Arkansas has embraced the brave new world of sports betting – but only to an extent.
When the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, it allowed all states to decide enact their own laws on sports betting. Now, instead of Nevada owning the whole pie, everyone got a slice.
Arkansas, known as The Natural State for its scenic beauty, and with an estimated population of just over 3million (2020 data), licensed sportsbooks at a small number of land-based sites. As yet no online and mobile betting is permitted.
There are no pro sports franchises in AR, but the University of Arkansas Razorbacks are a legendary NCAA powerhouse. The Razorbacks play in college football’s all-powerful South East Conference (SEC).
Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Arkansas, but with a catch.
There is no ability to bet online or mobile from anywhere in the state, though that may change in the future.
For now you are limited to three land-based sites – Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis and Saracen Casino Annex in Pine Bluff.
The Arkansas Racing Commission governs sports betting in the state.
Where can I bet in Arkansas?
As already detailed sports betting is only legal in Arkansas at a small number of sites:
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
2705 Central Ave
Hot Springs
AR 71901
Travel: A 55-minute drive from Little Rock.
- Southland Casino Racing
1550 North Ingram Blvd
West Memphis
AR 72301
Travel: A two-hour drive from Little Rock.
- Saracen Casino Annex
1 Saracen Resort Dr
Pine Bluff
AR 71601
Travel: A 45-minute drive from Little Rock.
Do you need to be resident in Arkansas to bet there?
You do not need to be a resident of Arkansas to bet in the state. You just need to be physically present at a legal sportsbook and of legal betting age.
What is the legal gambling age in Arkansas?
You need to be aged 21 or older to bet legally in the state of Arkansas.
What type of sports bets can I place in Arkansas?
- Moneyline: Yes
- Point Spread: Yes
- Parlay: Yes
- Teasers: Yes
- Futures: Yes
- Over/Under: Yes
- Round Robin: Yes
What sports can I bet on in Arkansas?
You can bet on all major sports in Arkansas, including:
NB: Only betting on professional and college sports action is allowed. The Arkansas elections were specifically put totally off limits for bettors.
What is the legal sports betting age in Arkansas?
You need to be aged 21 years or older to bet legally on sports inside the state of Arkansas.
How do I place a sports bet online in Arkansas?
- You must be on the premises at a legal sportsbook
- You must be of legal sports betting age
- You must not be on a relevant exclusion list
Legal sports betting near Arkansas
While there are legal options in Arkansas, they are pretty limited. So it pays to consider neighboring states where betting is easier and more accessible. Remember, applicable laws are based on physical location, not residency.
Right now, these are the best options near to Arkansas:
Tennessee: You can bet online or via apps on your phone, as soon as you cross the Tennessee state line. There are a small number of online sportsbooks offering products in-state right now. You must be 21 or older to bet legally.
Mississippi: No online and mobile options are available yet, but Mississippi does have more than 20 land or water-based casinos with sportsbooks. For example, Tunica Resorts boasts an abundance of sportsbooks, just over two hours from Little Rock by road. The legal age to bet is 21.
NB: Louisiana has voted to bringing legal sports betting, but only recently. So we can expect changes there in the near future The Tunica-Biloxi tribe operates a number of casinos in-state already, so these are likely to become sports betting hubs eventually.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Arkansas?
Offshore sportsbooks are absolutely not legal in the state of Arkansas. In fact they are not legal in any state of the union. Anybody tells you different is wrong.
Our biggest issue with signing up with these books is the lack of consumer protection for bettors. What happens if you win and the book won’t pay out? What happens if the company goes bust and you have money in your account? It’s simply too much of a risk for us.
With all this in mind, forget offshore and stick to legal options within the union.