Arkansa Straight Poker

1. Four-card flush. Usage: This is a name of flush which was succesfully used by some player and historically called Arkansas Flush by the name of one of the USA states Arkansas.
2. Poker legend Thomas Austin Preston aka Amarillo Slim was born in Arkansas 1928. Preston won the 1972 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1992. Hot Springs used to be a very popular gambling spot similar to a small Las Vegas in the late 1800s.
3. The Terms and Conditions defined in this text (hereinafter referred to Arkansas Straight In Poker as “Terms and Conditions”) regulate the usage of the games provided Arkansas Straight In Poker through www.casumo.com, as well as other URLs licensed to or belonging to Casumo Services Limited (hereinafter referred to Arkansas Straight In Poker as “Website” or “Websites”).

• Arkansas Straight Poker
• Arkansas Straight Poker Hand
• Arkansas Straight Poker Game
• Arkansas Straight Poker
• Arkansas Straight Poker Hand

As a rule, legitimate, safe Arkansas Straight In Poker gambling sites will offer comparatively small casino bonuses ($500-$3000) with rollovers of Arkansas Straight In Poker 15-25X. Sites to avoid will generally offer higher bonuses ($5000 and up) with rollover requirements in the. Straight flush, ace to five: Steel wheel. 2005 World Series of Poker Main Event who won the $7.5 million prize with this hand when he flopped a straight) 72 offsuit: The Hammer, Beer Hand (72 offsuit is the worst possible starting hand; this name implies that you would have to be drunk to play this hand.).

The proper way to pronounce Arkansas is actually a matter of law, enshrined in 1881 following what must have been a pretty serious disagreement between two legislators. Also enshrined in Arkansas law are a number of rules regarding gambling that may have relevance to the modern online gambler – rules that we’ll examine, along with some detours into history, news and analysis, as we wind our way through the ins and outs of both online gambling and land-based betting in Arkansas.

Online Poker in Arkansas

Who plays online poker in Arkansas? Probably more people than you might think. The state is home to a large population, several institutions of higher learning and has a long history with several forms of gambling. That combination suggests that online poker is probably quite popular in Arkansas – as does the number of visitors who come to this guide daily seeking more information about online poker in Arkansas.

Is Online Poker Legal in Arkansas?

Sure – any number of US online poker sites will take players from Arkansas. We understand why players from Arkansas ask this question; after all, if you lived in a state like New York you might find that some online poker rooms accepting other players from the US would not let you make an account. If you live in Arkansas, there is no law stating that it is illegal to play online poker which means there are a number of real money sites to choose from.

All Poker and Gambling Laws by State

• Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson voted a bill which would have stipped regulators of the ability to enforce laws on video slot machines. The move is designed to stop the proliferation of Mom-and-Pop gas stations across the state which allow VSLs. Cody Hiland, the prosecutor for the 20th Judicial District, spoke

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Arkansas’ State Codes

This guide to playing online poker in Arkansas is meant to provide basic information and resources related to the topic – not to be the final or authoritative word on whether internet poker is legal in AK. We strongly advise players to do two things before deciding that online poker does not present a legal risk: First, review the state code of Arkansas directly . Second, if you have any uncertainties, contact a lawyer with experience in the field for clarification.

Let’s consider a few parts of Arkansas law that are significant for online poker players:

1. In Arkansas, it’s basically illegal to make a bet on anything, unless the state says otherwise. As written:

   1. “It is unlawful for any person to bet any money or other valuable thing or any representative of any thing that is esteemed of value on any game prohibited by [Section] 5-66-104” (Section 5-66-106).

2. Games prohibited include “any game of chance” and any game at which “any money or property may be won.” That would appear to include poker.
3. Most of the penalties for simply participating in illegal gambling are violations that carry small fines. However, it is possible that poker players could also run afoul of laws against “gaming devices” which can result in misdemeanor charges.
4. There is no law in Arkansas that specifically forbids the playing of online poker. However, the broad nature of the law means that even forms of gambling that are not specifically named in the code could still be in violation of the law.

The important thing for players when it comes to Arkansas law and online poker is to be aware of the potential legal risks involved and proceed accordingly. While the chance of running into legal trouble appears quite remote for online poker players from Arkansas, it should still be mandatory for everyone playing poker in the United States to familiarize themselves with state law regarding gambling in general.

Will Arkansas Regulate Online Poker?

We find no support for the idea that Arkansas is interested in regulating online poker. There have been no indications from anyone in state government that online poker regulation is an issue on the statehouse radar. If other states in the region move to regulate online poker, it’s possible that Arkansas could join the group and offer online poker to residents, but short of that avenue there aren’t many obvious paths to regulated online poker in the state.

Arkansas Gambling Facts

Those with an interest in gambling history will find a compelling tale or two in Arkansas, especially Hot Springs. During the waning days of the 1800s, Hot Springs was apparently a bit of a gambling hotspot (primarily for illegal gambling) that evolved into a proto-Las Vegas in the first decades of the twentieth century. The state’s appetite for gambling subsided around the second World War, and it wasn’t until the next century that Arkansas would seek to again expand gambling within its borders.

Gamblers in Arkansas looking for betting-based entertainment have a pretty meager set of options. There’s the recently-introduced state lottery, pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog races and additional games at the race tracks. Due to a quirk of state law, all of these games must be “skill” games and also much be electronic in nature. So, as a result, you can play poker at the Oaklawn race track, but only using electronic tables.

Does Arkansas Offer any Regulated Online Gambling?

There are no regulated online gambling options in Arkansas. Poker players who want a licensed and regulated online poker experience will have to choose one of the several rooms licensed and regulated by other governments, at least until Arkansas decides to get into the business of regulating online poker.

An interesting conflict between groups looking to break ground on casinos in the state of Arkansas and opponents dominated headlines for much of 2012, but a recent Arkansas Supreme Court decision appears to have put a temporary end to casino expansion in Arkansas.

Arkansas Gambling Resources

Oaklawn Race Track Arguably the most popular destination for gamblers in Arkansas. Offers an experience along the lines of a Vegas casino combined with horse racing. Get complete information about games, entertainment and related topics.

Arkansas Lottery. Official home of the state lottery for Arkansas. Find detailed information about the revenue generated by the program, where the money goes and (of course) the different lottery options Arkansas offers to customers.

Inarkansas.com. Plenty of great information about the state, but our favorite is the link to an in-depth story covering the history of illegal gambling in Hot Springs.

Arkansas’s Place in Poker History

When you talk about Arkansas and poker history, you’re probably going to be primarily talking about the most famous poker players to come from the state (and possibly one of the most famous poker players ever): Amarillo Slim. While his nickname may make people think of Texas more than Arkansas, Slim was born in Arkansas all the way back in 1928.

Helpful Gambling Resources and Links

Important AR Notes

• AR residents can play at poker rooms offshore legally
• iGaming in Arkansas is a longshot in the coming years
• There are no traditional poker rooms in the state
• Home poker games are illegal
• Electronic Texas Hold’em is available in Oaklawn

Operating an online poker site is illegal in the state of Arkansas. The Natural State’s strict approach to gambling in general means that there is no regulatory body – currently or in the pipeline – over a potential online gambling industry, nor has there ever been any mention of providing licenses to online poker operators. Despite its small population, offshore online poker sites report that Arkansans regularly open accounts and play at their sites which is legal to do so.

Future Outlook of Online Poker in Arkansas – Estimated date of legalization: 2021-2022

The following graph tracks our expected legislation of online poker in Arkansas on a state law level. It is currently already legal on a Federal level. This graph monitors the current rise or fall of expected legalization.

Recent Activity
The chances of online poker becoming a reality in Arkansas in the near future are very slim, considering the state’s somewhat archaic views on gambling in general. With a population of just less than three million – with the majority living rural – the introduction of online poker in Arkansas probably won’t come from public pressure, if at all. Arkansas’ gambling industry is light years behind other states and it will take a long time before operators realize the potential there is to be had by offering online poker to residents.

If ever there was a chance for online poker to come to Arkansas, it would be in the form of an interstate compact to increase the player pools of other states. However, lack of public interest, strong anti-gambling legislation and no natural partners, make a poor case for potential online poker in the near future.

In addition, the state very recently amended its gambling laws to include the prohibition of wagering on electronic games of skill (read: poker) at licensed racetrack parks if players are not physically present at the track. Many take this to mean a ban on online poker since the player is not physically present at the online poker room. Section 23-113-201[A] of the law notes that: “Wagers on electronic games of skill may be made only by individuals physically present at the location on the grounds of the franchise holder’s authorized racetrack park site as set forth in subsection (a) of this section where electronic games of skill are located and being operated in accordance with this chapter.”

In 2012, the Arkansas Supreme Court affirmed a ruling against internet sweepstake cafes[B], that operators of sweepstake machine gambling businesses are subject to arrest and prosecution for the breaking of Arkansas gambling laws. The Supreme Court upheld an order by a lower county circuit court against Cancun Cyber Café and Business Center which operated, among other things, a ‘sweepstakes promotion’.

Having made a strong case for why we WON’T be seeing regulated online poker in Arkansas anytime soon, one thing should be remembered. Changes were made to the state’s gambling laws in the mid 2000’s to accommodate the expansion of electronic games of skill at racetracks. The decision was based on growing competition from neighboring states and the fear of losing business to neighboring tracks. This reason could ultimately be the trigger to amend the state’s online gambling laws if track operators see that they are losing customers to other states who may enter the online gambling sphere in the future.

Online Poker Prosecution in Arkansas

According to Prof. John M. Norwood in his paper entitled Gambling in Arkansas in the Post Lottery Environment[C], there is very little chance of a person being prosecuted for playing online poker in their own home, although this changes when the gambling is taking place in a public sphere. He writes:

“No Arkansas statute or precedent specifically addresses the question of whether or not a person playing poker online while physically located in Arkansas would be in violation of Arkansas law. While it seems extremely unlikely that a prosecutor would bring charges against an individual for online gaming within the confines of his or her home, such activities would seem to be technically illegal under Arkansas law. If the gambler were using public property (such as a computer provide by a public employer) or even the property of another private party (such as a private employer), the likelihood of a criminal prosecution would of course be much greater.”

Arkansas Straight Poker

History of Gambling in Arkansas

Land Based Poker in Arkansas

Players searching for fast paced real money games of poker in Arkansas won’t have much luck. The same rules that govern general gambling in the state are taken to apply to poker as well. Section 5-66-106, defining the term ‘betting’ states that, “it is unlawful for any person to bet any money or other valuable thing or any representative of any thing that is esteemed of value on any game prohibited by 5-66-104.”

Arkansas Straight Poker Hand

No distinction is made on whether the gambling activity is a game of skill or not. The broad definition essentially covers everything – including poker.

Poker operators are also covered in a section of their own, under 5-66-104, and their crimes and punishment are detailed as well: “Every person who shall set up, keep, or exhibit any gaming table or gambling device, commonly called A. B. C., E. O., roulette, rouge et noir, or any faro bank, or any other gaming table or gambling device, or bank of the like or similar kind, or of any other description although not herein named, be the name or denomination what it may, adapted, devised, or designed for the purpose of playing any game of chance, or at which any money or property may be won or lost, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be fined in any sum not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and may be imprisoned any length of time not less than thirty (30) days nor more than one (1) year.”

The bottom line is that while there is no specific rule barring the game of poker, it is deemed illegal to bet on a game of cards (and that includes poker). The rules are spelled out in Section 5-66-112[D] entitled Card Games – Betting, where it is stated: “a person bets any money or any valuable thing on any game of brag, bluff, poker, seven-up, three-up, twenty-one, vingt-et-un, thirteen cards, the odd trick, forty-five, whist, or at any other game of cards known by any name now known to the law or with any other or new name or without any name, upon conviction he or she is guilty of a violation and shall be fined in any sum not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00).”

So what ARE the options for live poker fans in Arkansas? Not much, unfortunately. In recent years, changes were made to gambling laws, allowing licensed racetracks to expand their games offerings to games of skill, as long as they were electronic in nature. That means that both Oaklawn Park and Southland Greyhound Park offer poker-type games played out on video monitors. Both properties hold regular daily poker tournaments – played on a flat screen – with Southland offering six tables of cash games which include limit hold ’em, no limit hold ’em, limit Omaha High and pot limit Omaha. Oaklawn opened the state’s first electronic poker room which features Texas Hold ’em.

Home poker games for real money or objects of value are illegal in Arkansas. There are several free poker leagues, such as the All in Poker League which holds special events across the state.

Gambling Laws in Arkansas

The laws dominating gambling in Arkansas are specified in the section Land Based Poker in Arkansas above. The state’s laws cover practically every type of gambling and only allow pari-mutuel wagers on horse and dog races, limited charitable gaming options and the state licensed lottery. Amendments were made to gambling laws in 2009, where racetracks were allowed to introduce games of skill on an electronic monitor, alongside slots and video poker. These changes introduced electronic poker and blackjack to the gaming rooms at the tracks.

The legal age to bet on horses and dogs and to play the lottery in Arkansas is 18. At the age of 21, players can try out the video slots, blackjack and poker terminals at the state endorsed tracks.

While the definition of ‘casino’ is broadly taken to mean live gambling action, the closest that players will come to enjoying a Vegas-style casino environment in Arkansas is at the state’s two licensed racetracks, Oaklawn Park and Southland Park.

Located along the Interstate 40 and a short drive from Memphis, Southland Park was built in the late 1950s but was given a facelift in 2012. They completed another $37.4 million expansion project in late 2014 which added a 41,000-square-foot building, 150 seated restaurant and sports bar, and 500 new gaming machines which brings their total to 1,950 machines including slot and video games. They also offer blackjack, craps, roulette, Let it Ride, 3-Card Poker and is open 24 hours a day.

Oaklawn Park is situated in what was once considered the original Sin City, Hot Springs, and boasts a casino with around 650 machines. In accordance with Arkansas gambling laws, all the table games are electronic, with dealers who handle the chips.

Arkansas’ two racinos, Southland Park and Oaklawn Park, brought in $3.53 billion in gross revenue in 2014. Both casinos paid-out 93% of their gross revenue, leaving $235 million in net winnings. On average, $3 million per month goes to state taxes. The casino industry in Arkansas is healthy and growing.

Racing in Arkansas comes under the regulation of the Arkansas State Racing Commission[E] whose mission is to, “regulate thoroughbred and greyhound racing in the State of Arkansas, as provided in the enabling legislation; whereby, the best interest of the state an d its citizens are preserved and protected.”

Betting on racing is the primary gambling option for residents of Arkansas, and races take place at the two state endorsed tracks, Oaklawn Park and Southland Park.

Oaklawn Park offers live horse racing with a $2 entrance fee, although there is no fee for simulcasts of live horse and dog racing. A brand new service offered to racing fans is the launch of OaklawnAnywhere.com[F], offering Arkansas residents a way to watch and wager on races through their mobile devices, such as smart phones and tables. The service is a result of a partnership between Oaklawn and Churchill Downs subsidiary, TwinSpires.com.

Southland Park’s dog racing tracks run five days a week and includes afternoon and evening racing. Visitors can view live greyhound racing and simulcast racing on tracks from around the rest of the United States. For a small entrance fees, viewers can sit indoors and enjoy a view of the track and benefit from race monitor tables. The track also offers self-service type betting machines in smoking and non smoking sections.

Arkansas was very late coming into the lottery game and only launched the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery[G] in recent years. Players need to be 18 years or older to play the lottery and all sales of tickets are for cash only through licensed lottery retailers. Tickets may be purchased by residents of any states as long as they are physically located in Arkansas when making the purchase. The lottery offers what it terms ‘online games’, essentially terminal generated games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash 3, Cash 4, etc. The games are dispensed by computer equipment. Instant game prizes need to be claimed within 90 days while terminal generated jackpots need to be collected within 180 days.

Charitable gambling is Arkansas is governed by the Charitable Bingo and Raffles Enabling Act[H], 2007. The law allows, “the game of bingo or a raffle conducted by a licensed authorized organization shall not be a lottery prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, Section 14, if all net receipts over and above the actual cost of conducting the game of bingo or raffle are used only for charitable, religious, or philanthropic purposes.”

Essentially, nonprofit organizations are allowed to offer legal bingo games and raffles under the law that was passed after 10 years in the making. Proceeds of the games have to fund a licensed charity and the location where the game is being run has to have a special license from the State of Arkansas. Taxes need to be paid on the equipment involved, which are used in turn to regulate the state’s bingo industry. There are currently hundreds of licensed bingo rooms in Arkansas.

Arkansas Straight Poker Game

Some of the key points in the law include:

Arkansas Straight Poker

• Each nonprofit organization may only offer two nights a week of bingo.
• Each nightly event may not run for longer than five hours of bingo play.
• Jackpot winnings are limited to no more than $500 on a single jackpot.
• A location may not award more than $7,500 on any given night.

Author:Joseph Falchetti (twitter)
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Arkansas Straight Poker Hand

References and Citations