Arkansas Sports Betting

Is Online Sports Betting legal in Arkansas?

Residents have enjoyed legal Arkansas sports betting since 2019, although this was restricted to retail sportsbooks until 2022. The state was one of the first to push through new gambling laws in 2018, with Amendment 100 legalizing retail Arkansas casinos and sportsbooks. 

It was somewhat of a surprise for resident sports bettors, as the Natural State previously took a tough stance against gambling. Horse and greyhound racing betting was the only gambling option after a 1960s crackdown outlawed casinos and sports wagering. It took until 2008 for the state to launch a lottery – illustrating the firm opposition to gambling. 

Sports bettors can place bets at three Arkansas retail sportsbooks: 

• Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs) 
• Southland Casino Racing (West Memphis) 
• Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff) 

These locations have also launched online and mobile sports betting platforms: 

• Betly (Southland Casino Racing) 
• Oaklawn Sports (Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort) 
• BetSaracen (Saracen Casino Resort) 

Despite the push to legalize sports betting and casinos over the past half a decade, Arkansas is still one of the more restrictive locations for gamblers. The state operates under strict revenue protection laws that keep local casinos and sportsbooks safe from nationwide platforms. While in-state Arkansas sportsbooks pay a 13% tax on gambling revenue, third-party platforms must pay 51% for an AR sports betting license. 

The jury is out on whether this is ultimately a positive or negative characteristic. The three legal sports betting sites available in Arkansas – Betly, Oaklawn Sports, and BetSaracen – provide more than satisfactory services, but cannot ultimately match the innovation and comprehensive online wagering experience available at the best US sportsbooks like DraftKings or FanDuel. 

Arkansas Sports Betting Timeline

The Arkansas online sports betting timeline started well before the eventual 2022 launch and legalization. Lawmakers and the Arkansas Racing Commission pounced on the opportunity to devise their own legal gambling laws in the Natural State swiftly after SCOTUS overturned PASPA in 2018, setting the scene for a flowering industry. Check below for the most important milestones: 

• January 2024 – The Arkansas sports betting handle hits $54.7 million, increasing by 21% since October. 
• June 2023 – The Arkansas Racing Commission includes dozens of more legal sports options for bettors, including rarities like cornhole and competitive sailing. 
• September 2022 – The Oaklawn Sports mobile app launches, bringing a third mobile sportsbook option to the Natural State. 
• July 2022 – The Arkansas sports betting handle reaches $12.6 million. 
• May 2022 – BetSaracen finally launches a sports betting app after problems during the development process. Arkansas sports bettors now have two mobile choices. 
• April 2022 – Betly launched its sports betting app, enabling Arkansas residents to enjoy streamlined mobile betting for the first time. 
• March 2022 – Legal online sports betting in Arkansas finally launches on March 4. Betly became the first online sportsbook to launch in the Natural State the next day. 
• February 2022 – New rule changes enable the Arkansas Joint Budget Committee to approve online and mobile sports betting. The Arkansas Racing Commission starts adapting laws to enable online sports betting before March Madness. 
• January 2022 – A u-turn from the Arkansas Racing Commission removes mobile sports betting from the agenda. The setback delays legal online sports betting until after Super Bowl LVI. 
• December 2021 – The Arkansas Racing Commission adapts state gambling legislation to permit online and mobile betting. The proposal includes a 51% revenue levy on third-party online sportsbooks. 
• April 2021 – Representative Lee Johnson introduces HB 1942, proposing the legalization of online sportsbooks operated by the current retail locations. It gets further than SB 669 but ultimately fails after reaching the House. 
• January 2020 – Southland Casino Racing partners with Betly to launch the third retail Arkansas sportsbook. Bettors can now access a retail sportsbook in Hot Springs, Jefferson County, and West Memphis. 
• October 2019 – Saracen Casino Resort opens the second Arkansas sportsbook, Saracen Sportsbook. 
• July 2019 – Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort kickstarts legal sports betting in Arkansas, as the manager Wayne Smith places a moneyline wager on the Dallas Cowboys to beat the New York Giants. 
• April 2019 – State Senator Will Bond attempts to push through SB 669 to include online sports betting under the gambling legalization legislation. The bill fails to reach the House or the Senate, quickly running out of steam. 
• November 2018 – Arkansas voters approve Amendment 100 under the Arkansas Issue 4 ballot, enabling four locations to provide retail sportsbook and casino gambling. 
• May 2018 – The US Supreme Court rules PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Provision Act) to be unlawful, paving the way for states to create their own gambling legislation. 

Best Sports Betting Sites Currently Available in Arkansas

Arkansas sports betting sites offer a unique experience within the US sportsbook framework. Placing a legal sports wager is currently available at three platforms, all operated by physical sports betting locations. Our experts review the main Arkansas betting apps and online sportsbooks below: 

Betly Arkansas

Betly was the first online platform available for Arkansas bettors and remains the most popular AR sportsbook. The operator partners with Southland Casino Racing and also has a presence in Tennessee, Ohio and West Virginia. New customers can claim a $100 second-chance bonus bet welcome bonus after a minimum $10 wager. Betly also offers daily odds boosts alongside profit boosts on parlays and other bet types. 

Bettors enjoy a decent selection of sports betting markets, but not as many as the main established US sports betting brands. The Betly sportsbook app has a 2.1 out of 5 rating on the App Store after 151 reviews, indicating the need for improvements. It’s still one of the top Arkansas sports betting apps, but only because of the limited alternatives. 

BetSaracen Arkansas

BetSaracen is the online arm of retail sports betting operator Saracen Casino Resort. It became the second online Arkansas sports betting site in May 2022, quickly cementing itself as a popular option. The brand pushes a mobile sports wagering experience, with iOS and Android apps providing a flexible way to bet online. With 2.7 out of 5 ratings on the App Store and Google Play marketplaces, it’s the top-rated Arkansas mobile app overall. 

One of the major advantages BetSaracen has over Betly and Oaklawn Sports is the brand-new BetSaracen Marketplace. This provides bettors with a betting exchange service powered by BetSwap. You’re matched with other bettors instead of placing wagers against the operator, creating novel opportunities you cannot find elsewhere in Arkansas. 

Oaklawn Sports Arkansas

Oaklawn Sports was the third Arkansas online sports betting platform to launch, taking its first mobile bets in September 2022. The operator has our favorite interface and aesthetic design, providing a more sleek and professional experience than Betly or BetSaracen. It also has deeper online sports betting markets, including the best same-game parlay builder currently available in the Natural State. 

The good news continues with the $250 second-chance bonus bet welcome bonus – currently Arkansas’ best legal sports betting sign-up offer. Oaklawn Sports lacks the same number of ongoing promos as Betly, so bear this in mind. 

Arkansas Sportsbooks Hoping to Launch Soon 

Arkansas betting sites aren’t restricted to state-based operators, but the 51% tax on third-party sportsbooks has so far put off the big names. This won’t be the case forever, especially as Arkansas bettors crave the expanded functionality, promotions, and betting markets at the major players. Here are some of the most anticipated Arkansas betting sites hoping to launch soon: 

DraftKings Arkansas

A Daily Fantasy Sports giant turned online sportsbook, DraftKings is widely regarded as one of the best platforms across the US. Our favorite features include the immensely powerful same-game parlay builder, extensive ongoing promotions, and DraftKings Social channel. New customers can score a Draftkings promo of bet $5 get $200 in guaranteed bonus bets welcome bonus, going above and beyond anything currently available in the Natural State. 

FanDuel Arkansas

FanDuel is another Daily Fantasy Sports platform finding huge success with its online sports betting arm. It’s currently the most popular online sportsbook in America, holding an approximate 40% market share. FanDuel consistently sets the benchmark for sports betting quality, with our favorite mobile app scoring an unprecedented 4.8 out of 5 rating on the App Store after over 1,300,000 reviews. Mobile bettors benefit from multiple key selling points, including integrated betting controls on live streaming and a dedicated landscape mode. Due to the operator’s lofty US reputation, we wouldn’t be surprised if it was one of the first to offer online sports betting in Arkansas. Check our Fanduel sportsbook promo page for more info on how to sign up.

BetMGM Arkansas

BetMGM is another heavyweight US gambling brand that could enter the Arkansas market soon. This is our favorite sportsbook for aesthetics, mixing the comprehensive wagering options at FanDuel and DraftKings with a much clearer and more streamlined display. It will particularly appeal to beginners, as there are fewer complex menus to contend with. BetMGM is also perfect for Arkansas bettors eyeing a trip to Las Vegas, with the BetMGM promo and Rewards scheme granting hotel discounts, event tickets, and more. Despite all this, our top BetMGM selling point is the Select Your Squad feature. This enables bettors to enjoy personalized offers and updates on their favorite franchises. 

Best Sportsbook Promo in Arkansas

Oaklawn Sports currently runs the best sportsbook promo in Arkansas, offering new customers a $250 first bet insurance welcome bonus. You can claim up to $250 in bonus bets if your first wager loses, providing a useful safety net. Here are the main terms and conditions: 

• Must be 21+ 
• Minimum $10 deposit 
• First wager must lose to unlock bonus funds 
• Qualifying wager must be $10 - $250 
• Qualifying wager must be on -250 odds or greater 
• Free bet credited as one bonus wager 
• 14-day expiration period on bonus bet 

Requirements to Play at Arkansas Sports Betting Sites

Arkansas sports betting apps and websites have largely the same requirements as other legal gambling states. The main legal necessities include: 

• Legal Gambling Age – Arkansas bettors must be over 21 and prove this with valid documentation. 
• State Boundaries – Geolocation software must prove you’re physically present in Arkansas to use AR betting sites. 
• Valid Account – All bettors must have a valid Arkansas sportsbook account to place legal online wagers. 
• Responsible Gambling – Arkansas bettors must abide by responsible gambling regulations to keep themselves safe. 

Popular Sports & Leagues to Bet on in Arkansas

Arkansas lacks a major league franchise, but this doesn’t stop bettors from enjoying the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS. The Natural State also has a fertile college sports scene and several minor league options. Check below for a rundown: 

Arkansas Sport Leagues

Aside from betting lines on the major leagues listed above, Arkansas bettors can also enjoy the following options: 

• Sun Belt Conference (NCAA Division I) 
• Lone Star Conference (NCAA Division I) 
• Great American Conference (NCAA Division II) 
• Texas League (Minor League Baseball) 
• Double-A Central League (Minor League Baseball) 

Arkansas Teams to Bet On

Arkansas bettors don’t have any major league teams to back in the Natural State, although the nearby Dallas Cowboys or Kansas City Chiefs are popular alternatives. The Arkansas Razorbacks have a passionate supporter base, providing college sports enthusiasts with ample basketball and football betting options. Here are the main choices: 

• Arkansas Razorbacks (NCAA Division I) 
• Arkansas Travelers (Minor League Baseball) 
• Little Rock Trojans (NCAA Division I) 
• Arkansas State Red Wolves (NCAA Division I) 
• Central Arkansas Bears (NCAA Division I) 

What You Can't Bet On In Arkansas

Arkansas sports betting rules aren’t particularly restrictive. Bettors have full access to professional and college sports betting alongside dozens of other options. Nevertheless, betting lines on the following are banned: 

• Political Elections 
• Virtual Sports 

Other Types of Gambling in Arkansas

Online sports betting is the most popular gambling option in Arkansas, but it’s not the only option. Choices include: 

• Casino – Arkansas has three land-based casinos offering slots and table games: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs), Southland Casino Racing (West Memphis), and Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff). Online casinos are still prohibited. 
• Sweepstakes Casino – Arkansas gamblers craving the online casino experience mustn’t be tempted by dodgy offshore casino sites. Sweepstakes casinos offer a legal alternative. Platforms like Pulsz and McLuck offer slots and other casino games with no purchase necessary and real money prizes. 
• Horse Racing – Horse and greyhound racing in Arkansas have been popular gambling options for several decades. The Arkansas Derby is one of America’s most prestigious races, so the state’s historical love of horse racing betting is no surprise. Bettors can access online racebooks like FanDuel Racing or several retail locations. 

Upcoming States to License Online Sports Betting Sites

Legal online betting across the US is picking up steam, with over 30 states legalizing sportsbooks in some capacity since 2018. Check below for the most recent states to launch: 

• Vermont – DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook launched in the Green Mountain State on January 1, 2024. Our Vermont betting sites homepage has all the vital information you need. 

• North Carolina – Governor Roy Cooper signed HB 347 in June 2023, clearing the way for online sportsbooks to launch in March 2024. The state will have unique rules, including the accommodation for crypto payments. Our North Carolina betting sites page will keep you updated with the latest developments. 

• Kentucky – The Bluegrass State launched legal online sports betting in September 2023. Kentucky betting sites are plentiful, with eight options currently available. These include industry heavyweights like BetMGM and DraftKings. 

• Ohio – Bettors in the Buckeye State can now enjoy legal wagers on the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and other major league franchises. Ohio betting sites launched in January 2023, already generating almost one billion dollars of tax revenue. 

• Florida – The Sunshine State launched sports betting in 2021 but received objections from the Seminole Tribe that closed the Hard Rock Bet platform for almost two years. But Florida betting sites are back for 2024 and beyond after an agreement led to a December 2023 relaunch. 

Overview of Arkansas Sports Betting Sites

Online Arkansas sportsbooks deliver ample betting excitement to the Natural State, even if the current brands – Betly, SaracenBet, and Oaklawn Sports – aren’t the most well-known. Our experts constantly monitor the Arkansas betting scene to predict when major operators like DraftKings or FanDuel might join the fray. 

In the meantime, this page has everything you need to get acquainted with Arkansas sports betting. Read our mini-reviews and familiarize yourself with the main betting requirements before signing up at a platform, claiming the welcome bonus, and enjoying.