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30+ years of industry knowledge and iGaming experienceBest Arkansas sports betting sites
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- Population: 3.02 million
- Legal age for sports betting: 21
- Online sports betting: Yes
- Retail sportsbooks: Yes
- Sports betting revenue: $4.1 million
Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas has a legal and regulated sports betting market. In November 2018, Voters approved a state-wide ballot, allowing land-based sports betting to launch in July 2019. This was followed by mobile sports wagering via online sportsbooks arriving in March 2022.
Arkansas sports betting updates
Arkansas sports betting was legalized in November 2018 — six months after the federal ban on sports wagering was lifted in the United States. After several failed attempts to bring mobile sports betting to the Land of Opportunity, Arkansans finally saw online sportsbooks arrive in March 2022.
Here’s a glimpse into Arkansas’ sports betting journey:
March 20, 2026: After both FanDuel and DraftKings secured licenses in Arkansas last month, both books launched in the Natural State March 20th.
Feb. 26, 2026: Arkansas regulators unanimously approved FanDuel and DraftKings to launch mobile sportsbooks through partnerships with Oaklawn and Southland casinos.
Feb. 19, 2026: FanDuel and DraftKings could be operating sports betting in Arkansas before the end of February.
April 1, 2025: A bill to legalize real money online casino gaming platforms in Arkansas didn’t advance out of an initial committee hearing, underscoring its stalled momentum in the legislature.
March 20, 2025: Arkansas lawmakers are taking a run at legalizing online casinos and banning sweepstakes gaming.
March 10, 2025: An Arkansas lawmaker is proposing constitutional changes to casino gaming which would allow online slots and table games like blackjack and roulette to be played.
Feb. 16, 2024: Several states, including Arkansas, sent cease-and-desists letters to daily fantasy sports (DFS) operators Underdog and PrizePicks for offering unlicensed sports betting.
Sept. 2, 2022: The Oaklawn Sports mobile app launches in Arkansas, becoming the state's third legal online option.
Aug. 23, 2022: Kambi extends its partnership with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. The new agreement includes Oaklawn's retail sportsbook and an online sportsbook solution for the upcoming launch of 'Oaklawn Sports.'
May 10, 2022: After months of delay, Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app officially goes live. It is only the second legal Arkansas sports betting platform to launch.
March 23, 2022: Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app has yet to launch. The operator had hoped to go live for March Madness, citing issues with 'partners, vendors, and testing laboratories' as the cause of the delay.
March 5, 2022: Betly becomes the first legal online sportsbook to go live in Arkansas.
March 4, 2022: Legal online Arkansas sports betting is officially allowed to begin, but the state's three casinos aren't yet ready to offer it. The casinos are still expected to launch mobile sportsbooks before March Madness.
Feb. 22, 2022: Arkansas' mobile sports betting rules are officially approved by the state legislature's Joint Budget Committee. Online sports betting is on track to launch in time for March Madness.
Feb. 17, 2022: Lawmakers approve changes to gambling rules that would allow for legal online sports betting in Arkansas. The proposed rules advance to the state legislature's joint budget committee for a final vote.
Jan. 25, 2022: The Arkansas Racing Commission removes mobile sports betting from the legislative agenda, requesting the updated rule be discussed at a future meeting. The last-minute delay will prevent the state from launching mobile sports betting before Super Bowl 56.
Dec. 30, 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission approves changes to Arkansas’ casino gaming rules to allow for mobile sports betting. The proposed changes would see online operators partner with and surrender 51% of profits to local casinos.
Jan. 28, 2020: Betly sportsbook launches a retail sportsbook in Southland Casino Racing.
Oct. 1, 2019: Saracen Casino resort opens Saracen Sportsbook, the second retail sportsbook in Arkansas.
July 1, 2019: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort takes Arkansas’ first legal sports bet as general manager Wayne Smith picks the Dallas Cowboys to defeat the New York Giants in the first game of the 2018-19 NFL season.
November 2018: State voters approve a ballot initiative to legalize casino gaming. Retail sports betting is included in the initiative.
May 14, 2018: SCOTUS overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing each state to legalize and regulate sports betting on its own terms.
Top 3 Arkansas sports betting sites
With over 30 years of industry experience, we’ve highlighted the top three Arkansas betting sites available in April 2026.
1. FanDuel - Best user experience
2. DraftKings - Best sports betting app
3. Betly - Longest-standing AR sportsbook
1. FanDuel Arkansas
Bet $5, Get $300 Guaranteed
New customers only. Deposit and wager min. $5. Get $300 in bonus bets regardless of the outcome of your qualifying wager. Available in Arkansas
With FanDuel Arkansas, you can take advantage of frequent odds boosts on popular games and build same-game parlays for teams like the Razorbacks or major pro matchups. The platform also offers a strong live betting section with real-time odds updates. Plus, the FanDuel app runs smoothly, with fast navigation, clear odds displays, and easy bet tracking.
FanDuel Arkansas announced that it already paid out over $2,000,000 in rewards to local bettors just one week after its launch.
Check out our FanDuel Review for a more in-depth breakdown of the sportsbook.
- App rating: 4.9 (iOS); 4.5 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $300 Guaranteed
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
2. DraftKings Arkansas
Bet $5, Get $300 Instantly in Bonus Bets
Gamble responsibly. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700. 21+. Physically present in AR. Eligibility restrictions apply. 1 per new customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $300 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Excludes customers who redeem prelaunch signup offer. Terms: http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos . Ends 4/26/26 at 11:59 PM CST. Sponsored by DK. Available in Arkansas
Arkansas sports bettors looking for a strong mobile experience should check out DraftKings. The DraftKings sportsbook app, which is one of the best U.S. sports betting apps in 2026, is easy to use for both beginners and experienced bettors, with a wide range of betting markets and regular promos.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $300 Instantly in Bonus Bets
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
DraftKings responsible gaming Gamble responsibly. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700. 21+. Physically present in AR. Eligibility restrictions apply. 1 per new customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $300 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Excludes customers who redeem prelaunch signup offer. Terms: http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos . Ends 4/26/26 at 11:59 PM CST. Sponsored by DK.
3. Betly Arkansas
$100 bonus bet
Betly offers legal online sports betting in Arkansas through its partnership with Southland Casino. You can bet on major sports using a simple app or website. Both platforms offer a clean design, beginner-friendly experience, and reliable basic features. We believe that Betly Arkansas is a solid choice for casual bettors who want an easy-to-use platform.
Read our Betly review for an expert analysis of one of Arkansas's top sportsboosk.
- App rating: 2.9 (iOS); 3.2 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $100 bonus bet
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
Best Arkansas sports betting offers and bonuses
Online Arkansas sportsbooks are here to kickstart the accounts of new Natural State bettors by offering the following new-user bonuses in April 2026:
FanDuel - Bet $5, Get $300 Guaranteed: Sign up with FanDuel AR today to get $300 in bonus bets. You must register an account via the app to claim this FanDuel promo code welcome offer. Then, simply deposit and wager $5, and you'll get the bonus once the bet settles, win or lose. This offer is available until April 5, 2026. Alternatively, you can claim a '$5,000 Bet Reset' welcome offer instead. FanDuel Arkansas will refund the entirety of your first bet if it loses, up to $5,000. An initial $2,000 deposit is required.
DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $300 Instantly in Bonus Bets: New DraftKings AR users can make a $5 minimum deposit and wager to claim $300 in bonus bets if your wager wins or loses. This DraftKings promo code welcome offer is available until April 26, 2026.
Betly Sportsbook - $100 Bonus Bet: Sign up with Betly Sportsbook to activate a $100 bonus bet. If the bet loses, Betly returns the full stake in the form of a bonus bet, up to $100.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Who can bet on sports in Arkansas?
You must be 21 years of age to partake in legal Arkansas sports betting. Wagers can be placed in person at one of the state’s three casinos or online with Arkansas betting sites. Here's everything you need to know about placing sports betting in AR:
Legal age
Arkansas sports betting is for adults 21 and older. The legal age for daily fantasy sports is 18.
Mobile betting
Arkansans can place mobile bets using one of the top sports betting and DFS sites available in the state.
Remote registration
Remote registration allows Arkansas sports betting to take place anywhere in the state. Sports bettors have the ability to sign up, claim bonuses, make deposits, and confirm wagers from home, the bar, or any other location in AR.
Within state borders
To place a legal sports bet, you’ll have to shave both feet on the ground in Arkansas. Bettors cannot place wagers with an AR sportsbook from outside the state.
Retail sportsbooks
Legal in-person sports betting occurs at each of the brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in Arkansas’ three casinos — Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Saracen Casino Resort, and Southland Casino Racing. A fourth casino, Legends Resort & Casino, has yet to be built but will house another legal Arkansas sports betting location as soon as it's constructed.
Taxable winnings
Arkansas bettors will have to surrender 24% of their winnings to the federal government. In addition, Arkansas levies a 3% state tax on all gambling income.
How to start betting in Arkansas
To place a legal sports wager in Arkansas, you’ll need to register with one of three licensed Arkansas sports betting sites or visit a brick-and-mortar sportsbook in one of the state’s three casinos.
Select a site
We recommend exploring each site's offering in-depth before signing up and locking in your first pick. This means line shopping, comparing welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, and ensuring your banking needs are met.
Register online
Arkansas bettors can sign up directly through a website or app. You’ll need to provide basic personal details such as your name, birth date, address, email, and sometimes your Social Security Number for verification.
Claim a bonus
Most Arkansas sports betting platforms offer welcome promotions like deposit matches or bonus bets. Always check the fine print to maximize your rewards.
Deposit funds
To unlock full platform features, you’ll need to fund your account. Popular options include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and more. Withdrawals typically process through the same method and are usually completed within 24 hours.
Choose your bet types
Explore the markets available at AR betting sites, such as point spreads, Over/Unders (totals), moneylines, props, futures, live betting, and more.
Start betting
Once your account is ready, you can enter contests or place bets. Be sure to review the contest or betting rules before submitting your picks.
Withdraw funds
Sportsbooks payouts in Arkansas aren’t instant, but most platforms handle withdrawal requests within about 24 hours with popular payment options.
Reading the odds
Arkansas sportsbooks default to American odds when displaying betting odds. Favorites are accompanied by a minus (-) sign. The following number indicates the amount you'll have the wager to generate $100 in profit. For example, -375 odds tell you a $375 wager is required if you're hoping to win $100.
Underdogs are shown with a plus (+) sign and represent the amount to be won when placing a $100 bet. For example, +600 odds represent the $600 you would stand to win should your $100 bet prove successful.
Wagers on underdogs will set you up for a larger payday. It's up to you to determine if the inherent risk is worth the reward.
Our odds converter lets you view odds in other formats, such as fractional and decimal odds.
What sportsbooks are legal in Arkansas?
With just five online sportsbooks, options are limited in Arkansas. Here's how the legal landscape looks in 2026:
- FanDuel - Best user experience
- DraftKings - Best sports betting app
- Betly - Longest-standing AR sportsbook
- Bet Saracen - Competitive odds
- Oaklawn Sports - Modern interface
Legal sportsbooks in Arkansas
With just five online and retail Arkansas sportsbooks, AR bettors' choices are limited. You can currently place a legal wager in Arkansas at the following sports betting locations:
Arkansas's online and mobile sportsbooks
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betly | Yes | IGT | Southland Casino Racing |
| BetSaracen | Yes | IGT | Saracen Casino Resort |
| DraftKings | Yes | SBTech | Wild Rose |
| FanDuel | Yes | Flutter | Diamond Jo Casino |
| Oaklawn Sports | Yes | Kambi | Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort |
Land-based AR sportsbooks
| Sportsbook 🏆 | Venue 🏛️ | Address 🌎 | Phone number ☎️ | Odds provider 🔮 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Bar & Grill (Betly) | Southland Casino Racing | 1550 N. Ingram Blvd. West Memphis, AR 72301 | 1-(800)-467-6182 | IGT |
| Oaklawn Sportsbook | Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort | 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | (501)-623-4411 | Kambi |
| Saracen Sportsbook | Saracen Casino Resort | 1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 | (870)-686-9001 | IGT |
Latest Arkansas betting news
What you can't bet on in Arkansas
While most events are fair game in Arkansas, some bet types are not permitted in the Natural State. Wagers on political events, esports, and amateur athletes under 18 are off-limits.
NFL Draft
Arkansas is one of the few states where bettors are legally able to bet on the NFL Draft. Check out our guide for how to bet on the NFL Draft in 2026.
Politics
There is no legal way to wager on politics in Arkansas or any other U.S. state. That said, prediction markets like Kalshi offer the opportunity to wager on politics, entertainment award ceremonies, and more.
esports
Arkansas sports betting does not include esports betting. State regulators could revisit the legality of this bet type with the launch of mobile betting.
What about Arkansas college sports?
Fortunately for Arkansas bettors, the state's sports betting law permits wagers on both out-of-state and in-state college teams.
Arkansas sports betting handle
There has been a steady year-over-year increase in Arkansas betting handle since the state accepted its first legal wager in July 2019. The addition of mobile betting in 2022 propelled the state’s monthly betting handle into eight figures.
Stay updated as we monitor the sports betting revenue in every authorized U.S. market, providing monthly reports on both the handle and hold.
Yearly breakdown
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||
| 2025 | $639.5M | $59.8M | 9.5% | - |
| 2024 | $557M | $48.2 | 11.1% | $7.1M |
| 2023 | $404.8M | $37.2M | 9.1% | $5.3M |
| 2022 | $185.4M | $17.9M | 9.6% | $2.4M |
| 2021 | $67.7M | $8.5M | 12.5% | $1.2M |
| 2020 | $32.8M | $4.1M | 12.7% | $583K |
| 2019 | $11.2M | $1.3M | 11.8% | $173K |
Monthly handle
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2026 | $66.1M | ||||||||||||
| 2025 | $62.3M | $46.3M | $65.6M | $48.7M | $47.3M | $37.5M | $29.4M | $40.6M | $56.7M | $64.9M | $74.9M | $65.2M | $639.5M |
| 2024 | $50.7M | $40.9M | $50M | $41.8M | $39.8M | $31.4M | $25.5M | $32.2M | $53.1M | $60.4M | $66.1M | $66M | $557.9M |
| 2023 | $32.9M | $29.5M | $37.4M | $25.4M | $22.8M | $22.7M | $17.6M | $22.6M | $41M | $45M | $54.8M | $53M | $404.8M |
| 2022 | $8.4M | $5.8M | $10.6M | $8.5M | $10.1M | $12.6M | $9.2M | $10.1M | $21.1M | $26.9M | $30.5M | $30.9M | $185.4M |
| 2021 | $7.1M | $4.4M | $5.9M | $4M | $3.6M | $3.8M | $2.9M | $2.8M | $7M | $9.5M | $8.3M | $7.7M | $67.7M |
| 2020 | $2.5M | $4.3M | $1.5M | - | $509 | $1,189 | $179K | $1M | $3.9M | $6.5M | $6.2M | $6.4M | $32.8M |
| 2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $416K | $778K | $2.2M | $2.2M | $2.9M | $2.6M | $11.2M |
Home team advantage: Arkansas sports
While it's tempting to support your hometown Arkansas Razorbacks with your bankroll, it's important not to let your sports allegiances cloud your judgment when betting. Be sure to research every bet thoroughly before blindly backing your hometown squads.
Always do your research before placing a wager on any team in any league, including yearly events like March Madness. Ensure you use the best March Madness betting sites in 2026 when wagering on Arkansas-state teams throughout the NCAA tournament.
Check out our how to bet guides to get started.
Arkansas sports betting law
Arkansas voters went to the ballots in November 2018 and approved retail sports betting, and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort opened the state's first land-based sportsbook in July 2019. Limited online sports betting in Arkansas expects to continue, with just three sports betting sites operational.
Here's a snapshot of how Arkansas sports betting looks in 2026:
- The Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) regulates Arkansas sports betting.
- Only persons who are at least 21 years of age may place a wager.
- Mobile sports wagering is operated directly or through an intermediary by a casino licensee.
- Sports betting is subject to a tax of 13% on the first $150 million in revenue, 20% thereafter.
- Winning subject to a 3% state tax on all gambling income.
- Arkansas' general fund receives the largest share of gaming tax revenue.
- Wagering on college sports, including in-state teams, is permitted.
- Arkansas’ sports-betting authority does not regulate betting on esports.
- Promotional games including sweepstakes are regulated.
Other types of gambling
Arkansas is still relatively new to gambling, as the state’s three fully operational casinos launched in 2019.
The only forms of online gambling in Arkansas are horse race betting and daily fantasy sports. Online casinos are illegal in the Natural State.
Casino
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Saracen Casino Resort, and Southland Casino Racing offer classic table games, slots, and much more. Both Oakland and Southland feature high-limit areas, while Saracen’s dedicated poker room is a must for card sharks.
Although real money online casinos are off-limits in Arkansas, gamblers can turn to sweepstakes casino websites. These sites allow players to get started for free with the aim of earning real cash prizes.
Poker
Arkansas gamblers can find live poker at Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff. Unfortunately, online poker is not available in the state.
Horse racing
There is one thoroughbred racing venue in Arkansas. Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort, known initially as Oaklawn Park, opened in 1904 and is home to "The Racing Festival of the South." The Arkansas Derby runs every April and highlights each racing season in the Natural State.
Pari-mutuel wagering is permitted both at the track and best horse racing betting sites — like FanDuel Racing — in Arkansas.
Daily fantasy sports
Arkansas is one of a handful of states that have passed legislation to legalize daily fantasy sports. In 2017, the general assembly passed Act 1075 (then HB2250), deeming DFS a game of skill and not a form of gambling. DraftKings, Thrillzz, and ProphetX have a stronghold on the Arkansas daily fantasy sport market. Simply put, DFS is your best option for sports wagering in Arkansas.
Predictive sports trading
Predictive-based sports trading is becoming one of the most popular alternatives to traditional betting in 2026. You can use to best prediction market sites to buy, sell, and trade 'Yes' or 'No' contracts based on the speculative outcome of sports and various unique events, such as politics, pop culture, weather, and more. Register with the Kalshi promo code 'COVERS' to access the top predictive-based platform today.
Alternative Arkansas betting sites
You can also opt for the best social sportsbooks, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and prediction market apps, which are also legal in Arkansas. These operators provide a unique sports betting experience, allowing you to play for free, trade sports contracts, and enjoy the social side of online wagering.
Here are the top options:
| Social sportsbook apps 📅 | Sign-up bonus 🤑 | Promo code 📟 |
|---|---|---|
| 🎢 Thrillzz | Bet $10, Get $50 | COVERS |
| 💰 ProphetX | Up to $100 Bonus + Win a $10K Trip | COVERS |
| 🧃 Novig | Up to $100 Bonus | COVERS100 |
| 🐶 Underdog | Play $5, Get $50 in Bonus Entries | COVERS |
| ⛏️ Betr Picks | $200 in No Sweat Entries + A Free Pick | COVERSBONUS |
| 👑 DraftKings Pick6 | Play $5, Get $50 Instantly in Bonus Picks | Claim $50 without code |
| 🟡 Fliff | Spend $5, Get $50 Free Play + 100% Match up to $100 | COVERS |
| 🤝 Kalshi | $10 Bonus | COVERS |
Underdog responsible gaming Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Offer not valid in MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, and PA. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org; AZ: 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1-800-639-8783) or text NEXT-STEP to 53342; NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369).
DFS vs. Arkansas Sports Betting - What's the Difference?
Sports bettors in Arkansas can legally wager through state-regulated retail and online sportsbooks. The Natural State officially launched mobile sports betting in 2022, giving players the chance to place wagers anywhere within state lines. However, compared to larger markets, Arkansas offers fewer sportsbook options, as only a handful of operators are licensed to serve the state.
Fortunately, daily fantasy sports (DFS) remain widely available, offering an alternative way for fans to engage with their favorite teams and athletes through contests, predictions, and head-to-head competition.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of Arkansas’ sports betting market below:
| Arkansas Sports Betting Pros 📈 | Arkansas Sports Betting Cons 📉 |
|---|---|
| ✅ Online and retail sports betting is legal statewide. | ❌ Limited number of licensed sportsbooks compared to other states. |
| ✅ Mobile wagering is available across Arkansas, not just at casino properties. |
❌ Fewer promotional offers and bonuses than national sportsbook markets. |
| ✅ DFS contests are accessible through major platforms like Thrillzz, ProphetX, and Underdog Fantasy. | ❌ Big-name sportsbooks such as FanDuel and DraftKings are not yet active in the Arkansas market. |
| ✅ Betting markets include NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, and more. | ❌ Smaller operator pool may mean less competitive odds and betting lines. |
| ✅ DFS provides a fun, social alternative to traditional sports betting, often with free-to-play or low-stakes contests. | ❌ Players may find fewer innovative features than in more competitive states. |
| ✅ Daily fantasy sports provide a social community and increased opportunities to compete directly with friends. | ❌ While you must be 18 to play DFS, the standard age of Arkansas sports betting remains 21. |
Quick facts: Arkansas sports betting
Arkansas has a steadily growing sports gambling market and just enjoyed its largest monthly handle ($66.1 million in November 2024).
Check out our AR sports betting facts table here:
To learn the key takeaways about IA sports betting, examine our table below:
| Launch date | March 5, 2022 |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
| Number of betting licenses | 6 |
| Number of betting sites | 5 |
| Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Daily fantasy sports (DFS) | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | No ❌ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on politics | Yes (via DFS) ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 3.04 million |
| Total handle (2025) | $639.5 million |
| Tax rate | 13% |
| State regulator | The Arkansas Racing Commission |
| Last Verified | April 3, 2026 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in Arkansas
Like other states with regulated gambling, Arkansas has taken steps to provide the resources needed to prevent, monitor, and treat gambling addiction.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) offers self-help resources to those in need. Problem gamblers can also join a self-exclusion program to ban themselves from any gambling facility or Arkansas betting sites voluntarily.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
Arkansas was one of the first states to legalize sports betting. Today, the following locales have legalized some form of sports wagering:
Arkansas sports betting history
Online wagering capabilities in Arkansas came into play in December 2021, when the framework for legal online betting was finalized. Still, the results have produced just three online sportsbooks.
2023: January produces the state's record betting handle, with its legal sportsbooks taking in more than $32 million.
2022: Arkansas approves controversial sports betting revenue sharing rule that requires licensees to retain 51 percent of net sports-betting revenues in any market-access agreement with a third-party operator.
2021: State Rep. Lee Johnson introduces HB 1942 in April, a bill that would permit casino licensees to expand Arkansas sports betting beyond retail-only.
2020: Betly opens its sportsbook at Southland Casino Racing in Memphis.
2019: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort accepts the state's first legal sports bet and Saracen Sportsbook becomes Arkansas' second legal sportsbook.
2018: Arkansas voters approve Issue 4, a state constitutional amendment.
Arkansas sports betting resources
Explore the following valuable sources to enhance your understanding of the current state of legal sports betting in Arkansas in 2026:
The Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC): Controls and monitors Arkansas sports betting
Arkansas Problem Gambling Council: Advocates for player protections for people with problem gambling
Arkansas online sports betting bill: HB 1942
Arkansas sports betting conclusion
Arkansas sports betting is growing at a slow and steady pace. Only five Arkansas sportsbooks are currently online, but several more major players are looking to launch soon. While there are no professional sports teams to bet on or online casinos to play at, land-based AR sportsbooks and Arkansas betting sites are shouldering the total handle.
It's easy to speculate why top operators have been sluggish to launch in Arkansas, as the current revenue-sharing rule is challenging.
DFS sites to avoid in Arkansas
While many popular online sports betting options in Arkansas, including daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms and social sportsbooks, are available in 2026, players should be cautious when choosing where to play. Some operators may have a poor track record, limited payment methods, weak customer support, or lack the industry reputation needed to be considered trustworthy.
To stay safe, always stick with licensed DFS platforms and reputable social sportsbooks. These sites provide a secure and enjoyable experience while keeping you on the right side of state regulations. Arkansas players should avoid unregulated operators, as they often engage in unlawful practices that put your funds and personal information at risk.
Arkansas sports betting FAQ
Yes, sports betting is legal in Arkansas. Arkansas legalized retail sports betting in 2018, and online sports betting became a reality in March 2022. The Arkansas Racing Commission oversees all sports wagering activity in the state. You can access daily fantasy sports (DFS) and social betting sites for additional wagering options.
You can register with the state's online sportsbooks. Alternatively, you can visit one of the Arkansas retail sportsbooks to place a legal wager. These are found in each of the state's three casinos.
There are five online sportsbooks available in Arkansas currently — FanDuel, DraftKings, Betly, BetSaracen, and Oaklawn Sports.
Yes, online and mobile Arkansas sports betting is available.
No, Arkansas sportsbooks do not offer any action on esports.
Sports bets can be placed online or at a retail sportsbook at one of the following Arkansas casinos: Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort, Saracen Casino Resort, Southland Casino Racing.
Yes, you may place wagers on any Arkansas-based team.
No, both Arkansas residents and visitors are permitted to place wagers online.
Yes. In Arkansas, you can enter real-money daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests through several top operators. These platforms let you build lineups and compete for cash prizes based on your players’ performances.
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