Arkansas Horse Racing Betting

The Arkansas horse racing betting industry is relatively limited in scope with just a single thoroughbred track in operation, but fans do not suffer a shortage of action. In addition to trackside wagering, fans can bet on horse races through legal advance deposit wagering websites and apps (ADWs) that cover hundreds of domestic and international tracks.

From the Kentucky Derby to the Breeders’ Cup and thousands of smaller races held every year, the most prominent Arkansas horse racing betting sites provide year-round pari-mutuel wagering for customers 18 or older. In addition, a former greyhound track provides daily simulcasting and pari-mutuel wagering in Arkansas.

Arkansas Horse Racing Betting Sites

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State laws on advance deposit wagering require operators to reach agreements with local race tracks before offering their services to Arkansas residents. In addition, Arkansas horse racing betting sites must segregate customers’ funds from operational funds, restrict access to anyone under 18, and submit their operating plans to the Arkansas Racing Commission for approval.

In short, legal ADWs must operate fairly and protect customers’ funds. A handful of advance deposit wagering operators offer legal online horse racing betting in Arkansas, but BettingUSA recommends the above operators because they are experienced, reputable, and hold pari-mutuel licenses in multiple states.

Online Racebooks in Arkansas

Arkansas Online Horse Racing Betting Laws

Licensed horse racing facilities are permitted up to sixty-eight race days per Arkansas law (A.C.A. §23-110-402). Sunday race days must be approved by local electors prior to submission to the Arkansas Racing Commission. 

Advance deposit wagering is permitted on thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing. Bettors must be 18 or older to bet on horse races online or in-person at the track.

Simulcast wagering is made possible in Arkansas through the federal Horseracing Act of 1978. This allowed the state to accept off-track wagers on races in other states, and when technology permitted, on horse betting apps.

Live Arkansas Race Tracks

Arkansas is home to a single thoroughbred horse racing track. A greyhound race track operated until the end of 2022, but it phased out greyhound racing in response to increasing public demand for an end to the sport. However, the former greyhound track still operates a casino and offers daily simulcast wagering.

Oaklawn Racing & Casino

2705 Central Ave
Hot Springs, AR 71901

Live thoroughbred horse races are run December through early May. Standard race days are Friday through Sunday with Thursday races in March and May.

The casino has 30 live table games, 1,500 slot and video poker machines, table games, and sports betting. Guests must be at least 21 years of age to enter the casino. There are multiple restaurants, a seasonal pool, spa and an eight-story hotel on the property.

Southland Casino

1550 Ingram Blvd
West Memphis, AR 72301

Southland Casino offers year-round simulcast wagering and casino games. This Delaware North casino offers 50 live table games, 2,400 slot machines, table games and a Betly Sportsbook. Casino players must be at least 21 years of age. The property also has multiple dining options and a 300-room hotel.

Arkansas Off-Track Betting

In Arkansas, simulcast wagering is only available at Oaklawn and Southland casinos. It is not permitted at any taverns or Arkansas casinos that do not have racetracks. 

Major Arkansas Horse Racing Events

Oaklawn hosts multiple Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 races during its racing season. 

  • Apple Blossom Handicap (G1): $1,000,000 purse, open to 4yo+ fillies and mares, held in April
  • Arkansas Derby (G1): $1,250,000 purse, open to 3yo thoroughbreds, held in April
  • Azeri Stakes (G2): $350,000 purse, open to 4yo+ fillies and mares, held in March
  • Bayakoa Stakes (G3): $250,000 purse, open to 4yo+ fillies and mares, held in February
  • Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3): $500,000 purse, open to 4yo+ thoroughbreds, held in April
  • Essex Handicap (G3): $500,000 purse, open to 4yo+ thoroughbreds, held in March
  • Fantasy Stakes (G3): $600,000 purse, open to 3yo fillies, held in April
  • Honeybee Stakes (G3): $300,000 purse, open to 3yo fillies, held in February 
  • Oaklawn Handicap (G2): $1,000,000 purse, open to 4yo+ thoroughbreds, held in April
  • Oaklawn Mile Stakes (G3): $400,000 purse, open to 4yo+ thoroughbreds, held in April
  • Razorback Handicap (G3): $600,000 purse, open to 4yo+ thoroughbreds, held in February 
  • Rebel Stakes (G2): $1,000,000 purse, open to 3yo thoroughbreds, held in February 
  • Southwest Stakes (G3): $750,000 puse, open to 3yo thoroughbreds, held in January 
  • Whitmore Stakes (G3): $200,000 purse, open to 4yo+ thoroughbreds, held in March 

Arkansas Greyhound Racing Betting

Arkansas ended all greyhound racing at the end of 2022. Southland Park was one of the country’s few surviving greyhound tracks after Florida voters decided to prohibit greyhound betting via an amendment approved in November 2018. At the time, Florida was home to 11 of the country’s 17 operational greyhound race tracks.

The 2018 amendment that authorized sports betting in Arkansas also required gambling facilities to set 14% of casino gambling net receipts for racing purses, but even that was not enough to save greyhound racing at Southland. However, the facility received approval to become a dedicated casino without live racing. After a $250 million expansion, Southland now boasts a 20-story hotel, 2,400 gambling machines, and 50 table games.

Arkansas Horse Racing Betting FAQ

Yes. Advance-deposit wagering sites (ADWs) allow Arkansas residents to bet on horse races online from anywhere in the state.

Horse bettors must be at least 18 years of age in Arkansas.

Yes, if there is an adult chaperone. 

Live thoroughbred horse races are held December through May at Oaklawn.

Arkansas held its last greyhound race on December 31st, 2022 at Southland. With that, the Arkansas greyhound racing industry ended permanently. However, off-track betting on greyhounds is still legal in Arkansas and several ADW betting apps offer greyhound racing betting.

Yes. Oaklawn offers slots, table games, and sports betting. The former greyhound track at Southland also operates a full-fledged casino and sportsbook.

Yes. Anyone in Arkansas can bet on the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and the Preakness Stakes via licensed horse racing betting apps.

Greyhound racing is legal in Arkansas. However, the last live Arkansas dog race was held at Southland in West Memphis in December 2022. Off-track betting on greyhounds is available at racebooks and on ADW betting apps.