Need Help Now?

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. The helpline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also text 1-800-522-4700 or chat online at ncpgambling.org.

Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling

At Fresh Ink Creative, we take responsible gambling seriously. While our site provides information about sports betting in Arkansas, we recognize that gambling can become problematic for some individuals. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices, providing access to resources for those who need help, and ensuring that our content encourages healthy attitudes toward sports wagering.

We include responsible gambling messaging on every page of our site. We encourage all of our readers to gamble within their means, set time and money limits, and view sports betting as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money. If betting ever stops being fun, it is time to take a step back and evaluate your relationship with gambling.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and it is important to recognize the warning signs early. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the following behaviors, it may be time to seek help:

  • Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
  • Chasing losses by increasing bets to try to win back money
  • Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
  • Lying to family members or friends about the extent of your gambling
  • Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling
  • Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, or stress
  • Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
  • Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
  • Jeopardizing or losing important relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities because of gambling
  • Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the national advocate for programs and services to assist people and families affected by problem gambling. The NCPG operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which provides referrals to local resources and support for anyone affected by gambling problems.

NCPG resources include:

  • Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7, free, and confidential)
  • Text Support: Text 1-800-522-4700
  • Online Chat: Available at ncpgambling.org
  • Self-Assessment: Take a confidential screening at the NCPG website to evaluate your gambling behavior

Self-Exclusion Programs in Arkansas

Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that allows individuals to ban themselves from casino properties and sports betting platforms for a specified period of time. When you enroll in a self-exclusion program, the casino and its associated sportsbook are required to take reasonable steps to prevent you from entering the gaming floor and accessing your online betting account. Self-exclusion is an important tool for individuals who recognize that they need a break from gambling or who struggle to control their gambling behavior on their own.

Each of Arkansas's three active casino properties offers a self-exclusion program. The process and terms may vary slightly between properties, but the general principle is the same: you voluntarily request to be excluded, and the casino takes steps to enforce that exclusion.

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort Self-Exclusion

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs offers a self-exclusion program for individuals who wish to be banned from the property and its associated sports betting platforms. To enroll, you typically need to visit the casino in person, provide identification, and complete a self-exclusion application. Once enrolled, you will be prohibited from entering the gaming areas of Oaklawn and from using any online sports betting services associated with the property for the duration of the exclusion period. Contact Oaklawn directly for specific details on enrollment procedures, exclusion periods, and the process for reinstatement after the exclusion period ends.

Saracen Casino Resort Self-Exclusion

Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff also maintains a self-exclusion program. The program is designed to provide individuals with a formal mechanism for removing themselves from the gambling environment. As with Oaklawn, enrollment typically requires an in-person visit and the completion of an application. During the exclusion period, Saracen will take steps to prevent excluded individuals from accessing the casino floor and associated sports betting services. Contact Saracen Casino Resort for current enrollment procedures and program details.

Southland Casino Racing Self-Exclusion

Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis offers its own self-exclusion program for patrons who need assistance in managing their gambling activity. The program operates similarly to those at Oaklawn and Saracen, with in-person enrollment, identification verification, and enforced exclusion from gaming areas and associated betting platforms. Reach out to Southland Casino Racing directly for information on how to enroll and the terms of the exclusion period.

How Self-Exclusion Works

  • Self-exclusion is voluntary and initiated by the individual.
  • Enrollment typically requires an in-person visit to the casino.
  • You will need to provide valid government-issued identification.
  • Exclusion periods vary but are typically one year or longer.
  • During exclusion, the casino will make reasonable efforts to deny you access.
  • Associated online sports betting accounts will be suspended.
  • Winnings obtained in violation of a self-exclusion agreement may be forfeited.

Responsible Gambling Tools From Sportsbooks

Licensed sportsbooks operating in Arkansas are required to offer responsible gambling tools that allow you to manage your betting activity. These tools are built into the sportsbook apps and websites and can be accessed through your account settings. Available tools typically include:

  • Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much money you can deposit into your account.
  • Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose within a specified timeframe.
  • Wager Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can bet on a single wager.
  • Time Limits: Set reminders or limits on how long you can use the app in a single session.
  • Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications showing your session duration and net wins or losses.
  • Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account for a short period, such as 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
  • Self-Exclusion: Permanently or semi-permanently close your account through the sportsbook platform.

We strongly encourage all bettors to use these tools proactively. Setting deposit and loss limits before you start betting helps establish boundaries that can prevent impulsive decisions. You do not have to wait until you have a problem to use these features. They are designed for all bettors as part of a responsible approach to sports wagering.

Tips for Responsible Sports Betting

Set a Budget

Decide in advance how much money you can afford to spend on sports betting each month. This should be money from your entertainment budget, not funds needed for rent, bills, or other essentials. Stick to your budget regardless of whether you are winning or losing.

Set Time Limits

Decide how much time you want to spend on betting each week. Use the time limit tools in your sportsbook app to help you stay on track. Take regular breaks and do not let betting dominate your free time.

Never Chase Losses

Losing is a normal part of sports betting. Resist the urge to increase your bets or make impulsive wagers to try to recover losses. Chasing losses often leads to bigger losses and can turn recreational betting into a serious problem.

Do Not Bet Under the Influence

Avoid placing bets when you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Impaired judgment leads to poor decision-making and can result in bets you would not normally make. Save your betting activity for when you are clear-headed.

Keep It Fun

Sports betting should enhance your enjoyment of watching sports, not become a source of stress. If betting is no longer fun, take a break. There is no shame in stepping away, and the games will still be there when you come back.

Talk About It

If you are concerned about your gambling behavior, talk to someone you trust. Whether it is a friend, family member, or professional counselor, sharing your concerns is an important first step toward getting help.

Additional Resources

  • Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org - A fellowship of men and women who share their experience to help each other recover from a gambling problem.
  • Gam-Anon: gam-anon.org - Support for family members and friends of problem gamblers.
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 - A free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for substance abuse and mental health disorders.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org