Arkansas Sports Betting

Unlike virtually all other Bible Belt states, Arkansas was an early adopter of legal sports betting. With only three small-time mobile operators, however, it has failed to realize its full potential.

Our Best Arkansas Sports Betting Offers

 

Disclaimer: For those outside of Arkansas, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.

About Sports Betting in Arkansas

Unlike virtually all other Bible Belt states, Arkansas was an early adopter of legal sports betting, kicking off retail wagering in 2019 and the mobile version in 2022. Oaklawn Park, which introduced historical horse racing machines to the gambling public, was at the fore of these efforts and boasts one of the state's three retail sportsbooks, as well as an eponymous mobile app.

Unfortunately for Arkansans, the state is home to just three mobile apps: local platforms operated by Oaklawn and Saracen Casino Resort (BetSaracen), and Betly, a small national operator that's tethered to Southland Casino Racing, a former greyhound track in West Memphis. DraftKings and FanDuel have a presence in the state through their daily fantasy sports contests, but they have yet to enter Arkansas's sports betting market.

If Arkansas had a more competitive sports betting market, its all-time monthly record would likely be higher than the $66.1 million posted in December of 2024, but the Natural State boasts a passionate population of sports fans who are able to wager on the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and other in-state collegiate programs.

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Arkansas Sportsbooks

Currently Operating Sportsbooks

Current Sportsbooks

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Licenses Allowed

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Sports Betting Legalization in Arkansas

Arkansas Sports Betting Law Highlights

  • Retail sports betting launched in 2019, while the mobile version got off the ground in 2022.
  • Sports betting taxed at 13-20%, depending on the amount of an operator's net revenue.
  • Wagering on in-state colleges is allowed.
  • Three online operators, none among the national leaders, tethered to a retail location apiece.
  • Bettors must be 21 to legally wager.
  • While they don't participate in Arkansas's sports betting market, DraftKings and FanDuel offer DFS contests in the state.

Legalization Timeline

  • Voters approve retail sports betting

    November 6, 2018

    Just months after the U.S. Supreme Court clears the way for all states to offer sports betting, Arkansas voters elect to allow retail sports wagering, in addition to casino gaming, in their state.

  • Oaklawn accepts first retail sports wager

    July 1, 2019

    Oaklawn's general manager places the state's first bet at the racetrack-casino that he runs, picking the Dallas Cowboys to defeat the New York Giants in the first game of the NFL season.

  • Lawmakers approve online sports wagering

    February 22, 2022

    Arkansas legislators tweak the state's gambling rules to allow for online sports betting.

  • First online sports wagers accepted

    March 5, 2022

    Betly becomes the first online sports betting operator to accept wagers in the Natural State.

FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?

Yes. Legal sports wagering of the brick-and-mortar variety has been operational in Arkansas since July 2019, while mobile betting launched in March 2022.

Who can bet on sports in Arkansas?

Anyone who is at least 21 years of age and physically present within Arkansas's boundaries can place a mobile or in-person bet in the state.

Who regulates sports betting in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates sports wagering in the state.

What can I bet on in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Racing Commission has approved a broad array of sporting events to bet on, including: baseball, basketball, boxing, bowling, cornhole, cricket, cycling, darts, football, futsal, golf, handball, hockey, MMA, motorsports, rugby, sailing, snooker, soccer, and tennis. It is also perfectly permissible to bet on colleges located in Arkansas.

What can't I bet on in Arkansas?

Arkansas is a very permissive sports wagering state, although there's no betting allowed on high school athletics and the like.

Is DFS legal in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Legislature cleared the way for daily fantasy sports contests in 2017, with FanDuel and DraftKings among the leading operators in the state. The racing commission has not hesitated to crack down on DFS operators who fail to adhere to its regulations, however.

Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Arkansas?

Arkansas has a rich history of hosting live horse racing, with Oaklawn Park as the state's most esteemed and last remaining racetrack. Simulcast betting is also available here and at a handful of other locations, and online account wagering is permitted as well.

Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com

Responsible Gambling

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