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Casinos in Arkansas
By Jane ShawEditor at Casinos.US Updated: January 16, 2024We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she's our gambling tech expert. Jane's also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.
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The southern state of Arkansas only elected to legalize casino gambling in 2018, when Issue 4 (a constitutional amendment which authorized the construction of four casinos in the state) was approved by 54% of voters on Election Day. ... Two of these establishments are now open to the public; namely Oaklawn Racing and Southland. These entities offer nearly 3,000 slot games and 48 table games between them, while also hosting live horse and greyhound racing on a regular basis!So, there’s no doubt that Arkansas casinos show great potential, and it continues to grow each and every year!
Arkansas Casino Map - List of Gambling Locations
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The Biggest Casinos in Arkansas
Are There Indian Casinos in Arkansas?
Indian casinos may be referred to by several different names, such as native or tribal establishments. They’re best described as gambling operations that are located on Indian reservations, or other pieces of tribal land located throughout the US.
While they’re aren’t currently any Indian casinos located in Arkansas, however, you can enjoy the state’s two top racinos and access an array of gambling disciplines!
Racinos
As we’ve already touched on, Arkansas is home to two racinos, which is typically defined as a resort that combines an indoor or outdoor racetrack with gambling facilities such as slot machines and blackjack tables.
Arkansas racinos also host a vast array of race types, from harness events involving thoroughbreds and Grade I competitors to greyhound racing. We’ve listed more details in the table below, while you’re free to visit each website to learn more!
Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in AR?
Riverboat (or cruise ship) casinos are categorized as establishments that are located at docks or waterfronts, and as of 2018 it was estimated that there were 63 in operation across six separate states.
Unfortunately, none of these are located in landlocked Arkansas, although the state does share a border with Mississippi (which boasts a number of riverboat casinos and is considered to be the home of this type of establishment). We’d recommend that you check the full list of gambling options in AR before scheduling your visit!
Full Arkansas Casino List
Interestingly, the two racinos in Arkansas aren’t particularly close, with the cities of Hot Springs and West Memphis separated by a whopping 181.4 miles. You can drive from one to the other in approximately two hours and 47 minutes by car, so you may be best served by picking out one for a particular trip or night out.
Expected New Casinos
While the first two licenses for AR casinos were granted to Oaklawn and Southland (which operates the sole greyhound track in Memphis), a third has since been awarded to the Saracen Casino resort. This location is set to open at some point in 2020 after being delayed by coronavirus, while the fourth and final license is expected to be granted soon.
Gambling in Arkansas
| Arkansas Gambling Topics | Gambling Facts for Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Number of Casinos | 2 |
| Casino Types | Racinos |
| Casino Games Offered | Slots, Table Games, Poker, |
| Age | 21+ to bet with cash (in Southland), |
| Opening Hours | 24/7, |
| Betting Limit | $25.00 (at the Southland casino) |
Casino Games in Arkansas
Both racino resorts in Arkansas offer access to a huge array of casino games, from upright and video reel slots to dice games and real-money poker tournaments. Here’s a full breakdown of the games available:
- Colossal Wizards
- Li’l Red
- Spartacus Gladiator of Rome
- Forbidden Dragons
- Queen of the Wild II
- Lazer Lock Ice Sapphire
- 3050 Slot Machines
- Types: Traditional Reel, Video Reel, Video Poker Free Slot Tournaments
- Slot Providers: WMS Gaming
- Let it Ride
- Flop Poker
- Limit Hold ‘em
- No Limit Hold ‘em
- Crazy 4 Poke
- Fortune Pai Gow
- Sharp Shooter
- Razz, Limit Hold ‘em
- NL Hold ‘em
Additional DetailsThere are no designated poker tables at either Arkansas casino.
- American Roulette
- European Roulette
Additional DetailsNo French Roulette is available at either AR casino
- Any 2 Card Blackjack
- Spanish 21
- Hand-Held Deck
- Shoe Game, Single Deck
- Double Deck
Additional DetailsGames available with between one and eight decks and both houses’ require the dealer to stand on a soft 17.
- Craps
- Sic Bo, Hazard
- Chuck-A-Luck
- Keno
- 75 Ball Bingo
- 90Ball Bingo
- Daily Lotto Draws
- Mini Lottos
- Scratchers
- High Card Flush
- Baccarat, Big 6 Wheel
- Casino War
- Virtual Racing
- Video Poker
- Football
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Golf
- Tennis
- Hockey
Additional DetailsDomestic sports betting was fully legalized in 2019, and horse race betting is also permitted at both racinos.
Gambling Legal Situation in Arkansas
When was casino gambling legalized in Arkansas?
Casino gambling was officially legalized by the state in November 2018, with two fully operational racinos located in Hot Springs and West Memphis. Two additional resorts will be opened in Jefferson (the Saracen Casino) and Pop Counties in the near-term.
Online gambling in AR
Online gambling in Arkansas remains illegal, unless players are physically on site at one of the two racinos in the state. No mobile wagering is permitted at all, and there are no plans to change this in the foreseeable future.
What is the legal gambling age in Arkansas?
The legal gambling age in Arkansas is currently 21, and this restriction is imposed on the floors of both racinos located in AR.
Can you smoke in AR casinos?
Both Arkansas casino venues allow smoking in clearly marked and dedicated areas, but this practice is prohibited outside of these spaces
Horse racing / Off-Track betting
You can wager on horse and greyhound racing when on-site at either the Oaklawn Racing or Southland resorts, but off-track betting continues to be prohibited by the state.
Dog racing in AR
Once again, you can bet on greyhound races at the Southland resort, but any form of off-track wagering is completely prohibited by Arkansas law.
Arkansas charitable gaming
Charitable gaming has been lawfully permitted in Arkansas since 2007, when the state licensed more than 140 groups to host bingo games and commercial raffles.
Other legal restrictions
There are no additional or unusual wagering restrictions in Arkansas, although you should note that riverboat casinos remain completely prohibited by the state authority.
Taxation of Winnings
Prior to July 2019, gambling winnings from so-called games of skill were assessed at a 3% flat tax rate (in addition to the 24% federal tax levied on gambling winnings in the US). Since this date, however, Arkansas casino winnings will be subject to the average tax rate of 6.9%, although this will vary depending on the amount of cash won.
Prize ($)up to 5,000 lottery winningsArkansas Gross Income Tax (%)excluded from the tax base
Prize ($)long term gains acquired after 12/31/11Arkansas Gross Income Tax (%)10 *exclusion
Prize ($)non-resident aliensArkansas Gross Income Tax (%)30 federal 6 state
Arkansas Gambling Laws
- Games of Skill legislation
This law expanded gambling opportunities at racinos, by allowing for the installation of additional gaming machines.
- Charitable Bingo and Raffles Enabling Act 2007
Creating carve-outs for charitable gambling such as bingo, allowing for 140 licenses to be distributed across the state.
- Casinos Authorized Initiative (2018)
Legislation is passed in 2018 allowing the construction of four casinos, to be distributed throughout the state.
History
As we’ve already pointed out, winnings may be subject to a total tax of 30.99%, including both federal and state income levies. Online or mobile gambling has yet to be legalized, with off-track and remote sports betting fully prohibited throughout the state.
1920Hot Springs is central to the history of gambling in Arkansas, which can be traced back to the end of the Civil War. This city is a federally protected reserve in AR, and one that saw the iconic Oakland racetrack first emerge during the 1920s.
1967This popular gambling hub was shut down in 1967, and it took nearly 40 hours for any viable form of gambling to once again become legal in AR. In 2005, the law was changed to introduce gaming machines at racetracks, while charitable bingo in the state was fully legalized less than two years later.
2018In 2018, the local electorate voted to permit the opening of four casino locations in Arkansas, and two of these are now fully operational and generative. The remaining two will be launched soon, with a third location in Jefferson having had a June opening date recently pushed back.
Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation
The aforementioned Saracen Casino will definitely open its doors at some point in 2018, while it was recently announced that the Mississippi-based Gulfside Casino Partnership has won the Arkansas Racing Commission’s fourth and final gambling license.
However, there are no plans or proposed bills aimed at legalizing online or mobile gambling in AR, and it’s not expected that any will be rolled out in the near-term.
Arkansas Casino Resorts and Trips
As we’ve said, Arkansas’ two racinos aren’t particularly close, so you’ll need to plan your trip carefully if you intend to visit both. We’ve broken down some of the hottest trips and travel packages available, so that you can make an informed decision going forward:
Casino Resorts
Neither racino in Arkansas offer accommodation (or additional parking outside of the venue), but we’ve listed three hotels that are close to either the Oaklawn Racing or Southland venues.
| Number of Rooms | 81 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 90-164.99 |
| Special Packages | "Free Full Hot Breakfast" |
| Additional Services | Wi-Fi,Fitness,Pool |
| Number of Rooms | 196 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 94-126 |
| Special Packages | "Wedding Package" |
| Additional Services | Sundry Shop,Fitness |
| Number of Rooms | 152 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 43-54 |
| Special Packages | "Stay 2 Nights & Earn a Free Night" |
| Additional Services | Free WiFi,Fitness |
Casino Trips
| Provider | CTA | Trips | Packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino shuttle service Emmet | Visit Website | ||
| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | Visit Website |
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide only accurate and up-to-date information, please be aware that casinos.us shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the offer packages or other details listed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Casinos in Arkansas?
There are two licensed and operational racinos in AR, with an additional two scheduled to open in the short and medium-term in the state.
Are Drugs Allowed in AR Casinos?
Drugs aren’t permitted in either of Arkansas’ racino locations, although it is legal to carry medical marijuana in certain circumstances.
Is it Possible to Bring Your Kids into AR Casinos?
The short answer is no, as gamblers or visitors to the Oaklawn and Southland venues aren’t legally permitted to bring their children inside.
Do AR Casinos Allow Guns?
Act 746 allows for concealed carry without permit in Arkansas, and there’s no legislation to prevent you from taking your gun into either state racino location.
Can I Bring my Pets to Any Casino in Arkansas?
Under current laws in Arkansas, you’re not permitted to take any pets or animals into either racino resort (although service and guide dogs are exempt from such rulings).
Where can I get help regarding gambling addiction?
If you experience issues with problem gambling behavior in AR, you can reach out to the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery for help. The National Council on Problem Gambling also has some great sources in this respect, and we’ve listed these in greater detail here.
About Arkansas
| Capital | Little Rock |
|---|---|
| Largest Cities | Jonesboro, Fort Smith, Conway |
| Size | 137.733km2 |
| Population | 3.018 million |
| Time Zone | GMT -5 |
| Abbreviation | AR |
18783 | 18784 | 18785 | 18786 | 18787 | 18788 | 18789 | 18790 | 18791 | 18792