Arkansas Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Arkansas. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in Arkansas. While DFS has been legal since 2017, the state has more recently focused on cracking down on unlicensed sports betting operations that may be disguised as fantasy sports.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in Arkansas is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
ILLEGALArkansas prohibits online casino gambling and poker under Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 66. The state only permits limited gambling such as state lottery and pari-mutuel wagering. Online gambling is not authorized.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of online gambling devices or software is illegal under Ark. Code § 5-66-103.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or distribution of online gambling services is prohibited under Ark. Code § 5-66-104.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and fines under Ark. Code § 5-66-106.
Minimum Age
None (illegal regardless of age).
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
UNVERIFIEDLegal status of Online Gambling / Sports Betting in Arkansas has not yet been verified. Online sports betting launched in March 2022.
Online Gambling Rules
Unverified
Licensed Operators
Unverified
Penalties
Unverified
Minimum Age
Unverified
Poker Home Games
ILLEGALPoker home games exist in a legal gray area in Arkansas. No recent changes to the strict gambling laws.
Home Game Rules
Technically prohibited but rarely enforced
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Could face misdemeanor gambling charges if reported.
Age Requirements
N/A
Sports Betting
RESTRICTEDSports betting is legal with restrictions in Arkansas. Online sports betting launched in March 2022.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 21+. Arkansas legalized sports betting in 2019 under Amendment 100 (approved by voters in 2018). Initially retail only at four licensed casinos. Mobile betting launched in March 2022. Limited operator market with Betly, BetSaracen, and Caesars.
Online/Mobile Betting
Online/mobile betting available statewide. Retail sportsbooks at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Southland Casino Racing, Saracen Casino Resort, and one additional license.
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations face felony charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
21+