Are prediction markets legal in Arkansas?
2026-10-18
Arkansas's Attorney General issued a formal opinion in October 2025 that a business like Kalshi is gambling and needs a state licence, but as of October 2026 we found no enforcement action. Prediction markets remain available; Arkansas has casino-run legal sports betting.
| Platform | Status in Arkansas (October 17, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Kalshi | Available — state action contested |
| Polymarket US | Available |
| Novig | Available |
| PredictIt | Available |
| Robinhood | Available |
| DraftKings Predictions | No sports contracts |
| FanDuel Predicts | No sports contracts |
Prediction markets are available in Arkansas, but the state’s top lawyer says they’re illegal without a licence. As of October 18, 2026, Arkansas’s Attorney General has a formal opinion against Kalshi’s model on record, but we found no cease-and-desist order or lawsuit against any platform.
Arkansas’s position
Arkansas allows sports betting only through its licensed casinos, under Amendment 100 to the state constitution: “Casino licensees may accept wagers on sporting events.” The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates casino gaming, and players must be 21.
On October 23, 2025, Attorney General Tim Griffin answered a state senator’s question about “a company like Kalshi” in Opinion No. 2025-073, concluding that “a business model like you have described constitutes gambling or gaming and requires licensure.” Attorney General opinions are advisory, not binding, and per Legal Sports Report the opinion didn’t address whether federal law overrides state gambling law. Griffin also signed the October 2026 multistate Supreme Court brief on the states’ side. See is Kalshi legal?
What’s available
Kalshi, Polymarket US, Novig, PredictIt and Robinhood are available in Arkansas, and we found no action against any of them. DraftKings and FanDuel run sportsbooks in Arkansas and don’t offer sports contracts there. Compare every state in our legality tracker.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kalshi legal in Arkansas?
Kalshi is available, but Arkansas's Attorney General says its model is illegal without a state licence. Opinion No. 2025-073 (October 23, 2025) found that such a business model 'constitutes gambling or gaming and requires licensure.' It's an advisory opinion, not a court ruling, and we found no enforcement.
Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?
Yes, through the state's licensed casinos under Amendment 100 to the Arkansas Constitution, regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission. Casino gamblers must be 21.
Do DraftKings and FanDuel offer sports contracts in Arkansas?
FanDuel's Predicts offer terms don't list Arkansas among its sports-contract states. DraftKings lists Arkansas as a Predictions state, but both brands run sportsbooks there, so we mark sports contracts as unavailable from them.
Sources
- Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 100 § 3 (casino sports wagering; 21+) via FindLaw
- Arkansas Casino Gaming Rules (Arkansas Racing Commission) via Cornell LII
- Arkansas Attorney General Opinion No. 2025-073 (October 23, 2025), text via Ezel
- Legal Sports Report — Kalshi violates Arkansas law, AG opines (secondary)
- US Supreme Court — States' amicus brief in Flaherty v. KalshiEX, No. 26-299 (Arkansas signatory, October 2026)
- FanDuel — Predicts new customer offer terms (eligible sports-contract states)
Last checked:
Not legal or betting advice. 18+ (21+ where required). Prediction markets involve risk of loss — only trade what you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (National Problem Gambling Helpline, 24/7).