Russellville (Pope County) Casino
The 2018 constitutional amendment that legalized casino gaming in Arkansas authorized four casino licenses — one in each of Crittenden, Garland, Jefferson, and Pope counties. Three are operating (Southland in Crittenden, Oaklawn in Garland, Saracen in Jefferson). Pope County, home to Russellville, has been the subject of years of legal disputes over its casino license, with multiple operators contesting and ballot measures attempting to relocate or repeal the license. As of April 2026, no Russellville casino is open. Once it does launch, it will become the fourth retail sportsbook venue in Arkansas and could add a sixth mobile operator under its license.
How Retail Sportsbook Betting Works
Placing a bet at an Arkansas retail sportsbook is straightforward. You can either approach the betting counter and tell a teller exactly what you want to wager (game, market, amount), or use a self-serve kiosk to enter the wager yourself. You receive a paper ticket — keep it. If your bet wins, return to the counter or kiosk to redeem it, or scan the ticket through the operator\'s mobile app to redeem the winnings to your mobile balance.
You must be 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID. Cash is accepted; some properties also accept Play+ prepaid cards or casino-cage chips. Tickets generally expire after 60 days, though specific terms vary by operator.
Mobile vs Retail in Arkansas
The five mobile sportsbooks (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetSaracen, Betly, Oaklawn Sports) carry the vast majority of Arkansas handle. Retail sportsbooks remain attractive for several specific cases:
- Cash bettors who do not want to fund a mobile account.
- Casino-trip bettors who already plan to be on property for table games, slots, or live racing at Oaklawn.
- Big-event watch parties, where the on-property viewing lounges offer atmosphere not replicable at home.
- Bettors near a property who simply prefer the in-person experience.
Visiting Arkansas From Out of State
You do not need to be an Arkansas resident to bet in Arkansas. Anyone 21 or older who is physically inside the state can place legal bets — at a retail sportsbook with cash and an out-of-state ID, or via mobile app once you confirm your location through geolocation. Retail betting is especially popular with visitors from Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, and Missouri.
Responsible Gambling at Retail Properties
All three Arkansas casinos participate in the state\'s self-exclusion program. If gambling is a problem, contact the Arkansas Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-GAMBLER. Casino staff are trained to assist with self-exclusion enrollment on request.