Sports Betting Laws in Arkansas: 2025 Guide

Quick Answer: Is Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas?

Sports betting is legal in Arkansas. Voters authorized it by passing the Arkansas Casino Gaming Amendment of 2018 (Amendment 100) in November 2018. Enabling statutes and regulations govern its operation. Consult the Arkansas Code and Arkansas Racing Commission rules for specific statutory citations.

This means:

• Retail sportsbooks operate at the four state-licensed casinos.
• Mobile and online betting is legal, but only through apps operated by or formally partnered with one of those four licensed casinos. No independent online-only sportsbook license exists in Arkansas.
• The minimum age for wagering is 21.
• Unlicensed sports betting is illegal. In 2025, SB 524 proposed making illegal online casino and sports betting a felony. While the bill died at sine die adjournment, it indicated legislative interest in strengthening enforcement against unlicensed operations. Operating or using an unlicensed offshore sportsbook targeting Arkansas residents carries legal risks.

The Legal Framework: Amendment 100 and Enabling Statutes

Amendment 100 passed by statewide vote on November 6, 2018. It amended the Arkansas Constitution to authorize casino gaming, including sports wagering, at up to four locations tied to specific counties: Jefferson, Pope, Crittenden, and Garland. No casino can operate outside those counties, and no sports wagering can occur outside a licensed casino's footprint (retail or mobile tether).

The Arkansas General Assembly implemented Amendment 100. The Arkansas Racing Commission is the primary regulatory body overseeing sports wagering activity. Consult the Arkansas Code and Racing Commission rules for specific statutory and regulatory details.

What Counts as a Legal Wager

Sports wagering covers bets placed on professional and collegiate sporting events. Permitted wager types include:

• Single-game bets
• Parlays
• Futures
• In-play (live) betting
• Proposition bets (subject to Racing Commission approval)

What Is Prohibited

Consult the Arkansas Racing Commission for the current list of prohibited wager types and events, as the Commission updates restrictions through rulemaking. Wagering on high school sports and amateur events is prohibited. Restrictions on wagering on Arkansas-based college team games exist. Verify current restrictions directly with the Arkansas Racing Commission.

Who Can Legally Offer Sports Betting in Arkansas

Only four entities hold casino licenses under Amendment 100. These are the only entities authorized to offer sports wagering, retail or mobile.

The Four Licensed Casinos

Note on Legends of Greenwood (Pope County): The Pope County casino license has a contested history. As of mid-2025, verify the current operational status and sports wagering availability directly with the Arkansas Racing Commission.

Mobile and Online Betting

Mobile sports betting apps are legal but must be operated by or in formal partnership with one of the four licensed casinos. No pathway exists for a standalone digital sportsbook to obtain an independent license in Arkansas. Third-party platform providers (sometimes called "skin" operators) that power a casino's mobile app must receive approval from the Arkansas Racing Commission. Consult the Arkansas Racing Commission's licensing rules and fee schedule for the approval mechanism.

Penalties for Unlicensed Operation

Arkansas law prohibits unlicensed sports wagering operations. The 2025 legislature considered SB 524, which would have made unlicensed online casino and sports betting a felony and created an Interactive Gaming Act covering NIL drawing games. While the bill died at sine die adjournment, it indicated legislative intent to strengthen penalties. Operating or facilitating illegal sports betting in Arkansas is prohibited.

Taxes, Fees, and Revenue Distribution in Arkansas

Tax Rate on Adjusted Gross Sports Wagering Revenue

The tax on adjusted gross casino gaming receipts, including sports wagering revenue, is tiered. Consult the Arkansas Code and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's most recent revenue reports for current rates and thresholds, as these figures can be adjusted.

Revenue Distribution

Tax revenue from casino gaming, including sports wagering, flows to the state general fund and to county and local governments in host counties. Confirm exact distribution percentages with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

License and Renewal Fees

Consult the Arkansas Racing Commission's current fee schedule for casino license application fees, annual renewal fees, and any sports wagering-specific platform approval fees. These vary and are subject to Commission rulemaking.

Comparative Tax Rate Table