Arkansas Sports
Betting Guide
Your complete, independent guide to legal sports betting in the Natural State. Compare all 5 licensed sportsbooks, claim the best bonuses, and start betting responsibly.
Best Arkansas Sportsbooks
All 5 licensed online sportsbooks operating in Arkansas, independently reviewed and ranked. Each operator is regulated by the AR Racing Commission and fully legal for anyone 21+ within state lines.
FanDuel
Mobile Betting- Launched March 2026
- Powered by Oaklawn Sports
- Most popular sportsbook in US
DraftKings
Best Welcome Bonus- Launched March 2026
- Partnership with Southland Casino
- Best app experience
BetSaracen
Local Sportsbook- Local Arkansas operator
- Saracen Casino Resort
- Quapaw Nation owned
Betly
First to Launch- First mobile sportsbook in AR
- Launched March 2022
- Strong local presence
Oaklawn Sports
Heritage Brand- First retail bet in Arkansas
- Historic Oaklawn brand
- Now partnered with FanDuel
Welcome Bonus Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of every welcome offer available to new Arkansas bettors.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Condition | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $300 Guaranteed | Win or lose — bonus bets credited | $5 |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $300 Instantly | Bonus bets credited regardless of outcome | $5 |
| BetSaracen | $500 First Deposit Bonus | Use code TODAY250 for $250 first bet | $10 |
| Betly | Check site for latest offer | Southland Casino sportsbook | $10 |
| Oaklawn Sports | Check site for latest offer | Now powered by FanDuel | $10 |
How to Start Betting in Arkansas
From choosing a sportsbook to placing your first wager, here is exactly how to get started with legal sports betting in the Natural State.
Choose a Sportsbook
Pick a licensed Arkansas sportsbook from our reviewed list above. Each operator is regulated by the AR Racing Commission.
Create Your Account
Provide your name, email, address, phone number, and last four digits of your SSN. Geolocation confirms you are in Arkansas.
Claim Your Bonus
Enter any promo code during registration or on your first deposit. Each sportsbook has unique welcome offers — compare before committing.
Fund & Start Betting
Make your first deposit via bank transfer, debit card, PayPal, or other accepted methods. Most sportsbooks have $5-$10 minimums.
What Can You Bet On?
Arkansas sportsbooks cover all major professional and college sports.
College Football
Arkansas Razorbacks (SEC), full NCAAF coverage including Cowboys, Texans, and Chiefs
College Basketball
Arkansas Razorbacks basketball, March Madness, full NCAAB coverage
NFL
No in-state team — popular picks include Cowboys, Chiefs, Saints, Titans, and Texans
MLB
Cardinals, Royals, Astros, Rangers — full MLB coverage and World Series futures
NBA
Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Thunder — full NBA slate and player props
NHL
Stars, Predators, Blues — puck lines, goalie props, Stanley Cup futures
Horse Racing
Oaklawn Park hosts the Arkansas Derby — pari-mutuel and fixed-odds wagering
UFC / MMA
Title fights, main cards, round betting, method of victory props
Arkansas Sports Betting Laws
📜 House Bill 1942
Arkansas legalized sports betting through House Bill 1942, signed by Governor Asa Hutchinson in 2021. Online betting launched on March 6, 2022. The AR Racing Commission oversees all operations.
💰 Tax Structure
Operators pay 13% / 20% Tiered. Revenue supports state programs including responsible gambling initiatives and education.
📋 Licensing
Arkansas allows up to 8 licenses. Currently 5 operators are live and accepting wagers.
🎓 College Betting
Arkansas allows betting on all college sports including in-state teams like the Arkansas Razorbacks. There are no restrictions on college player props, making it one of the more open college betting markets.
📍 Retail Sportsbooks
Arkansas has retail sportsbooks at three casinos: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs), Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff), and Southland Casino Racing (West Memphis). A fourth casino in Russellville is planned.
🔒 Age & Location
You must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Arkansas to place legal sports bets. Residency is not required. Geolocation technology verifies your location.
Key Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas voters approved sports betting in November 2018, with retail betting launching in July 2019. Online sports betting went live on March 6, 2022. The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates the industry.
How old do I have to be to bet in Arkansas?
You must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets in Arkansas, whether online or at a retail sportsbook.
How many sportsbooks are in Arkansas?
There are currently 5 licensed online sportsbooks in Arkansas: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetSaracen, Betly, and Oaklawn Sports. The state allows up to 8 mobile sportsbook operators in total.
Can I bet on the Arkansas Razorbacks?
Yes! Arkansas has no restrictions on college sports betting, including in-state teams like the Razorbacks. Player props on college athletes are also permitted, making AR one of the more open college markets.
Why did it take so long for FanDuel and DraftKings to launch?
Arkansas requires sportsbooks to share 51% of their revenue with in-state casino partners — the highest revenue split in the country. This rule deterred major national operators until partnerships with Oaklawn (FanDuel) and Southland (DraftKings) were finalized in early 2026.
Do I need to be an Arkansas resident?
No. Anyone 21 or older who is physically located within Arkansas can place legal sports bets. Geolocation technology verifies your location.
What is the tax rate?
Arkansas uses a tiered tax structure: 13% on the first $150 million of annual revenue, then 20% on revenue beyond that threshold.
Are retail sportsbooks available?
Yes. Arkansas has retail sportsbooks at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs), Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff), and Southland Casino Racing (West Memphis).