Arkansas Sports Betting: AR Sportsbook Apps and Bill News
Arkansas sports betting is legal and live, and the market has recently expanded from local casino apps to include major national brands. While the state initially only hosted three mobile sportsbooks, the launch of FanDuel and DraftKings on March 20, 2026, has brought the total to five active mobile operators.
To make sports betting an option in 2018, voters had to approve an amendment to the state constitution. The state accepted the first legal sports bet at a Hot Springs casino in July 2019, but online sports betting wasn’t an option early on. Finally, Arkansas received final state legislative approval for mobile bets on Feb. 22, 2022.
Since then, the state’s three casinos have transitioned from simple mobile versions of their local sportsbooks to sophisticated partnerships with industry leaders. Today, residents and in-state visitors (21+) can choose between local favorites like BetSaracen or national platforms like FanDuel, which operates in the state through its partnership with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
BetSaracen Sportsbook Arkansas
BetSaracen is the online sportsbook from Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, giving eligible Arkansas bettors a local sportsbook option with statewide mobile and desktop betting. It may not have the same national profile as FanDuel, but it is a legal Arkansas sportsbook with a full betting menu, live wagering, and access to major pro and college sports.
DraftKings Sportsbook Arkansas
DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the biggest national sportsbooks available in Arkansas, operating through its partnership with Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis. The app gives eligible Arkansas bettors access to DraftKings’ polished mobile interface, deep betting markets, live betting, Same Game Parlays, betting pools, and the brand’s Dynasty Rewards program.
FanDuel Sportsbook Arkansas
FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the biggest names now available to Arkansas bettors, operating in the state through Oaklawn Sports, powered by FanDuel. The app gives eligible users in Arkansas access to FanDuel’s clean mobile interface, deep betting markets, live betting tools, Same Game Parlays, player props, and a national sportsbook experience.
Arkansas Sports Betting: Quick Facts
| Arkansas Population | 3.1 million |
|---|---|
| Legal Betting Age | 21 |
| Sports Betting Regulator | Arkansas Racing Commission |
| Online Sportsbooks | ✔️ Available but limited |
| Retail Sportsbooks | ✔️ Available |
| College Sports Betting | ✔️ Available |
| Esports Betting | ❌ No |
Arkansas Sports Betting Legalization Timeline
Online wagering is legalized on Feb. 28, 2022, and launched in the state on March 6, 2022.
State Rep. Lee Johnson introduces HB 1942 which would have allowed casino licensees to expand Arkansas sports betting beyond retail sites.
Saracen Casino Resort officially opened in October 2020 offering both slot machines and table games.
The state legalizes sportsbooks in July 2019 allowing residents to bet on sports on-site at licensed casinos and racetracks.
Arkansas voters approve Issue 4, an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to require that the Arkansas Racing Commission issue licenses for casino gaming to be conducted at four casinos in Arkansas. Following the approval of a ballot referendum in November 2018, casinos in the state are authorized to offer all casino games, including sports betting.
Where To Bet in Arkansas: Retail Sportsbooks
| 🏦 Arkansas Casinos and Retail Sportsbooks | 📍Address | 📱Mobile Partner |
|---|---|---|
| 🏦 Southland Casino Hotel | 📍1550 N. Ingram Blvd. West Memphis, AR 72301 | 📲 DraftKings Sportsbook & Betly |
| 🏦 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | 📍2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | 📲 FanDuel Sportsbook |
| 🏦 Saracen Casino Resort | 📍1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 | 📲BetSaracen |
Best Arkansas Sports Betting Apps
As of March 2026, the Arkansas sports betting landscape has shifted from small, local “house” apps to a competitive market featuring the nation’s top sportsbooks. There are now five primary online sports betting options available:
- DraftKings Sportsbook: Also launched on March 20, 2026, DraftKings partnered with Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis. It now serves as the premier mobile experience for Southland bettors.
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FanDuel Sportsbook: Launched on March 20, 2026, FanDuel serves as the official mobile partner for Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. It effectively replaced the old “Oaklawn Sports” app with FanDuel’s industry-leading technology.
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BetSaracen: The online sportsbook for Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff. Launched in May 2022, it remains a major local player and is currently the only high-volume app still using its own independent branding and “house” platform.
The journey to a full-scale market was a slow build. Betly kicked things off on April 26, 2022, proving the demand by pulling in $3.3 million in its first month despite being the only app available. BetSaracen followed shortly after on May 12, 2022, creating the state’s first competitive market.
The most significant “game-changer” occurred in early 2026, when state regulators cleared the way for FanDuel and DraftKings to enter. By agreeing to the state’s unique 51% revenue-share rule, these national giants brought world-class features like Same Game Parlays and live streaming to Arkansas bettors just in time for the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
How to Bet on Sports in Arkansas
With sports betting legal in Arkansas, new users can learn how to bet on sports. Gamblers in Arkansas have a few different options when it comes to betting on sports. There are three legal mobile sports betting options as well as multiple retail options. Lets go over how to sign up and bet at a mobile Arkansas sports betting app.
Download a Legal AR Sportsbook App
You’ll first need to download the sportsbook app of your choice to your mobile device. The process may be slightly different depending on your device.
iPhone users should be able to simply type the name of their chosen app into the Apple App Store search bar. Then download the app and allow it to install automatically to your device, as well as install geolocation software.
Android users will first need to see if the sportsbook they desire is included in the Google Play Store.
If the app you want isn’t available on the Play Store, visit the app’s desktop site and download it to your Android phone or tablet from there.
As mentioned, installation should start automatically without any prompting from you. Then, you can open the app and proceed to the next step of the process.
Register for the App
You’ll next need to register for the app by opening it on your phone and providing some key pieces of personal information. These will likely include your date of birth, personal address, and Social Security number. All this information will be quickly verified by the sportsbook app’s staff.
Fund Your Account
Once you’ve registered for your sportsbook of choice, you’ll be able to fund your account using a variety of deposit methods. Different sportsbooks offer different deposit methods, but these are the most popular:
- Debit and credit card transfers
- e-Check transfers
- Electronic wallet transfers from PayPal and/or Skrill
- Direct bank transfers
You should keep your initial deposit amount in mind before you make a final decision. Some sportsbook platforms, like DraftKings, offer a deposit match bonus that awards you with extra site credit. However, the amount of site credit you get is dependent on the initial deposit you make.
The exact deposit methods available to you will depend on the sportsbook you choose. Make sure you check out the fastest payout betting sites so that you can use your deposit method of choice. Regardless, once you fund your account, you’ll be able to finally start placing wagers.
Claim Your Welcome Bonuses
Depending on which sportsbook you sign up for, you’ll want to make sure you claim the best welcome offers and sports betting bonuses available. How much of a welcome bonus you get can, at times, hinge on your initial deposit amount or are limited to a certain timeframe, such as seven days to place one of many bonus bets. Most bonuses, however, usually require a deposit of $10.
After claiming any available bonus credit, you can finally place a wager.
Place a Bet
All you’ll have to do at this point is navigate through your sportsbook and find a betting line that looks attractive. Place a wager and cross your fingers!
Sports To Bet on in Arkansas
Arkansas doesn’t have in-state major pro franchises, but Arkansas shares borders with states like Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, and Louisiana, all of which have major professional sports franchises that have their own fans across the country.
With online sports betting now legal in Arkansas, you can place bets on NFL odds, MLB run lines, NBA odds, and NHL puck lines.
- NFL teams — Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans
- MLB teams — Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers
- NBA teams — Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder
- NHL teams — Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues
College Sports in Arkansas
Arkansas, of course, is in the heart of SEC country, so college sports bettors are as passionate as anyone in the Natural State.
The Arkansas Razorbacks receive much attention as the state’s only major conference program. However, once the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners begin SEC play in 2024, they’ll have new neighboring rivalries to enjoy.
The next tier of programs with a healthy fan base begins with the Arkansas State Red Wolves. They reached the Camelia Bowl at the end of the 2023 season. The university’s basketball programs compete for March Madness in the Sun Belt Conference.
Three more teams compete for March Madness at the Division I level:
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB) Golden Lions
- Central Arkansas Bears
- Little Rock Trojans
UAPB and Central Arkansas field FCS football programs. Little Rock does not have a football program.
While professional and college sports are fairly popular in Arkansas, sportsbook apps will also let you put money down on a variety of other niche sporting events and activities. These include activities like darts, NASCAR races, MMA fighting, and soccer leagues around the world.
Time will tell how the market variety develops for online sportsbooks.
Types of Bets at AR Sportsbooks
Moneyline
A moneyline wager means that you wager strictly on a team or individual win. An example of a moneyline wager would be taking the Houston Astros to win at -162 over the Atlanta Braves.
Point Spread
When you wager on the point spread, you are betting on the team’s margin of victory or defeat. For instance, if you bet the Dallas Mavericks as a -3 favorite over the New York Knicks, they have to win by more than that amount. (If they win by two, that’s a loss.)
Totals (Over/Under)
An over/under wager is a good choice if you’re not confident about an overall outcome but you think a defensive or offensive battle will ensue. A total wager means that you are betting on the combined points in a game such as thinking the Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings will register 6.5 goals total. If you think they won’t exceed that threshold, bet the Under.
Parlay and SGP
Parlay and same-game parlays are wager bundles that require two or more outcomes to come through, such as betting on the Houston Texans running back to gain a certain number of yards in addition to the team winning and the quarterback throwing for 2 or more touchdowns. Parlay and SGP wagers offer larger payouts than individual bets, but all the legs of your parlay must win for you to receive any winnings.
Futures
Here, you are picking certain season-long outcomes, like who will win conference or league championships. If you pick the Tennessee Titans to win the AFC title, that’s a futures bet.
What To Look for in Arkansas Betting Apps
Unfortunately, Arkansas residents have only three sports betting apps to choose from. While none of the major sportsbooks are yet available in the state, it is still worth taking the time to consider some key features needed for a secure and enjoyable wagering experience.
Among the factors we look at when rating the top legal sportsbooks are:
- Easy in-app navigation and a clean interface
- Depth of odds and betting lines
- A variety of bet types
- Stringent security features
- Multiple deposit and withdrawal options
- Solid welcome offers and bonuses
Arkansas Sports Betting Laws
Arkansas has offered legal retail sports wagering at three casino locations since 2019. While the November 2018 referendum authorized the construction of four retail casinos (three are currently operational), it did not originally include provisions for mobile betting.
A pivotal shift occurred in February 2022, when the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) approved rules for statewide mobile wagering. The market officially launched on March 6, 2022, though it was initially restricted to “house” apps operated by the local casinos. For several years, national giants like FanDuel and DraftKings remained on the sidelines due to a unique Arkansas regulation requiring third-party vendors to share at least 51% of net revenue with their local casino partners.
The landscape was revolutionized on March 20, 2026, when FanDuel and DraftKings officially launched in the Natural State after reaching agreements that satisfied the 51% revenue-share rule. This launch, coinciding with the 2026 NCAA Tournament, finally gave Arkansas bettors access to the nation’s most popular sportsbook interfaces alongside the established local favorite, BetSaracen
| ✅ Approved Sports and Wagering Events | 🚫Unapproved Sports and Wagering Events |
|---|---|
| ✅ Major Sports Leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NFL) | 🚫 Esports |
| ✅ College Sports | 🚫 Politics |
| ✅ Olympics | 🚫 Awards ceremonies |
- Arkansas Sports Betting Tax Rate: Arkansas uses a graduated tax rate for casino gaming, including sports betting, of 13% for the first $150 million in gaming revenue and 20% for gaming revenue above $150 million.
- Tax Revenue Allocation: The majority of this revenue supports the state’s General Revenue Fund (55%), with the remainder distributed to the Casino Host City (19.5%), the ARC Purse and Awards Fund (17.5%), and the Casino Host County (8%). Notably, partners like FanDuel and DraftKings operate as vendors, meaning the local casinos (Oaklawn and Southland) remain responsible for the licensing and tax obligations.
- Legal Betting Age: Must be 21+.
- Authorized Operators: 3 Licensed Casinos (each allowed 2 mobile “skins”)
- College Sports Betting: Betting on college sports in Arkansas is permitted, including for including in-state teams like the Razorbacks.
- Taxes and Fees: The Southland and Oakland gaming facilities are not required to pay any additional licensing fees to offer sports betting.
Who Regulates Arkansas Sports Betting?
The Arkansas Racing Commission is responsible for all licensing, fine adjudication, certification of casino games, appeals/rulings, and approval of all casino gaming plans.
How Arkansas Sports Betting Compares To Nearby Markets
Arkansas sports betting has entered a new era of maturity in 2026. For years, the state’s identity was defined by BetSaracen, the homegrown flagship sportsbook of Saracen Casino Resort. While many neighboring states relied immediately on national brands, Arkansas successfully built a “local-first” foundation with robust in-play options and “flash bet” markets that rivaled top-tier operators.
However, the landscape shifted dramatically on March 20, 2026, when FanDuel and DraftKings officially launched in the Natural State. Previously, Arkansas was considered a “national gap” because of a unique regulation requiring third-party sportsbooks to share 51% of net revenue with their local casino partners—a much higher rate than the 5% to 15% seen in other states. The willingness of these industry leaders to finally accept these terms has transformed Arkansas from a limited, three-app market into a competitive field of five regulated mobile options.
Compared to neighbors like Tennessee, which has an entirely open mobile market, or Mississippi, which still restricts mobile betting to casino grounds, Arkansas now offers a unique “hybrid” model. It protects local interests through the 51% revenue-share rule while providing players with the world-class technology, expansive prop markets, and “line shopping” opportunities found in the country’s largest betting hubs.
Today, Arkansas policies continue to support the state’s three anchors—Saracen Casino Resort, Southland Casino Hotel, and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. While BetSaracen remains a powerhouse for those who prefer a local brand, the arrival of FanDuel (partnered with Oaklawn) and DraftKings (partnered with Southland) ensures that Arkansas bettors are among the best-served in the region.
Beyond sports betting, the state’s gambling ecosystem is thriving with three full-scale casinos, historic horse racing, and a state lottery that has contributed billions to scholarships since 2009.
Pros and Cons of Arkansas Sports Betting
Arkansas is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to sports betting successes and failures, with some good strides in some areas and lesser results in others.
Pros
- Unrestricted College Betting: Unlike many neighboring states, Arkansas allows full wagering on all college sports, including player props and in-state teams like the Arkansas Razorbacks.
- National Platform Access: Users now have access to the country's top-rated apps (FanDuel and DraftKings), bringing world-class features like Same Game Parlay+ and live streaming to the state.
- Diverse Market Options: Between local favorite BetSaracen and the new national entrants, bettors can now "line shop" across five different mobile apps to find the best odds.
Cons
- Revenue-Share Pricing: Because national operators must share 51% of revenue with local casinos, users may occasionally see slightly "juiced" odds or fewer niche promotions compared to states with open markets like Tennessee.
- Sensitive Geolocation: Arkansas mobile apps are notoriously strict; you must be precisely within state lines, and being near a border (like West Memphis) can sometimes cause "fencing" glitches.
- Limited "Local" Competition: While the big names are here, smaller "boutique" sportsbooks (like Fanatics or BetRivers) have not yet entered the market due to the high revenue-share requirements.
Successes
Going live with online sports betting was a big step in the right direction. It’s good to see legal betting options of any kind in the Natural State.
The state has friendly college sports betting policies as well. Not all states allow bets on in-state college programs or events. Arkansas does, so bets on the Razorbacks are available. That’s an important benefit in a state with no major pro sports franchises.
Failures
We’d like to see Arkansas expand its online gambling operations to include licensed online casinos.
Arkansas Sports Betting Revenue and Handle
State revenue has surged following the shift to statewide mobile wagering. While the “51% revenue-share” rule previously deterred national brands, the March 20, 2026, launch of FanDuel and DraftKings has ended that period of “stunted” growth.
This expansion follows a record-breaking 2025, where Arkansas reached a total handle of $639.5 million—a 14.6% increase over 2024. Although summer typically brings a seasonal slowdown in the Natural State, the entry of national powerhouses is expected to drive higher year-round engagement and significantly boost tax contributions through 2026.
| Year | Handle | Revenue | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11,275,015 | $1,335,658 | $173,637 |
| 2020 | $32,882,808 | $4,306,525 | $583,374 |
| 2021 | $67,742,214 | $8,611,302 | $1,201,868 |
| 2022 | $185,818,483 | $17,982,684 | $2,510,337 |
| 2023 | $404,764,327 | $37,156,935 | $5,335,146 |
| 2024 | $557,920,061 | $48,201,729 | $6,381,215 |
| 2025 | $639,514,000 | $59,774,000 | $7,840,000 |
| Total | $1,900,100,000+ | $177,368,833 | $24,025,577 |
Arkansas Responsible Gaming
Any state that has legal sports betting also needs to take responsible gaming measures. The Arkansas Problem Gambling Council is in place to promote financial literacy and guide people who are negatively impacted by gambling. The site includes a three-question survey to help bettors understand their risk level for problem gambling.
A helpline is available at 1-800-GAMBLER or email info@arpgcouncil.org for more assistance.
The council’s state website also features national resources, including 1-800-GAMBLER, a chat option, and a link to gamtalk.org.
Arkansas Sports Betting: More Resources
Arkansas Sports Betting FAQ
Yes. Statewide mobile sports betting has been legal since February 2022. As of March 2026, the market has expanded to include national leaders like FanDuel and DraftKings alongside established local apps.
You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports (retail or online) in Arkansas. However, residents aged 18+ are permitted to wager on horse racing and participate in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
Yes. Arkansas allows betting on college sports, including in-state teams such as the Arkansas Razorbacks, Arkansas State Red Wolves, UAPB, Central Arkansas, and Little Rock. College basketball betting also ramps up during March Madness.
No. You do not need to be a resident, but you must be physically located within the state of Arkansas to place bets. Licensed sportsbook apps like BetSaracen use geolocation software to ensure compliance with state law.
The Arkansas Racing Commission oversees all legal sports betting in the state, including mobile apps like BetSaracen.
Yes, DraftKings Sportsbook is legal and available in Arkansas. New users can sign up and claim a welcome bonus worth up to $1,200 in June 2026.
Yes. FanDuel officially launched in Arkansas on March 20, 2026, through a partnership with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. New users can currently claim a welcome bonus worth up to $350.
While FanDuel and DraftKings are the new national giants, BetSaracen remains the “homegrown” favorite. It is known for its deep local knowledge, unique Arkansas-specific “Saracen Specials,” and its long-standing reputation as the state’s first major mobile platform.
