Is online gambling legal in Arkansas?

Gambling winnings are taxable income, with 24% federal withholding on wins over $5,000. You can enroll in the statewide self-exclusion program by contacting the Arkansas Racing Commission.

Only what is listed as legal above is licensed. Anything else offered to you online is unlicensed and gives you no protection.

Online sports betting is legal on sites licensed in Arkansas. Online casino is banned in Arkansas. Online poker is banned in Arkansas. The lottery is legal on sites licensed in Arkansas.

The minimum age on record for gambling in Arkansas is 21+. The minimum legal age is 21 for casino gaming and sports betting. For the state lottery and pari-mutuel horse race betting, the minimum age is 18.

Gambling winnings are considered taxable income. Federal law requires a 24% withholding on wins over $5,000. Winnings are also subject to Arkansas state income tax based on the individual's tax bracket.

Always verify a casino holds a valid Arkansas Racing Commission licence before depositing.

Arkansas Racing Commission's website

Prominent operators in Arkansas

If a site isn't on the regulator's licensee register, ask the regulator before you play: an unlisted site is usually not licensed here (a register can lag behind a new licence). An unlicensed site is outside the regulator's supervision, so you cannot complain to the regulator about it.

1. 1

   1. Contact the Operator Directly

   Players must first attempt to resolve any disputes regarding wagers, payouts, or account issues directly with the customer service department of the licensed sportsbook.

2. 2

   2. File a Complaint with the Arkansas Racing Commission

   If the issue cannot be resolved with the operator, a player can file a formal complaint with the regulator.

   Contact the ARC
3. 3

   3. Legal Action

   If regulatory intervention does not resolve the matter, the final recourse is to pursue legal action through the state's court system.

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  Verify the Brand

  Only wager with the three legal online brands: DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, and BetSaracen. Any other brand offering sports betting in Arkansas is an illegal offshore site.

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  Look for the Casino Partner

  Every legal online sportsbook in Arkansas must be partnered with one of the state's three casinos (Southland, Oaklawn, or Saracen). This partnership should be clearly displayed on the app or website.

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  Confirm Geolocation

  A licensed app will use geolocation software to confirm you are physically located within the borders of Arkansas before allowing you to place a bet. If a site does not perform this check, it is not a legal operator.

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  Check for Responsible Gambling Seals

  Legal sites will prominently feature the logo and contact information for the Arkansas Racing Commission and responsible gambling resources like the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.

• Myth

  It's legal to play online casino games in Arkansas if the website accepts players from here.
  Reality

  It is illegal to operate an online casino in Arkansas. Any site offering slots or table games for real money is an unlicensed, offshore operator, which offers no state-level consumer protection.

• Myth

  My sports betting winnings aren't taxed unless I win thousands of dollars.
  Reality

  All gambling winnings are considered taxable income in Arkansas, regardless of the amount. Federal law requires operators to issue a W-2G form for certain wins over $600, but you are legally required to report all net winnings on your state and federal tax returns.

• Myth

  All sportsbooks in Arkansas are the same.
  Reality

  Until March 2026, the market consisted of local casino-run apps. The entry of national leaders DraftKings and FanDuel introduced different platforms, odds, and promotions, which created a more competitive market for players.

What you can expect from a licensed site's offers in Arkansas. The rules operators must follow are on the operator page.