Online betting in Arkansas

What Gambling Is Legal in Arkansas

Arkansas is a partially-legalized online gambling market. It lacks a casino component, which has not been approved yet, while sports betting, DFS, and prediction markets are legal.

Regarding the legal age, it’s 21 for land-based casino gaming and sports betting. Players at the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery must be 18 or older to participate.

Sports Betting in Arkansas: Legal

Sports betting is legal in the state of Arkansas, with an amendment approved by voters in November 2018. This was followed with the opening of retail betting in July 2019, and mobile betting across the state in March 2022.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Arkansas: Legal

Daily fantasy sports betting is legal in Arkansas, but licensed separately. This form of gambling is regulated under the state’s 2017 DFS act. It’s a distinct piece of legislation from Amendment 100, which was previously passed for sports betting.

Casinos in Arkansas: Land-Based Only

There are no legal Arkansas online casinos under Amendment 100. A total of three land-based casinos are legal in the state:

• Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs
• Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis
• Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff

A fourth license for Pope County was in the works. However, it was revoked by voters via Issue 2 in November 2024, leaving the market with three land-based casino properties.

Online Casino in Arkansas: Not Legal

Online casinos in Arkansas are not legal, and have never been authorized. In 2025, online casino bills were debated in a legislative session, but they didn’t pass.

Prediction Markets: Federal, Not State

Prediction markets in Arkansas don’t have a state-wide license. They’re licensed by the CFTC and live in the state, but that’s federal regulation as event-contract exchanges.

Arkansas law doesn’t cover these markets. Check the CFTC tracker for the latest updates on the current federal status.

Who Regulates Gambling in Arkansas

The Arkansas Racing Commission

The Arkansas Racing Commission issues licenses and oversees all sports betting and casino gaming activities state-wide. It’s a governing body under the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, which is important if you need to know where to file a complaint.

How to File a Complaint

Filing complaints is done via the Arkansas Racing Commission directly. Players can visit the ARC website to contact the commission regarding a number of comments, including filing a complaint against an operator if they have legal ground.

Where to Get Help in Arkansas

The Arkansas Problem Gambling Council helpline is available at 501-403-2321. Additionally, the national helpline offers judgment-free assistance at 1-800-522-4700. Helpful resources are also available on the Council’s website.

See our responsible gambling resources to learn more.

Where You Can Bet in Arkansas

Where You Can Bet in Arkansas

The Three Licensed Sportsbooks

Three online sportsbooks are licensed in Arkansas: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Bet Saracen. Two of them went live earlier in 2026. Each one is tied to one of the three land-based casinos in the state. Check the link for a full Arkansas sportsbook comparison.

DraftKings and FanDuel in Arkansas

Both DraftKing and FanDuel went live in Arkansas in March 2026. DraftKings is tethered via Southland’s license, and FanDuel operates in partnership with Oaklawn. Both offer sports betting and DFS, and have recently joined Bet Saracen to form a trio of online sportsbook available to the state’s residents.

What Is Not Available

Arkansas doesn’t have legal online casino gaming and online poker. There’s no pending legislation on the matter as of September 2026.

Tax on Gambling Winnings in Arkansas

Players should report tax on gambling winnings in the state of Arkansas. It recently cut the flat tax rate, with one of the lowest reported figures on the US online gambling market.

Arkansas State Tax on Winnings

Gambling winnings in Arkansas are taxed as ordinary income. The top marginal rate for tax year 2026 is 3.7%, which was lowered on May 6 from 3.9%. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the legislation in May, backdating it to January 1.

What You Still Owe Federally

Federal tax may still apply on top of the state rate. Operators issue a W-2G above federal reporting thresholds. Players can contact the Arkansas Racing Commission for more information on taxes. This is general information, not tax advice.

General information only; not tax advice.

Pending Arkansas Gambling Legislation

Online Casino Bills Have Not Passed

An online casino was introduced in the 2025 session. It would have legalized online casino gaming while banning sweepstakes platforms. None have passed, and there has been no movement on this front in 2026.

The Pope County License

Issue 2 was approved by voters in November 2024. It revoked the fourth license which would have added another casino with a Pope County licensing designation. Nearly two years later, the stance remains. It’s the sole reason why Arkansas has three land-based casinos instead of four.

Frequently asked questions

Related states