Slot machine payback in Arkansas
How much do slot machines really pay back in Arkansas? Here's the reported return‑to‑player from the state's gaming regulator, what the house keeps, how it ranks against other states, and what an hour of play actually costs you.
Figure from the Arkansas Racing Commission, ≈2019 (compiled). Source ↗
Oaklawn and Southland; an older compiled figure, not a current regulator release.
What an hour of slots costs in Arkansas
At 92.8% payback, this is the long‑run expected loss for that house edge — set your bet per spin and how fast you play.
Long‑run average — any single session swings far more (that's volatility). How payback works →
How Arkansas compares
Nearby states in the payback ranking:
- Nevada (92.9%, looser)
- Ohio (92.4%, tighter)
- Mississippi (92.3%, tighter)
← See the full payback‑by‑state ranking
Frequently asked questions
What is the average slot payback in Arkansas?
Arkansas slots pay back about 92.8% on average (≈2019 (compiled), per the Arkansas Racing Commission) — a house edge of about 7.2%. Over the long run that is roughly $7 lost for every $100 you cycle through a machine.
Are slots looser in Arkansas than other states?
Arkansas ranks #2 of the 18 states that publish payback data — among the loosest. Remember the figures come from different reporting periods, so compare them as ballparks, not to the decimal.
Does this mean my machine in Arkansas pays back 92.8%?
No. Regulators report averages across all machines in an area, not per game or per machine. Any single session swings far more than the long-run average — that is volatility, and it is usually against you.
Payback figures are a dated snapshot from official gaming reports (averages by area/denomination, not per machine) and change period to period — verify locally. 21+ where applicable. Informational only, not gambling advice. All slots are negative expected value — please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1‑800‑GAMBLER.