Online casinos are not legal in Arkansas as of 2025. While the state allows land-based casinos and sports betting, real-money online casino games remain prohibited.
Legal Gambling Age in Arkansas: | 21+ |
Latest Online Gambling Bill: | HB 1861 and SB 524 (2025) were pulled for review |
Who Will Regulate Online Casinos in AR: | Arkansas Racing Commission (if legalized) |
Expected Real Money Casinos: | BetMGM, Caesars Palace, DraftKings, Golden Nugget, BetRivers, Fanatics, Horseshoe |
Number of Social Casinos in Arkansas: | 20+ |
Number of Land-Based Arkansas Casinos: | 3 |
As of 2025, Arkansas does not permit online casino gambling, and lawmakers have not pursued significant efforts to legalize it. The state has concentrated on land-based casinos and online sports betting, with oversight handled by the Arkansas Racing Commission and no tribal gaming compacts in place.
Online casino gambling remains illegal in Arkansas, and 2025 proposals like HB 1861 and SB 524, which would have let the state’s three licensed casinos launch online gaming, were pulled and sent for additional review. Although real-money platforms are banned, US social casinos are legal and offer free-play gaming options to residents.
Here’s a look at where some of Arkansas’s top lawmakers stand on legalizing online casinos. Their views will heavily influence how the state moves forward with its gambling policy.
With key leaders either opposing or undecided, the future of online casino legislation in Arkansas remains in the air.
Since online casinos aren't legal in Arkansas yet, players can either use offshore gambling sites or stick with legal options like social and sweepstakes casinos. Offshore sites might be tempting, but they come with some real downsides:
Until legal online casinos are allowed in Arkansas, social and sweepstakes casinos are safer.
Arkansas has a few land-based casinos with no significant restrictions on games like roulette or craps. These venues are fully licensed and offer a variety of slots and table games.
Casino | Town/City | Hours of Operation |
---|---|---|
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | Hot Springs | 9 a.m.-5 a.m. |
Southland Casino Racing | West Memphis | 24 hours |
Saracen Casino Resort | Pine Bluff | 24 hours |
These casinos give Arkansas players a legal and safe way to enjoy slots, table games, and more with their unique atmosphere.
Gambling should be enjoyable, but if it becomes a problem, Arkansas offers support through state-wide resources and services.
Arkansas Department of Human Services – Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention
Helpline: 1-844-763-0198
Arkansas Problem Gambling Program
Website: www.arproblemgambling.org
If you or someone you know needs help, these resources are available to support you.
Arkansas allows online sports betting, but real-money casino games like slots and poker are still off-limits. If you want a legal way to play, social and sweepstakes casinos offer similar games for free and are allowed under current state laws.
In Arkansas, the legal gambling age depends on what you're playing. You must be 21 to bet on sports or gamble at a casino, but you can play the lottery or bingo at 18. These age rules help encourage responsible gambling based on the type of game.
You’ll need to pay taxes on any gambling winnings in Arkansas. Whether the money comes from a casino, lottery, or sports bet, the state and IRS expect you to report it. Keep records and include your winnings when you file your taxes to avoid any issues later on.