansas?
No bets on sports are allowed. The bets on horse and greyhound racings are allowed
Who is ineligible to place sports bets in Arkansas?
You must be at least 21 years for wagering in Arkansas
What are other options for gambling available in Arkansas?
Daily fantasy sports is a good alternative
Who can apply for a Arkansas sports betting license?
After last changes the state has an open procedure with all requirements about licensing
How much revenue does Arkansas sports betting generate?
The annual income of all types of wagering is about $200 million for 2019