Online Casinos for players from Arkansas in 2024

Introduction

In the heart of the Southern United States, Arkansas offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. Though landlocked, this state has a diverse landscape and a significant past.

The name ‘Arkansas’ originates from the Arkansas River, a term adapted by the French from ‘akansa,’ an Algonquian word for the Quapaw people, believed to mean ‘south wind people.’ Long before European explorers arrived, this land was home to indigenous tribes, including the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw, who thrived here for thousands of years.

Today, Little Rock, the capital and largest city, stands as a testament to Arkansas’s enduring blend of history and progress.

Enough for the introduction, let’s answer the questions many of you are asking: Is there gambling in Arkansas? and Does Arkansas have online gambling?

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History of Gambling in Arkansas

Once a beacon for gamblers across the United States, Arkansas has since become a state many bypass, largely due to its restrictive and outdated gambling laws. But we think the things are changing slowly.

The 1874 Arkansas Constitution took a clear stance on one form of gambling: lotteries. Article 19, Section 14 explicitly banned all forms of lotteries across the state. Interestingly, while lotteries were outright prohibited, the Constitution remained silent on other types of gambling, leaving those to be governed by state laws.

This omission became a key factor in the development of horse racing in Arkansas. The lack of a clear definition for ‘lottery’ in the constitution created a loophole, allowing horse racing and its associated betting activities to flourish.

By the late 1890s, the growing popularity of the sport led to the establishment of Sportsman Park on the southeastern side of Hot Springs in Garland County. This move ignited a keen interest in bringing Thoroughbred racing to Arkansas, setting the stage for the state’s future in racing and gambling.

In 1905, Oaklawn emerged as the first venue resembling a modern casino, offering horse racing alongside a limited selection of gaming machines. This combination earned it the title of a ‘racino,’ a place where racing enthusiasts could also try their luck with a few wagers.

Oaklawn’s success led to a flourishing gambling scene, with new venues popping up and drawing in both locals and visitors from neighboring states. However, this boom was short-lived.

By 1910, a wave of legislative action across the United States led to a nationwide prohibition of gambling. This sweeping ban included race betting and any form of wagering that involved the exchange of money against the odds in hopes of winning a larger sum.

Public demand for gambling eventually grew too loud to ignore, and by 1931, several states began to push for the legalization of race betting. Arkansas, however, was slower to respond. It wasn’t until 1935 that Governor Junius Futrell signed Act 46, allowing legal betting on greyhounds and horse racing.

Despite the legalization of race betting, other forms of gambling that skirted the law began to appear, prompting a statewide crackdown. By 1967, all casinos had been shut down, leaving raceway betting as the sole legal option for gamblers in Arkansas.

The state’s rigid gambling laws persisted for decades until 2005 when the Local Option Horse Racing and Greyhound Racing Electronic Games of Skill Act was passed. This legislation revived the concept of racinos, permitting racing venues to offer electronic gaming machines for real-money gambling.

While many celebrated the return of gambling options beyond racing, many Arkansans still longed for the full casino experience, including the table games available in other states. We’ll see.

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Depositing and Withdrawing when in AR

Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.

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Gambling Laws in Arkansas

Gambling in Arkansas has undergone substantial transformation over the years, now offering residents and visitors a diverse range of legal betting options. Whether it’s sports betting or casino games, Arkansas provides a well-regulated environment designed to ensure safety and fairness for all who participate.

The lottery was the first to be established in 2009. It offers a wide range of games, including popular scratch-offs and major draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. The proceeds from the lottery are dedicated primarily to funding scholarships and educational programs across the state, making it a key contributor to Arkansas’s educational landscape.

In addition to the lottery, racing is a major attraction for bettors in Arkansas. Venues such as Oaklawn Park are renowned for live horse racing and a variety of betting options. This historic track not only hosts some of the most significant racing events but also offers simulcast betting on races from other tracks, providing a dynamic and engaging experience for racing enthusiasts!

Furthermore, in November 2018, Arkansas voters made a historic decision by approving a constitutional amendment that permitted casino gambling for the first time. This amendment empowered the Arkansas Racing Commission to license and regulate casino operations in four designated locations, marking a new era in the gambling landscape.

In the same month, Arkansas embraced the opportunity to legalize sports betting, a shift made possible by the repeal of the federal ban earlier that year. This pivotal change allowed sports fans to place bets on their favorite games through licensed operators, marking a new era in the Arkansas sports gambling landscape!

And we’ve come to the main question: Is online gambling legal in Arkansas?

The news isn’t good, as…

…online casinos aren’t currently legal in Arkansas. Although Saracen Casino Resort has submitted a request to the Arkansas Racing Commission to launch a casino app, the state has yet to approve an online casino operations. The Commission is still weighing the proposal, leaving the future of online gambling in Arkansas uncertain.

But…

…Arkansas offers a unique opportunity within the American gaming landscape in the form of sweepstakes online casinos. These casinos provide a legal alternative to traditional online gambling by operating under sweepstakes laws.

In most U.S. states, including Arkansas, sweepstakes online casinos are allowed under specific sweepstakes rules and laws. This legal framework enables residents to enjoy a variety of casino-style games using virtual currencies, all without facing legal challenges. These platforms have successfully created an engaging gaming experience while staying within the boundaries set by state authorities.

If you are looking for the best Arkansas online casinos in 2024, look no further!

Sweepstakes casinos

Sweepstakes casinos are an interesting hybrid between gaming and contests, designed for anyone looking to enjoy casino-style entertainment without taking up traditional gambling. The key difference lies in how they operate: instead of using real money for bets, you play with virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. While Gold Coins are purely for fun, Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for real prizes. Sweepstakes casinos are perfect for casual players who want to enjoy casino-style games without gambling real money, people in states where online gambling isn’t legal since sweepstakes casinos are legal almost everywhere (and this concerns you in Arkansas), and anyone who likes gaming with the chance to win prizes.

The beauty of sweepstakes casinos is their simplicity. They don’t bombard you with complicated deposit bonuses or lengthy wagering requirements. Instead, you’ll often find straightforward daily rewards, challenges, and seasonal events that let you collect more coins. These promotions are less about glitz and more about keeping players engaged with fun ways to earn.

Is Sweepstakes the Same as Social Casino?

While sweepstakes and social casinos are often used interchangeably these days, there are subtle differences in their origins, but many platforms blur the lines between the two in practice.

Many gaming sites that operate under sweepstakes laws market themselves as social casinos because the term feels friendlier and more accessible. "Social" sounds less formal and potentially intimidating than "sweepstakes," which might make players think of legal jargon and technicalities. However, these platforms are still legally structured as sweepstakes, meaning:

• No direct money wagering, they use virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
• No purchase is necessary; players can get free Sweeps Coins or participate in free activities to earn them.
• These casinos comply with sweepstakes laws, which allow them to operate in many jurisdictions.

The "social" branding is also about entertainment and community-oriented experience, as players can share their achievements on social media. Features like leaderboards, challenges, and raffles create a communal atmosphere. Some platforms even include social gaming features, like adding friends or competing in multiplayer games.

At their core, these platforms operate as sweepstakes. The dual-currency system of Gold Coins (for fun) and Sweeps Coins (redeemable for cash prizes) remains the defining feature, as cash prizes are awarded through the redemption of Sweeps Coins, not traditional gambling wins.

Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins

Sweepstakes casinos run on two types of currency:

• Gold Coins (GC): These are purely for fun. You can’t redeem them for cash, and they’re used just to play games and enjoy the experience.
• Sweeps Coins (SC): These are the real stars. You can win, earn, or sometimes get SCs as gifts with purchases. If you accumulate enough, you can redeem them for real cash prizes.

How Do You Get Sweeps Coins?

You can’t just buy Sweeps Coins directly—this is what keeps sweepstakes casinos legal. Here’s how you can get them:

• Gifts with Purchase - when you buy Gold Coins, you might receive bonus Sweeps Coins as a gift.
• Daily Rewards - many platforms give you free Sweeps Coins just for logging in or playing regularly.
• Promotion bundles: Look out for special giveaways, tournaments, or events offering extra Sweeps Coins.

How Do You Win Real Prizes?

This is the exciting part! If you’re playing with Sweeps Coins and win, you can redeem your Sweeps Coins for cash prizes once you hit the minimum amount required for withdrawal. Some platforms might offer other prizes, like gift cards or merchandise, but cash is the most common.

What Games Can You Play?

Sweepstakes casinos are mostly focused on slots, which come in all kinds of themes and styles. Some platforms also offer bingo and keno and basic table games like blackjack or roulette. But don’t expect the variety you’d find in traditional online casinos—sweepstakes sites keep it simple.

Are There Bonuses?

Yes, but they’re simpler than those in traditional casinos. Expect free Sweeps Coins for logging in daily or participating in challenges, raffles, tournaments, seasonal promotions and referral bonuses when you invite friends to play.

Below are sweepstakes/social casinos available to players in Arkansas - read the honest reviews, check out the rating and bonus offers and choose one that fits what you’re looking for the best:

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Arkansas Casino Guide

Let’s explore Arkansas casinos locations and the available legal gambling opportunities, with a special focus on land based casinos.

On April 1, 2019, Arkansas marked a new chapter in its gambling history with the opening of its first two casinos: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs and Southland Gaming & Racing in West Memphis.

The remaining two casino licenses were earmarked for new developments in Jefferson and Pope Counties. The Arkansas Racing Commission reviewed applications and granted the Quapaw Nation of Oklahoma the license to establish the Saracen Casino in Jefferson County. Saracen Casino welcomed its first guests in October 2019.

The fourth and final casino site was designated for Pope County. Still, it faced years of legal hurdles and a second selection process. Finally, in June 2024, the Arkansas Racing Commission awarded the license to Cherokee Nation Entertainment to build Legends Resort Casino Arkansas in Russellville. This Arkansas new casino is the latest addition to the state’s gambling landscape and is set to open in 2026, adding to the growing roster of casino destinations.

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All Casinos That Welcome Players from AR

To Conclude

Arkansas presents a diverse selection of legal gambling opportunities, catering to a wide range of interests. From sports betting and casino games to lottery participation and live racing, the state offers a well-regulated and secure environment for all types of gaming. As the industry continues to evolve, Arkansas stays dedicated to delivering an enjoyable and responsible experience for every bettor.

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Written by: Michael Shackleford