Introduction to Arkansas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019
Arkansas slot machine casino gambling consists of two casinos with Class II skill-based slot machines. These racinos also offer pari-mutuel wagering of dog or horse races.
These competition-style slot machines have a legal minimum payout return limit.
This post continues my weekly State-By-State Slot Machine Casino Gambling Series, an online resource dedicated to guiding slot machine casino gambler to success. Now in its third year, each weekly post reviews slots gambling in a single U.S. state, territory, or federal district.
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![Superior Baths in Hot Springs [Arkansas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019]](http://professorslots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1-arkansas-slot-machine-casino-gambling.jpg)
Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Arkansas*
The minimum legal gambling age in Arkansas depends upon the gambling activity:
- Land-Based Casinos: 21
- Poker Rooms: 21
- Bingo: 18
- Lottery: 18
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering: 18
State law allows skill-based gaming machines, but only if approved locally by their municipalities.
The state legislation which permitted skill-based gaming machines via Act 1511 is known as the Local Option Horse Racing and Greyhound Racing Electronic Games of Skill Act of 2005.
Further, Arkansas’ Governor legalized the state’s tribes through negotiated tribal-state compacts to offer slot machines on their reservations in 1993. All tribal casinos in Arkansas offer competition-style slot machines, video poker, and video keno.
*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws might apply to various forms of gaming. It is not legal advice.
Slot Machine Private Ownership in Arkansas
All slot machines are legal to own privately.
![Stout’s Point at Petit Jean State Park [Arkansas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019]](http://professorslots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2-arkansas-slot-machine-casino-gambling.jpg)
Gaming Control Board in Arkansas
The Arkansas state gaming commission is the Electronic Games of Skill Section within the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). The Section is responsible for gaming regulation and compliance of all skill-based games in Arkansas.
Casinos in Arkansas
There are two casinos with competition-based gaming machines and pari-mutuel racing in Arkansas.
The largest casino in Arkansas is Southland Park Gaming & Racing in West Memphis with over 2,000 gaming machines and over 40 table games.
The second-largest casino, and only other casino in Arkansas is Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs.
A third casino, expected to be the largest in the state, is pending. Owned and operated by the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, the River Valley Casino Resort will be in Pope County in northwest Arkansas. Some legal obstacles remain before construction can begin.
![Dardanelle Lock & Dam in Russellville [Arkansas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019]](http://professorslots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/3-arkansas-slot-machine-casino-gambling.jpg)
Commercial Casinos in Arkansas
The two casinos in Arkansas are:
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort located in Hot Springs, 57 miles southwest of Little Rock.
- Southland Park Gaming & Racing located in West Memphis, 132 miles east and north of Little Rock on the eastern state border near the Mississippi River.
Both of Arkansas’ pari-mutuel wagering facilities with skill-based slot machines have a rich history going back over 100 years.
Tribal Casinos in Arkansas
There is one pending tribal casino in Arkansas:
- River Valley Casino Resort located in Russellville, 78 miles northwest of Little Rock – PENDING.
![Map of Arkansas Casinos [Arkansas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019]](http://professorslots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/4-arkansas-slot-machine-casino-gambling.jpg)
Other Gambling Establishments
As an alternative to enjoying Arkansas slot machine casino gambling, consider exploring casino options in a nearby state. Bordering Arkansas is:
- North: Missouri Slots
- East: Mississippi Slots and Tennessee Slots
- South: Louisiana Slots
- Southwest: Texas Slots
- West: Oklahoma Slots
Each of the links above will take you to my state-specific blog for that neighboring state to Arkansas.
![Join Our Arkansas Slots Community [Arkansas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019]](http://professorslots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/6-arkansas-slot-machine-casino-gambling.jpg)
Our Arkansas Slots Facebook Group
Are you interested in sharing and learning with other slots enthusiasts in Arkansas? If so, join our new Arkansas slots community on Facebook. All you’ll need is a Facebook profile to join this closed Facebook Group freely.
There, you’ll be able to privately share your slots experiences as well as chat with players about slots gambling in or near Arkansas. Join us!
Payout Returns in Arkansas
The state legislature has required all electronic games of skill must have a minimum payout return of 83% during the expected lifetime of the game. There is no maximum payout return limit.
The Electronic Games of Skills Miscellaneous Tax Section of the DFA provides the gaming machine revenues for both racinos. These amounts subject to state taxes do not include the value returned to casino patrons.
Otherwise, only the American Casino Guide (ACG) Arkansas entry provides public information on payout return statistics for Arkansas casinos. From mid-2017 thru mid-2018, the ACG reports payout return statistics of 93.04% for Oaklawn Park and 92.86% for Southland Park.
![Historic Fort Smith Court and Jail [Arkansas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019]](http://professorslots.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/5-arkansas-slot-machine-casino-gambling.jpg)
Summary of Arkansas Slot Machine Casino Gambling in 2019
Arkansas slot machine casino gambling consists of two pari-mutuel wagering facilities with skill-based slot machines. The competition-style slot machines must have some element of skill included with the device. This decision-making feature is not necessarily the primary game theme, but often a non-used feature.
Theoretical payout returns for slot machines in Arkansas are a minimum of 83% over the expected lifetime of the game. The ACG publicly reports return statistics for both casinos to have an annual average relatively close to 93%.
Annual Progress in Arkansas Slot Machine Casino Gambling
In the last year, approvals have progressed for a tribal casino in Pope County as discussed in last year’s review. The Arkansas Times has updated reports on its pending status.
Previously, only electronic versions of popular table games were available at Arkansas casinos. On April 1, 2019, live table games arrived. The casinos now offer live versions of craps, blackjack, and other table games.
