By Jane Shaw
Editor at Casinos.US
Updated: January 16, 2024
We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she's our gambling tech expert. Jane's also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.
| Southland Casino Hotel | West Memphis | 55.000 | 50 | N/A | Read Our Review Visit Website |
| Oaklawn Racing | Hot Springs | 35.000 | 28 | N/A | Read Our Review Visit Website |
Indian casinos may be referred to by several different names, such as native or tribal establishments. They’re best described as gambling operations that are located on Indian reservations, or other pieces of tribal land located throughout the US.
While they’re aren’t currently any Indian casinos located in Arkansas, however, you can enjoy the state’s two top racinos and access an array of gambling disciplines!
As we’ve already touched on, Arkansas is home to two racinos, which is typically defined as a resort that combines an indoor or outdoor racetrack with gambling facilities such as slot machines and blackjack tables.
Arkansas racinos also host a vast array of race types, from harness events involving thoroughbreds and Grade I competitors to greyhound racing. We’ve listed more details in the table below, while you’re free to visit each website to learn more!
Riverboat (or cruise ship) casinos are categorized as establishments that are located at docks or waterfronts, and as of 2018 it was estimated that there were 63 in operation across six separate states.
Unfortunately, none of these are located in landlocked Arkansas, although the state does share a border with Mississippi (which boasts a number of riverboat casinos and is considered to be the home of this type of establishment). We’d recommend that you check the full list of gambling options in AR before scheduling your visit!
Interestingly, the two racinos in Arkansas aren’t particularly close, with the cities of Hot Springs and West Memphis separated by a whopping 181.4 miles. You can drive from one to the other in approximately two hours and 47 minutes by car, so you may be best served by picking out one for a particular trip or night out.
| All Casinos in Hot Springs | ||||
| Oaklawn Racing | 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, 71901 | |||
| All Casinos in West Memphis | ||||
| Southland Casino Hotel | 1550 North Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, 72301 | |||
While the first two licenses for AR casinos were granted to Oaklawn and Southland (which operates the sole greyhound track in Memphis), a third has since been awarded to the Saracen Casino resort. This location is set to open at some point in 2020 after being delayed by coronavirus, while the fourth and final license is expected to be granted soon.
| Arkansas Gambling Topics | Gambling Facts for Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Number of Casinos | 2 |
| Casino Types | Racinos |
| Casino Games Offered | Slots, Table Games, Poker, |
| Age | 21+ to bet with cash (in Southland), |
| Smoking | Yes/No*, *Smoking inside is prohibited but there are external smoking areas in each AR casino. |
| Drinking | Yes/No*, *Drinking while playing is allowed, but no free alcoholic drinks are served |
| Opening Hours |
24/7
,
Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. Check the brands pages for more info
|
| Betting Limit | $25.00 (at the Southland casino) |
| Taxation of Winnings | Yes/No, for additional details click here |
Both racino resorts in Arkansas offer access to a huge array of casino games, from upright and video reel slots to dice games and real-money poker tournaments. Here’s a full breakdown of the games available:
Additional DetailsThere are no designated poker tables at either Arkansas casino.
Additional DetailsNo French Roulette is available at either AR casino
Additional DetailsGames available with between one and eight decks and both houses’ require the dealer to stand on a soft 17.
Additional DetailsDomestic sports betting was fully legalized in 2019, and horse race betting is also permitted at both racinos.
Prior to July 2019, gambling winnings from so-called games of skill were assessed at a 3% flat tax rate (in addition to the 24% federal tax levied on gambling winnings in the US). Since this date, however, Arkansas casino winnings will be subject to the average tax rate of 6.9%, although this will vary depending on the amount of cash won.
This law expanded gambling opportunities at racinos, by allowing for the installation of additional gaming machines.
Creating carve-outs for charitable gambling such as bingo, allowing for 140 licenses to be distributed across the state.
Legislation is passed in 2018 allowing the construction of four casinos, to be distributed throughout the state.
As we’ve already pointed out, winnings may be subject to a total tax of 30.99%, including both federal and state income levies. Online or mobile gambling has yet to be legalized, with off-track and remote sports betting fully prohibited throughout the state.
The trail-blazing Oakland racino opened for real on April 1st, 1995.
1920 Hot Springs is central to the history of gambling in Arkansas, which can be traced back to the end of the Civil War. This city is a federally protected reserve in AR, and one that saw the iconic Oakland racetrack first emerge during the 1920s.
1967 This popular gambling hub was shut down in 1967, and it took nearly 40 hours for any viable form of gambling to once again become legal in AR. In 2005, the law was changed to introduce gaming machines at racetracks, while charitable bingo in the state was fully legalized less than two years later.
2018 In 2018, the local electorate voted to permit the opening of four casino locations in Arkansas, and two of these are now fully operational and generative. The remaining two will be launched soon, with a third location in Jefferson having had a June opening date recently pushed back.
The aforementioned Saracen Casino will definitely open its doors at some point in 2018, while it was recently announced that the Mississippi-based Gulfside Casino Partnership has won the Arkansas Racing Commission’s fourth and final gambling license.
However, there are no plans or proposed bills aimed at legalizing online or mobile gambling in AR, and it’s not expected that any will be rolled out in the near-term.
As we’ve said, Arkansas’ two racinos aren’t particularly close, so you’ll need to plan your trip carefully if you intend to visit both. We’ve broken down some of the hottest trips and travel packages available, so that you can make an informed decision going forward:
Neither racino in Arkansas offer accommodation (or additional parking outside of the venue), but we’ve listed three hotels that are close to either the Oaklawn Racing or Southland venues.
| Number of Rooms | 81 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 90-164.99 |
| Special Packages | "Free Full Hot Breakfast" |
| Additional Services | Wi-Fi, Fitness, Pool |
| Number of Rooms | 196 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 94-126 |
| Special Packages | "Wedding Package" |
| Additional Services | Sundry Shop, Fitness |
| Number of Rooms | 152 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 43-54 |
| Special Packages | "Stay 2 Nights & Earn a Free Night" |
| Additional Services | Free WiFi, Fitness |
| Provider | CTA | Trips | Packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino shuttle service Emmet | Visit Website |
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| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | Visit Website |
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Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide only accurate and up-to-date information, please be aware that casinos.us shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the offer packages or other details listed.
| Capital | Little Rock |
|---|---|
| Largest Cities | Jonesboro, Fort Smith, Conway |
| Size | 137.733km2 |
| Population | 3.018 million |
| Time Zone | GMT -5 |
| Abbreviation | AR |