Best Online Gambling Sites in Arkansas
Online gambling in Arkansas offers players real money casinos options, but the state’s laws remain strict. While land-based casinos and sports betting are legal, online casino games are not yet regulated. Here’s a clear look at the best real-money casinos available and what’s legal in Arkansas today.
Top Online Casinos in Arkansas
| Ranking | Casino Name | Bonus Amount | Review | Payment Options | Minimum Deposit | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
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USD $3,750 Bonus |
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$20 Min Deposit | PLAY NOW | |
| 5 |
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$2,800 Slots + Cards welcome Bonus Bonus |
|
$10 Min Deposit | PLAY NOW |
Gambling Laws in Arkansas: Quick Summary
Arkansas has experienced substantial shifts in its gambling laws. In 2019, the state made sports betting and table games legal at each of its two pari-mutuel race tracks. Additionally, a law was passed to allow the establishment of four new land-based casinos. Then there is online gambling, which is probably what most people think of when they consider the alternative to going to a physical casino. Here’s a straightforward overview of the online and land-based gambling that is now legal in Arkansas.
- Legality: Gambling is legal in Arkansas, including land-based casinos, online gambling (limited), and other forms of betting.
- Legal age to gamble: 21, except for bingo, horse racing, and lotteries, which is 18.
- Number land-based casinos: 4 casinos
- Gambling Authority: Arkansas Racing Commission
- Best Arkansas gambling site: Ignition Casino
Arkansas Online Gambling History
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Arkansas Constitution Section 5-68-106: Definition of Betting
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Arkansas Constitution Section 5-66-107 (a): Definition of Gambling Dens
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Arkansas Constitution Section 5-66-107 (b): Punishments for Online Gambling
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Senate Bill 498: New Definition of Casino Betting
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Senate Bill 498: Arkansas Legalizes Sports Betting
Bingo Balls: Arkansas Charitable Gambling
A significant step toward expanding Arkansas’s gambling options occurred in 2007 with the passage of the Charitable Bingo and Raffles Enabling Act. This law permits licensed charitable organizations in Arkansas to conduct bingo games and raffles as part of their fundraising efforts. Although the state may not have many of the large, well-appointed bingo halls typical of other jurisdictions where charitable gambling has long been legal, its few bingo nights are still a pretty good option for those seeking a legal way to play.
The 2007 law regulating bingo and raffle games is another example of Arkansas moving towards an acceptance of legalized gambling. It is not as gainful as a casino or a sports betting operation, but it is more than just a law governing the conduct of games of chance in our state’s nonprofit organizations. It also signifies a subtle shift in Arkansans’ perception of gambling.
Poker: Arkansas Land-Based Casinos
At present, there are two places in Arkansas where people can gamble at a casino: Oaklawn Park, which is a horse racing track, and Southland Park, which is a dog racing track.
Approval was obtained in 2018 for these locations to convert from racinos to full casinos. This meant they could expand their offerings past the electronic gaming machines in which they’d been limited. Still, they’d not been allowed to host card or table games up to that point.
Alongside these two casinos, Arkansas voters greenlighted the building of four additional land-based casinos. These casinos are still being constructed. They will be located in Crittenden, Garland, Pope, and Jefferson Counties. When completed, the new casinos will greatly expand the gaming opportunities in the state.
Poker Games: Arkansas Home Poker Fans
Hosting home poker games in Arkansas is not advisable because of the state’s strict and somewhat ambiguous gambling regulations. Hosting a home poker game in Arkansas can lead to serious legal trouble, especially if you charge players a rake. Consequences like hefty fines and even a year in jail may follow if you’re caught turning a profit on your home poker game. And that’s the best-case scenario. The Arkansas government may not take a dark poker room under its roof lightly.
Video Poker: Arkansas Off-Track Betting
In Arkansas, the only lawful sites for pari-mutuel betting are the two pari-mutuel racetracks: Oaklawn Park and Southland Park. Pari-mutuel wagering and simulcasting are offered at both locations, and they allow for betting on races from more than 200 different tracks nationwide. Beside these two OTB facilities, there aren’t any “betting shops” in Arkansas. If you want to gamble on any horse or dog races in the Natural State, you’ll have to go to one of the two tracks and do it face-to-face.
Roulette: Social Gaming Sites
Online roulette is a top choice for Arkansas players due to its fast-paced action and big win potential. With easy gameplay and exciting bets, it’s a fan favorite. If you’re more into mobile social gaming to play your favourite roulette titles, you can also access social casino games via Android and iOS apps.
⚠️ Just remember: if you’re looking to gamble for real money, you should go elsewhere. These platforms will not allow it.
Customer Support: 2018 Arkansas Gambling Votes
In November 2018, Arkansans made history by approving two significant measures that dramatically altered the state’s gambling panorama. One measure was all about traditional, land-based casinos, while the other was about taking bets on sporting events.
Sports betting was made legal in Arkansas’s two race tracks—Oaklawn Park and Southland Park—by Amendment 100. Senate Bill 498, passed in 2019, turned that law into what could more correctly be called a betting framework. Despite these steps forward, though, the murky question of whether a person could bet via a phone or computer from within Arkansas was still left unanswered when 2020 rolled around.
At the same time, Arkansas Issue 4 okayed the setting up of land-based gaming in four counties: Crittenden, Garland, Pope, and Jefferson. The process for selecting casino licenses and deciding where to put them is still going on, with developments that could make Arkansas one of the more dynamic states for gambling in the future.
Did You Know?
- Online poker is legal in Arkansas, though the state’s legislature has never specifically regulated the market. This means Arkansas players can access offshore poker sites that are regulated in other countries. As long as you choose safe and reputable sites and do your due diligence, you can enjoy a secure poker experience!
- For Arkansas players, we recommend Ignition Casino. It offers a $1000 welcome bonus and features over 230 online slots, table games, specialty games, and video poker. You can fund your account using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Bitcoin, with the option to deposit using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Bitcoin SV.
- For Arkansas bettors, Bovada is the top choice. New depositors can score a $500 welcome bonus using the coupon code BVSBITCOIN500. Bovada offers a full range of sports betting options, including popular US sports like NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS, as well as global sports like MMA, boxing, golf, tennis, prop bets, and Esports. Plus, Bovada has an in-play sports betting app for both Android and iPhone, making it easy to bet on the go.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Gambling laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. We do not provide legal advice, and it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with local laws before participating in any gambling activities. We are not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article. If you have (legal) concerns, please consult a qualified professional.