LEGAL GAMBLING WHERE YOU ARE : YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST OFFSHORE SPORTSBOOKS AND GAMBLING SITES
Guide to Online Gambling in Arkansas
Historically, Arkansas's gambling scene was dominated by two racetracks from the early 20th century. But with casinos sprouting in neighboring states in the '90s, Arkansas saw a decline in local gamblers. To revitalize interest, instant-betting devices were introduced in 1999, and by 2005, "electronic games of skill" were available. By 2013, limited online betting on local races was also an option. Then, in 2019, sports betting was made legal, followed by online sports betting legalization in 2022. As a resident of Arkansas, you can rest easy knowing that you can gamble online with the platform of your choice, as long as that platform is operating in the state. Nearly all offshore books offer their services in Arkansas. However, only three in person, state regulated, casinos currently have licenses. So though your state regulated options may be limited, your offshore book options are endless. ​
As a gambler in the state of Arkansas, you are able to select the gambling platform of your choosing. Keep in mind, with offshore books, you will not be gambling through a state licensed casino. This is perfectly legal and often can provide it's own set of benefits. For instance, you will not have the same level of tracking, reporting, and tax scrutiny with offshore books.​
Arkansas Online Gambling Overview
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As of march 5, 2022, online sports betting became legal in Arkansas
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Though there are laws limiting in-person betting, there are no laws prohibiting or restricting online betting
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Only three operators currently carry state licenses, but no offshore gambling sites have been prohibited
Applicable Arkansas Online Gambling Laws
Definitions
14. “Online sports pool platform” means an integrated system of hardware, software orapplications through which an online sports pool operator operates, conducts, or offers an onlinesports pool.
21. “Sports event” or “sporting event” means any professional sport or athletic event, amateur sport or athletic event, collegiate sport or athletic event, or motor race event. Sports events upon which wagers may be accepted under these Rules shall only include athletic sports events conducted live by human athletes (including race car drivers), and shall not include any virtual or simulated event, or event conducted in the past and rebroadcast for wagering purposes.
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20.055 Remote / Off premises wagers on sporting events.
Licensees / books may accept wagers on sporting events from any person who is not physically present on the Licensee’s / franchise holder’s premises so long as the person is physically present in the State of Arkansas when placing the wager and the wager is made pursuant to the account wagering system provisions of these Rules. Wagers accepted by licensees / books on sporting events shall be treated for all purposes as a wager made by the person on the grounds of the licensee’s facility where casino gaming is conducted. Also, patrons may place wagers and franchise holders may accept such wagers on horse and greyhound races pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 23-111-508(e)(1) and Ark. Code Ann. § 23-110-405(e)(1).
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(b) Winnings subject to withholding—(1) In general. Winnings subject to withholding means any payment from—
(i) A wager placed in a State-conducted lottery (defined in paragraph (c)(2) of this section) but only if the proceeds from the wager exceed $5,000;
(ii) A wager placed in a sweepstakes, wagering pool, or lottery other than a State-conducted lottery but only if the proceeds from the wager exceed $5,000; or
(iii) Any other wagering transaction (as defined in paragraph (c)(3) of this section) but only if the proceeds from the wager:
(A) Exceed $5,000; and
(B) Are at least 300 times as large as the amount of the wager.
What Do Arkansas Online Gambling Laws Mean for Residents?
If residing in Arkansas, your mind should be at ease when gambling online. Players are able to operate within the law when gambling online. Whether you select a licensed instate book or an offshore gambling site, you are gambling legally.
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Though offshore gambling sites are not 'state regulated', you as a gambler are legally allowed to gamble through the site of your choosing. With offshore books, you will not have the same state protections, but you will also not have the same level of tax scrutiny and tracking.
Even before the legalization of online gambling, no Arkansas resident had ever been prosecuted for playing online in the privacy of their own home.
Want to Learn More?
Top Pages
Top Sites for Gambling in Arkansas
Note: Please keep in mind that the following overview is a general guideline and it's important to consult with legal professionals or refer to the specific state statutes for the most accurate and up-to-date information.