Arkansas legalized brick-and-mortar casinos in 2018, but Arkansas-based online casinos are not yet permitted to operate in the Natural State. Despite this restriction, Arkansas residents have access to excellent offshore casinos, like those we’ve reviewed here at Best US Casinos.
This guide includes recommendations of the best online casinos for the state, how to sign up, and how to get the most value out of bonuses and promotions.
DuckyLuck — Best Loyalty Program for High Rollers. Discover enticing welcome bonuses for both crypto and cash deposits, and experience an exceptional VIP rewards program.
SlotsandCasino — Best Slot Game Variety. Enjoy a selection of over 500 of the best slot games from 10 different software providers for a diverse gaming experience.
Ignition — Best Online Poker Experience. Try this fantastic poker platform with tournaments for both beginners and experts, as well as helpful articles for new players.
Bovada — Best Sportsbook for Arkansas Residents. Explore an industry leading racebook and sportsbook covering the most popular bets and 25 sports, including college football, the NBA, and the MLB.
BetUS — Best Live Dealer Experience. Check out a high-quality live dealer experience with high and low stakes games for all types of gamblers.
Best Loyalty Program for High Rollers — The DuckyBucks reward program at DuckyLuck has excellent rewards for all players, but particularly for high rollers, their highest level rewards are top-tier. You are automatically enrolled after making a deposit, and depending on the rewards program level you’re at, you can receive a range of amazing incentives. There are four levels in total, and you earn one “Level Point” for each $20 deposited, which allows you to move from level to level (although the final level is invite only). Depending on your level, you can receive a daily reload bonus of up to 395% of your deposit and daily free spins with values up to $5 per spin for high rollers. It also has a 5% daily cashback program, and up to 10% cashback weekly. Your loyalty will get your cash rewards, but it also can give you access to birthday gifts, custom bonus packages and even a personal host for special high rollers. Overall, DuckyLuck has one of the best incentive packages we’ve seen for players who make consistent, big deposits.
Best Slot Game Variety — Our operator data shows us that in Arkansas the most popular online slots are 777 Deluxe, Golden Buffalo, and Reels and Wheels XL. All these titles and more are available at SlotsandCasino. This online casino boasts more than 500 slots in total, and you can play all the main varieties. This includes 3-reel, 5-reel, video slots, and progressive jackpots. Games are sourced from the industry’s very best software providers, like Dragon Gaming, RealTime Gaming (RTG), and Betsoft. More than 35 of the slots have progressive jackpots, which start off low and build up off each bet made on the machine. For example, the “A Night With Cleo” slot starts off at $2,500 and has no upper limit since it pays out at random, so there is a chance to win on every spin. Overall, SlotsandCasino is excellent for players looking to try all the hottest slots and have a chance at big jackpot bonuses.
Best Online Poker Experience — Saracen Casino Resort isn’t the only place for great for poker in Arkansas— and definitely not the most convenient to access. As an easily accessible online platform, Ignition reels you in with exciting cash games and tournaments. You can try Ignition’s own Zone Poker, which is a fast-paced poker variant that deals players a new hand at a new table every time they fold. With Zone Poker, you’ll never be left waiting for other players to finish a hand. You can also play Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo variants. The HTML5 capabilities of the Ignition platform allow it to automatically adjust to any screen size, so you can play Ignition poker on any internet-connected device. To help you get started, there are informative guides that teach you how to play the game. Once you know what you’re doing, you can enter some of Ignition’s great poker tournaments, such as the Black Diamond, which promises to pay out $12,000,000.
Best Sportsbook for Arkansas residents — The Razorbacks football team plays a vital role in elevating the popularity of college sports in Arkansas. If you are looking to get in on the action and place bets on teams like the Razorbacks, Bovada is the perfect place. Other than college sports, they also have all the major leagues, like the NBA, the NFL, and the MLB. A wide range of bets are available too, including parlays, round robins, and futures. Bovada offers a loyalty program, with 6 different levels that you can climb by wagering on their site. This program allows you to collect points and trade them for cash values, which increases the higher rank you obtain. The best part is, sportsbook and racebook bettors climb the loyalty ranks the fastest, as make wagers on sports or races give you the most possible points. Bovada also provides its users with some of the best live betting and prop bets in the industry. They have all the major banking options like crypto, credit card and even the rare option of PayPal. Further, they offer an excellent mobile experience with a downloadable app. If all of these features appeal to you, then discover why Bovada is our top pick for sports bettors everywhere.
Best Live Dealer Experience — With only 3 land-based casinos in Arkansas, it can be inconvenient to travel to Little Rock for real casino experiences. To interact with a dealer without the need to travel, explore BetUS’s live dealer casino option. BetUS is an online casino that has a superior live dealer selection, run by Visionary iGaming. The live dealer platform includes roulette, Super 6, baccarat, and blackjack. The stakes for these games are friendly to beginners and high-stakes players alike, as they range between $1–$5,000. On each table, there is a live chat feature to talk to other players and the option to turn off the video and simply follow along with the game itself. For Arkansas residents looking to play table games at home with the in-person casino experience, BetUS is the perfect choice.
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| Rating | 4.6 (Review) | 4.7 (Review) | 4.8 (Review) | 4.2 (Review) |
| Established | 2020 | 2011 | 2023 | 1994 |
| Restricted States | KY, NJ, WA | DE, MA, NV, NJ, NY | CT, DE, MI, NJ, PA, WV | None |
| Specialty | Site Graphics | Offers casino, sports and poker | Live Dealer | Betting Interface |
| Bonus | $7,500 | $3,750 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Payout Speed | 1-2 Days Max | 1-2 Days Max | 1-2 Days Max | 1-2 Days Max |
| Website | Visit DuckyLuck Casino | Visit Bovada Casino | Visit SlotsandCasino | Visit BetUS |
Securing a spot on our recommended list of top Arkansas online casino sites is challenging, as we carefully evaluate six key factors before making recommendations. Our team of review experts provides accurate and up-to-date results, considering crucial aspects for evaluating the best online casinos for players in Arkansas.
We make sure sites don’t have geo-restrictions targeting Arkansas and ensure that the site’s data protection, security measures and fair gaming practices meet the industry standard.
We ensure that these sites offer a great customer experience by selecting games of high quality and diverse selection.
We compare the bonuses and promotions offered by the online casinos and how they compare with other casinos in the industry.
We ensure that secure payment options for both withdrawing and depositing are available.
We evaluate a site’s customer service on whether they are consistently available on different channels such as chat or email. We also make sure their support team is helpful for customers.
We assess the usability of a site, how easy it is to navigate for customers, and scalability to mobile and HTML5 responsiveness.
Yes. In the Natural state, there are three commercial casinos, one horse racetrack, a state lottery, and charity bingo games. Online sports betting is also legal in Arkansas. It is available at both state-registered sites and the three commercial casinos.
However, online casinos can't operate within Arkansas's borders. This is why Best US Casinos recommends trying offshore options for online casino gambling. These sites are not under US regulation and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for players.
Further, even though sportsbooks are legal in AR, BUSC still recommends offshore sportsbooks. Offshore sportsbooks provide better chances to win, more types of bets to choose from, and exciting bonuses.. This can lead to a better experience for sports bettors in Arkansas.
In Arkansas, horse racing is also legal. But there is only one track in the whole state, which is Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in Hot Springs. Even so, horse racing enthusiasts can still wager on horse races at this renowned track.
Yes, online casinos are available in Arkansas through offshore operators. At Best US Casinos, our team of knowledgeable reviewers meticulously evaluate all recommended online casinos. Our review process ensures the reliability and safety of these sites, so users will have the best possible gambling experience.
Our Recommended Online Casino for Arkansans
Yes, in the same way that offshore online casinos are available in Arkansas, online poker is also available. Many of the casinos that we recommend have poker as an option. Games like Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo are all playable at these first-rate casinos.
Our Recommend Poker Sites for Arkansans
Yes, they are. The Arkansas Racing Commission voted in February 2022 to allow up to eight online sports betting licenses that could be linked to the state’s retail casinos. Providers, such as BetMGM and Draftkings, have been quick to strike up partnerships with the casinos and now offer sports betting across the state. However, these sites are often limited geographically, so you can only bet when you are within Arkansas state lines, even when using the app.
Our recommended online sportsbooks also offer sports betting to residents of Arkansas and are different from the Arkansas based sportsbooks for a few reasons. First, betting on these sites is not limited geographically, so you can make bets anytime, anywhere. Second, they are not subject to Arkansas laws and regulations, so entertainment and political betting is available at offshore books and not available on the AR sportsbooks. On these sites, you can bet on a whole range of sports, from major sports like the NBA to college football, where you can bet on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Our Recommended Online Sportsbook for Arkansans
Yes, online racebooks are available to Arkansas residents through the offshore online casinos that we recommend. Each of these online casinos is regulated offshore and not subject to Arkansas laws, thus Arkansas residents can place bets on races from Oaklawn Park or other national racetracks.
Alternatively, online racebooks like the one available at Oaklawn Casino also allow Arkansans to place pari-mutuel bets. These sites, however, just like the online sportsbooks regulated in Arkansas, are geographically limited so bettors will only be able to use these sites when in Arkansas.
Our Recommended Online Sportsbook for Arkansans”
Compared to some other states like Oklahoma or California, Arkansas has limited options in terms of land-based gambling. State-run casinos were legalized in 2018 and are currently regulated and run by the Arkansas Racing Commission. As of 2023, there are now a total of 3 state regulated casinos, one of which has a racetrack and thus qualifies as a racino. There are no tribal casinos in AR, even though the casinos are owned and built by Native American tribes. They are all state run, rather than by the IGRA (Indian Regulatory Gaming Act), and do not qualify as tribal casinos. And finally, if you are looking for alternative forms of gambling, a state lottery and bingo halls are also available around the Natural State.
Casinos in Arkansas have all the staples of gambling. Slots are available, along with table games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and craps. Poker rooms aren’t as common, but are available in some casinos. And because sports betting is legalized in AR, all casinos have sportsbooks fully available. Located below is a list of the two casinos without a live horse racetrack located in Arkansas:
| Casino | Region | Address | What you’ll find there |
|---|---|---|---|
Saracen Casino Resort | South Central Arkansas | 1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 |
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Southland Casino Hotel | East Arkansas | 1550 North Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, AR 72301 |
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Betting on horse races in available in simulcast form at other Arkansas casinos. However, the only horse racetrack with live racing in AR is Oaklawn Racing Casino. Here is the information on the only horse racetrack located in Arkansas:
| Racino | Region | Address | What you’ll find there |
|---|---|---|---|
Oaklawn Racing Casino | Central West Arkansas | 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 |
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The Arkansas Lottery launched in 2009, after voters approved it in November 2008. Since its inception, the state Lottery has raised more than $1.2 billion in proceeds for scholarships and continues to be strong today.
The AR Lottery has awarded more than $4.5 billion in prizes, over $381 million in retailer commissions and added more than $165 million in state and federal tax revenue. It’s fair to say that it has helped the state in many ways.
To play, you must be at least 18 years of age. The state offers instant games like scratch-offs and draw-style games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky For Life, and several others.
There are many bingo halls available in Arkansas. Under AR law, Bingo halls can only operate if they are run by charitable organizations for fundraising purposes. The proceeds generated from bingo games conducted by charitable organizations are typically used for charitable or nonprofit purposes, such as supporting Arkansas community projects, organizations, or causes.
Social casinos are online platforms or mobile applications that offer a simulated gambling experience using tokens or virtual currency in exchange for real money. At most casinos, you can play a certain amount for free, and can pay for their virtual currencies if you wish to continue playing. Sweepstakes casinos have a promotional sweepstakes model, where players can participate in casino-style games for a chance to win prizes. These platforms provide virtual casino games such as slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette, allowing players to enjoy the thrill of casino gaming for entertainment purposes.
In Arkansas, residents have access to a few social and sweepstakes casinos such as Big Fish Casino, LuckyLand and WinStar. These offer Arkansans a fun alternative to real money gambling that allows them to experience casino thrills using virtual money.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms enable users to create virtual sports teams and compete against others based on the real-life performance of athletes. These platforms offer daily or weekly contests in popular sports like football, basketball, baseball, and if your team performs the best, you can win big prizes.
Sites like DraftKings and FanDuel are available in Arkansas to players looking to play daily fantasy sports.
Gambling in Arkansas largely illegal until 2018. Prior to, only pari-mutuel betting at horse races was available, and only since 1935. It was in 2018 that the first casinos in the state were given the go ahead. Since then, there have been a total of three casinos built in the state and plans for a fourth to be built in Pope County.
Here’s the timeline of significant events related to gambling laws in Arkansas, starting from the most recent:
July 2023
There is no indication that Arkansas legislators are planning to launch online casinos in the state. The most recent gambling development in the state is the Cherokee tribe’s plan to build a casino in Pope County, which will be the fourth in the state.
June 2023
Arkansas sports betting regulators add 17 new sports betting options such as lacrosse and bare-knuckle fighting.
April 2022
Online sports betting launches in Arkansas, under the Southland’s Betly brand.
April 2022
Casino in Arkansas launches the first Arkansas’ first sports betting app for iPhone.
July 2019
The first legal sports bet is placed in Arkansas at the Oaklawn Casino.
November 2018
Arkansas voters pass a constitutional amendment via a ballot initiative to increase the number of licensed casinos in the state to four. The casino will also be able to offer a sportsbook.
May 2018
In the decision known as Murphy v. NCAA, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is overruled, which paves the way for US states to start legalizing sports betting.
November 2008
The Arkansas State Lottery is approved by voters, with profits to be used to fund college scholarships. The first Arkansas State Lottery ticket is sold in 2009.
October 2007
Charitable bingo and raffles are legalized in Arkansas.
November 2005
Voters approve the Electronic Games of Skill Act to allow casino games and racing to take place at Oaklawn Park and Southland Park Gaming & Racing.
c. 1967
The Federal government cracks down on illicit gambling in Hot Springs.
c. 1934
Act 45 of 1935 passes, which legalizes pari-mutuel betting on horse races.
c. 1907
Arkansas bans all forms of gambling.
c. 1880
Hot Springs gains recognition as a destination for gambling activities as neighboring states begin to make gambling illegal.
c. 1800s
Gambling is popular in Arkansas, with gambling houses and saloons operating in the state.
Arkansas saw a 9% increase in casino gambling revenues in 2022, indicating the potential for further developments in the industry. Given that in-state operation of online casinos has been legalized in several other states after passing sports betting legislation, it is possible that Arkansas may consider a similar path in the future.
However, in January of 2023, an Arkansas judge voided a casino license granted to the Cherokee Nation to build a new state-run casino in Pope County, AR. The Cherokee Nation had originally planned on building the fourth state-licensed casino in the state with this license, but this setback will prolong this new development for the foreseeable future. Hopefully lawmakers in the state recognize the potential benefits and move towards legalizing in-state online casinos to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
Slots are the most popular form of gambling in Arkansas, both online and at land-based casinos. According to Bovada Casino, “Golden Buffalo” and “Reels and Wheels XL” are the most popular slots for Arkansans. These awesome games are all available at online casinos like Bovada and SlotsandCasino.
While in Hot Springs, Arkansas, famous wild west figure Wyatt Earp occasionally dealt blackjack in the city’s gambling establishments. So, it’s clear that AR has a deep, rich history with this popular casino game. It is so popular, in fact, that Bovada Casino has informed us that the new Blackjack game available on their platform is the most played game for Arkansans on their entire site.
Craps is another iconic casino game that now has a huge following online. Since its introduction into the United States, it has remained extremely popular and a favorite among avid gamblers. We’ve noticed that, among cities in and around Arkansas, craps is particularly popular in Little Rock-Pine Bluff, and should continue to grow as gambling grows in Arkansas. If you are looking to get in on the action, the best online craps games are available at our top sites.
This is a classic online casino game that makes multiple appearances in movies, TV shows, and other media. With Arkansas casinos continuing to grow and reaching a new record revenue of $614 million in 2022, games like roulette are clearly catching fire among Arkansans. If this trend interests you, you can check out our recommended online casinos for the best roulette online gambling sites.
If you are looking to get started at an online casino as an Arkansas resident, it just takes a few steps, including signing up and making a deposit. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Start by researching and comparing a trustworthy online casino that accepts Arkansas players, such as the ones we recommend. Consider factors like game selection, bonuses, reputation, and payment options, and look for licensed and regulated platforms with positive reviews.
Visit the selected online casino’s website and click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button. Provide your personal information, including name, address, date of birth, and email address. Create a username that is unique and a strong password for your account. A link will then be sent to your email that you’ll need to verify before you can proceed to the next step.
Before making your first deposit, we suggest checking if the online casino offers any welcome bonuses or promotions to increase your bankroll and improve your playing experience. Make sure you read the bonus terms and conditions carefully.
Select the best payment method for you to make your deposit. Most online casinos offer various options, including debit/credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and cryptocurrency. Be sure to choose the method that works best for you.
Ensure you are logged in to your casino account. Navigate to the “Cashier” or “Deposit” section. Choose your preferred deposit method, then put in the amount you can deposit, then follow the instructions to complete the transaction. Be aware of any minimum or maximum amounts for the deposit imposed by the casino. Your funds should be credited to your account instantly or within a short period.
If you are eligible for a bonus, you must claim it during the deposit process. Some casinos might then request that you enter a bonus code, while others activate it automatically. Ensure you read the terms and conditions carefully to understand any wagering requirements.
Upon completing your deposit, the online casino will typically provide a confirmation message or display your updated account balance. Make sure to jot down any transaction reference numbers for future reference.
Remember that online casinos available to Arkansas players like the ones we suggest have a wide range of games. These games include slots, table games, live dealer games, and more. It’s crucial to choose a game that interests you and suits your playing style and budget. Before placing bets, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the pay table and game rules to ensure you understand the game strategy and increase your chances of winning!
With funds in your online account, you can now place your bets and start playing. Remember to manage your bankroll responsibly and responsibly gamble within your limits. Enjoy your online casino experience in Arkansas!
No matter where and how you choose to play, it’s important to be able to recognize if your gaming is becoming problematic and know what you can do to take control of the situation if it does. Gambling addiction goes beyond problem gambling and includes many symptoms that one associates with other addictions; such as withdrawal symptoms, mood changes, and hiding the problem from others.
To make sure you’re gambling responsibly try to:
Set Limits —Be it a time or budget limit, set limits for yourself and walk away once you reach them.
Practice good bankroll management — Keep bets small and only bet between 1% to 2% of your budget on each bet.
Only play at reputable casinos — Legitimate casinos have measures in place to detect problem gambling and deal with it before it gets out of control. Choose a casino that will look after you.
Arkansas Problem Gambling Council — https://arpgcouncil.org/
Gamblers’ Anonymous — http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
National Council on Problem Gambling — http://www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline Network — 800-522-4700
