Arkansas has seen a gradual transformation in its approach to land-based casinos, reflecting the larger trend of varying US gambling laws by state. Since the amendment to Arkansas’s constitution in 2018, several brick-and-mortar casinos have been authorized to operate within its borders. This change in policy was instrumental in carving out a new revenue stream for the state and diversifying entertainment options for residents and tourists alike.
However, the legality of casinos is still bound by strict regulations, and the state government continues to exercise caution in the matter. One crucial aspect of these regulations is the varying gambling age by state, with Arkansas maintaining the minimum age requirement at 21 for participating in casino games. The evolving landscape of Arkansas land-based casinos provides a fascinating insight into a state working to balance the economic benefits of gambling with responsible governance.
Saracen Casino Resort, located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is one of the prominent land-based casinos in the state. Officially opened in October 2020, the resort serves as a major hub for both gaming enthusiasts and casual visitors. Spanning over 80,000 square feet, the casino floor is packed with a variety of gaming options, ensuring that players of all preferences have something to enjoy.
The gaming collection includes over 2,000 slot machines, an assortment of table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps, and even hosts some popular and regional games that resonate with the local crowd. While the casino offers a broad spectrum of entertainment, it doesn’t end with gaming alone. Additional facilities such as dining establishments, a hotel with luxurious amenities, and a retail space add to the allure of Saracen Casino Resort. The casino also provides access to some of the best real money casino apps for mobile play.
Though widely appreciated, some patrons have raised soft complaints about occasional long waiting times at certain dining facilities during peak hours. However, these concerns seem to be minor in the overall experience offered by the casino. The resort promotes responsible gambling through active monitoring and self-exclusion programs.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, situated in the picturesque city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, combines the thrill of casino gaming with the excitement of horse racing. Founded as a racetrack in 1904, Oaklawn has evolved over time, with its casino operations formally commencing in 2000. The casino floor itself spans around 65,000 square feet, providing ample space for a wide array of gaming options.
In addition to the on-site gaming, Oaklawn also offers one of the best Arkansas betting apps, giving players access to wager on sports from their mobile device. Oaklawn is also home to some of the most rewarding no deposit bonuses in Arkansas.
Visitors to Oaklawn can immerse themselves in a rich selection of games, including over 1,300 slot machines, various table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, and specialty games that cater to a diverse audience. Alongside traditional casino attractions, Oaklawn is famous for its horse racing track, blending two distinct realms of entertainment.
Beyond gaming, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort offers other facilities like fine dining, a luxurious hotel, and an on-site spa. It also includes one of the best Arkansas online sportsbooks, adding another layer to its broad entertainment portfolio. Despite its many strengths, some patrons have noted that the casino can become overly crowded during peak racing days, leading to a less personal and more hectic experience. Nevertheless, Oaklawn remains a distinctive destination for those seeking a blend of casino excitement and the age-old tradition of horse racing.
Southland Casino Hotel, located in West Memphis, Arkansas, is a renowned gaming and entertainment destination in the region. Established initially as a greyhound racetrack in 1956, it has since expanded into a full-fledged casino resort. With a sprawling gaming floor of over 80,000 square feet, Southland offers an impressive array of gaming options.
Visitors to the casino can indulge in more than 2,000 slot machines, numerous table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette, as well as live poker. In addition to these popular games, Southland has retained its greyhound racing tradition, giving patrons a unique blend of modern casino entertainment and classic racing excitement.
The facility also boasts several dining options, a hotel with top-tier accommodations, and live entertainment venues. Southland’s offerings also include a sportsbook, further diversifying its entertainment portfolio. Despite these numerous attractions, a soft complaint that has occasionally surfaced is the casino’s smoking policy, which may not be to the liking of all guests. However, this minor con does not seem to overshadow the overall appeal of Southland Casino Hotel. With its vast gaming options and additional amenities, Southland continues to be a favored destination for both locals and tourists in Arkansas.
Arkansas, with its evolving gaming landscape, is currently home to three land-based casinos that offer various entertainment and gambling options. Here’s where you can find them and how to reach them:
| Casino Name | Address | City | Phone Number |
| Saracen Casino Resort | 1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 | Pine Bluff | (870) 686-9001 |
| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | Hot Springs | (501) 623-4411 |
| Southland Casino Hotel | 1550 Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, AR 72301 | West Memphis | (800) 467-6182 |
The largest casinos in the state offer a vast array of gaming options, from a plethora of slot machines to a variety of table games, all contained within impressive square footage. These substantial casino floors not only provide ample space for gaming but also accommodate additional amenities like dining, entertainment, and retail spaces.
Saracen Casino Resort and Southland Casino Hotel stand out as the biggest casino floors in the state, both covering over 80,000 square feet. The sheer size of these establishments allows for a versatile and engaging experience for players of all tastes. Following them, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort also boasts a sizeable area, offering a unique combination of casino gaming with the tradition of horse racing.
While Arkansas’s casino landscape is still evolving, the existing establishments make a significant mark in terms of size and the entertainment value they offer. The blend of expansive gaming floors and diverse gaming options contributes to Arkansas’s growing reputation as a noteworthy gambling destination within the United States.
Below is a table listing some of the largest casinos in Arkansas by their size in square meters:
| Casino Name | Size in Square Meters |
| Saracen Casino Resort | 7,432 |
| Southland Casino Hotel | 7,432 |
| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | 6,038 |
Arkansas’s casino landscape, though not extensive, offers an impressive range of games within its land-based casinos. These establishments strive to provide an alternative to Arkansas online casinos and AR casino apps with a diversified gaming experience that caters to all kinds of players, from traditionalists to those seeking new thrills.
Saracen Casino Resort, Southland Casino Hotel, and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort stand out for their extensive variety of games. They combine traditional table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker with a wide assortment of slot machines and specialty games, appealing to a broad audience.
Saracen Casino Resort leads the pack with an incredible selection, hosting over 2,000 slot machines alone. Southland Casino Hotel closely follows, matching the impressive diversity in games and offering a unique experience with its greyhound racing. Oaklawn, in addition to its horse racing track, provides a rich selection of games, making it a popular choice among players.
Below is a table listing some of the Arkansas casinos that offer the most games:
| Casino Name | Game Count |
| Saracen Casino Resort | 2,300+ |
| Southland Casino Hotel | 2,100+ |
| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | 1,400+ |
In Arkansas, all three casino resorts offer not only diverse gaming experiences but also luxurious accommodations, allowing guests to enjoy a full spectrum of leisure activities without leaving the premises. These establishments have understood the value of combining casino entertainment with comfortable lodging, ensuring that both tourists and locals can immerse themselves in a comprehensive entertainment experience.
The addition of hotel facilities within the casino resorts enhances Arkansas’s appeal as a travel destination. Whether for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, visitors can take advantage of both gaming excitement and relaxation in well-appointed hotel rooms.
Saracen Casino Resort, Southland Casino Hotel, and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort host luxurious hotels within their complex, varying in size and amenities, and are all designed to complement the overall enjoyment of the casino experience.
Here’s a table showcasing Arkansas casinos with hotel accommodations, highlighting the number of rooms they offer:
| Casino Name | Number of Hotel Rooms |
| Saracen Casino Resort | 300 |
| Southland Casino Hotel | 300 |
| Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | 200 |
Arkansas’s casino landscape offers a wide array of games to suit every taste, ranging from classic favorites to innovative new attractions. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newcomer to the casino floor, Arkansas’s brick-and-mortar casinos present an inviting array of options, as well as access to the best live dealer casinos and best online casinos for real money.
Slot machines are a universal favorite, and Arkansas’s casinos are no exception. With a variety of themes, paylines, and betting ranges, players can find slots that resonate with their interests and budgets.
Examples:
Casino poker combines the strategy of traditional poker with the exciting pace of casino gaming. These games offer various ways to challenge the dealer and win big.
For players interested in poker, Arkansas casinos also provide access to some of the best Arkansas poker sites. However, casino poker games can be an exciting alternative to online poker, with the energy of live table play.
Examples:
Roulette is a classic game of chance where players wager on the outcome of a spinning wheel. Its simplicity and excitement make it a casino staple.
Examples:
Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in casinos, appealing to both novice and seasoned players. It’s a game of skill and strategy, where players compete against the dealer.
Examples:
Dice games offer a unique excitement with their fast-paced action. Players wager on the outcome of the roll of the dice, creating an energetic gaming experience.
Examples:
Arkansas’s casinos also host various other games, providing a well-rounded selection that appeals to all types of players. These can include specialty and regional favorites.
Examples:
The diversity in Arkansas’s casino gaming options ensures that every visitor can find something that suits their interests and skill level. The state’s brick-and-mortar casinos continue to offer a rich gaming environment that caters to all.
Arkansas does not host traditional riverboat casinos. The state’s gambling landscape has primarily focused on AR land-based casinos and racetrack gaming. With the evolution of the gaming industry, riverboat gambling has not been a significant part of Arkansas’s gaming culture.
Indian gaming in Arkansas has a distinct presence through the involvement of the Quapaw Nation. Historically, the Quapaw people inhabited areas that are now part of Arkansas, but like many Native American tribes, they faced forced relocations and disruptions over the centuries.
In recent years, the Quapaw Nation has been actively involved in the development of gaming facilities in the state. The Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, represents a significant step in these efforts. Operated by the Quapaw Nation’s Downstream Development Authority, the casino has created economic opportunities and entertainment offerings in the region.
The relationship between the Quapaw Nation and the state of Arkansas signifies a unique collaboration within the broader context of Indian gaming in the United States. It highlights how tribal gaming can be an engine for economic development and community engagement.
In Arkansas, as in the rest of the United States, gambling winnings are considered taxable income. This means that players are required to report all their gambling winnings, whether from casinos, racetracks, lotteries, or any other legal gambling activities, and pay taxes on those winnings. Here’s a detailed look at how this works:
1. Federal Taxes: At the federal level, all gambling winnings are subject to income tax. Players must report their total winnings on Form 1040 as “Other Income.” This includes not just winnings in cash, but also the fair market value of any non-cash prizes like cars or vacations.
2. State Taxes: In addition to federal taxes, Arkansas players must also pay state income tax on their gambling winnings. The state income tax rate varies based on total income, with rates ranging from 0.9% to 6.9% as of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021.
3. Form W-2G: In some cases, the payer (e.g., the casino) may provide the winner with a Form W-2G, which details the amount won and any withholding. This usually happens if the winnings are above a specific threshold or if the winnings are from certain games like poker tournaments.
While winnings are fully taxable, players may also deduct their gambling losses, but only up to the amount of their winnings. In other words, you can offset your winnings with your losses, but you cannot deduct more in losses than you won.
1. Itemizing Deductions: To deduct gambling losses, you must itemize your deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040. You cannot take the standard deduction and also deduct gambling losses.
2. Recordkeeping: It’s crucial to keep detailed records of both winnings and losses, including dates, locations, and amounts. Receipts, tickets, and statements can serve as evidence if needed.
In Arkansas, gambling winnings are subject to both federal and state income taxes. Players must report all winnings and can deduct losses up to the amount of those winnings, provided they itemize deductions and keep detailed records. It may be advisable to consult with a tax professional or CPA who is familiar with Arkansas’s tax laws to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and to optimize one’s tax situation.
Casino gambling was legalized in Arkansas through a constitutional amendment passed by voters in the November 2018 election. The amendment allowed for the licensing and operation of four casinos in the state.
The legal gambling age for casinos in Arkansas is 21. For pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing, the legal age is 18.
Smoking policies can vary by individual casino, with some offering designated smoking areas and others being entirely non-smoking. If you’re a smoker, check out Southland Casino Hotel.
Yes, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs offers horse racing and off-track betting.
Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis offers dog racing and off-track betting.
Yes, charitable bingo and raffles are permitted in Arkansas for qualifying organizations.
Various restrictions apply, such as the prohibition of sports betting unless specifically allowed by law, as well as standard regulations governing the operation and licensing of gaming establishments.
There are currently four licensed Arkansas casinos, but only three are built.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, known for its horse racing, expanded to include casino gaming after the 2018 amendment.
Arkansas casinos all offer free parking, with Southland Casino Racing and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort also offering free valet service.
This figure can vary year to year, but in 2022, the annual tax revenue from casinos was $90.24 million.
There is a fourth casino planned for Arkansas, the Legends Resort & Casino. However, the casino is currently locked in a legal battle with the Arkansas Supreme Court so there is no opening date set yet.
Help for gambling addiction in Arkansas can be sought through the Arkansas Department of Human Services or national helplines like the National Council on Problem Gambling, which can be reached at 1-800-522-4700.
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