Arkansas § 5-66-116 - Horseracing — Betting.
Full text of Arkansas Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-66-116 — Horseracing — Betting., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-66-116. Horseracing — Betting.
It is unlawful to directly or indirectly bet in this state, by selling or buying pools or otherwise, any money or other valuable thing, on any horse race of any kind whether had or run in this state or out of this state. Upon conviction, a person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of: A violation for the first offense and shall be fined in any sum not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00); A violation for the second offense and shall be fined in any sum not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100); and An unclassified misdemeanor for all offenses after the second offense and shall be fined in any sum not more than five hundred dollars ($500) and imprisoned for a term of not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months. Every bet, wager, sale of pools, or purchase of pools is deemed a separate offense. It is the duty of circuit judges and prosecuting attorneys of this state, the grand juries and mayors of the cities and towns of this state, the police officers and marshals of the cities and towns, and the justices of the peace, sheriffs, and constables to enforce the provisions of this section when this section is violated in their presence or when the information of the violation is brought to their knowledge by affidavit or otherwise. If any sheriff, constable, or police officer refuses or neglects to immediately arrest and bring before some court of competent jurisdiction for trial any person who violates this section, when the knowledge of the violation is brought to his or her attention by the affidavit of any resident of the county where the offense is committed, the sheriff, constable, or police officer is deemed guilty of nonfeasance in office and upon conviction shall be fined in any sum not more than five hundred dollars ($500) and shall be removed from office.
Source: official Arkansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas § 5-66-116
What does Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-66-116 cover?
Section 5-66-116 ("Horseracing — Betting.") is part of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Arkansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Arkansas § 5-66-116?
A common citation format is "Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-66-116" (Arkansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Arkansas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arkansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.
How does Arkansas § 5-66-116 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arkansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.