Is Poker legal in Arkansas (ar)? Online Poker Laws in Arkansas Explained

Can You Play Online Poker in Arkansas?

There is currently no legislation permitting online poker in the state.

Current Arkansas Gambling Laws

Until recently, gambling houses and devices were prohibited in the traditionally conservative state of Arkansas. The Local Option Horse Racing and Greyhound Racing Electronic Games of Skill Act of 2005 expanded gambling to allow racinos to include electronic gaming machines among their casino-style game offerings.

Then in November 2018, Arkansas passed a ballot referendum allowing racetracks to add slot machines and table games, in effect making way for the two established racinos in the state to expand into full-fledged casinos. This became a reality on April 1, 2019 when Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis (formerly Southland Gaming & Racing) and the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs (formerly Oaklawn Park Race Track) opened their doors.

Southland Casino Racing offers more than 2,000 slot machines and more than 40 live table games including blackjack, craps, and roulette, as well as three-card poker and Mississippi stud. Meanwhile, Oaklawn is currently continuing with a $100 million expansion that will add 28,000 square feet of gaming space in time for the 2020 racing season.

Sports betting in Arkansas also took another step forward on Feb. 21, 2019 with approval of a 314-page rules proposal issued by the Arkansas Racing Commission. Per the ballot measure, state regulators were able to begin accepting applications for sports betting operators beginning in June, and soon after Oaklawn became the first of a few properties in the state to begin offering sports betting.

Despite having a historically conservative stance toward gambling, legislators and constituents of Arkansas have recently shown willingness to expand gambling for live operators, as demonstrated by the push to legalize sports betting.

Don't expect Arkansas to pass online poker legislation any time soon, but don't be surprised if they get on board once some nearby states start cashing in on it. There are clearly plenty of proponents of gambling and even internet gambling in the state.

Best Online Poker Sites for Arkansas Players

None at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.