Arkansas Sports Betting Nov 2024

Arkansas online sports betting is live, however, it has been slow to develop due to a controversial rule that calls for a 51% revenue-sharing plan (5-15% it typical) was accepted. Private operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars and BetMGM have yet to enter the market, likely because of the rule.

Only two operators have launched thus far: Southland Casino Racing's Betly online sportsbook, which was only available for Android users, but is now accessible in the Apple Store as well (iOS users). The other, BET Saracen, launched on May 10 after being plagued by delays.

Each of Arkansas' three casinos are able to launch mobile apps under their own brand, meaning they aren't required by law to partner with a private operator like DraftKings.

As we said, the arrival of DraftKings into the Arkansas market may take awhile since DK was the main operator opposed (along with BetMGM) to the 51% rule. It's definitely an outlier compared to the typical 5-15% profit share that most bookmakers realize.

The best mobile sports betting apps are now able to launch in the state, however, as time goes on there are more questions about which operators will enter the market. Arkansas bettors: Bookmark this page for the latest AR sports betting news and developments in the push for online Arkansas sportsbooks.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas?

Yes, Arkansas sports betting launched in March 2022 after a controversial 51% revenue sharing rule was accepted by the joint budget committee in late February. There are two options: Betly Sportsbook and BET Saracen, which launched on May 10.

The slow-developing market is due in large part to opposition, mainly from operators like DraftKings, to language change that calls for casinos to receive 51% of profits from mobile betting (5-15% is typical).

Benefits of Legal Online Sports Betting in Arkansas

Online sports wagering gives Arkansas residents access to sports wagering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from their smartphone or home computer. That means no more long drives to a casino just to place a sports bet. From Little Rock, the state’s most populous city, the nearest casino is about 60 miles away. Bettors with have access to AR sports betting in the palms of their hands.

Arkansas Sports Betting Legislation Updates

• 📅 May 10, 2022: Saracen Casino launches its BET Saracen app after a lengthy delay. The sportsbook had hoped to launch in time for March Madness.
• 📅 Arpil 26, 2022: Betly's sportsbook app, the only one available in the state, becomes accessible for iOS users. The app was previously only available on Android or desktop.
• 📅 Arpil 8, 2022: Months after the approval of online sports betting, Southland Casino's Betly online sportsbook (Android only) is the lone operator taking bets in Arkansas.
• 📅 March 5, 2022: Southland Racing Casino become the first operator to launch online sports betting in Arkansas through its Betly online sportsbook. However, it's not available on mobile at this point.
• 📅 Feb. 22, 2022: The 51% revenue-sharing rule is accepted by the joint budget committee, paving the way for Arkansas mobile sports betting to launch in time for March Madness.
• 📅 Feb. 17 2022: A subcommittee approves the 51% rule for Arkansas online sports betting, which means it will go to one more vote before casinos and their operating partners can launch mobile apps. Arkansas mobile sports betting could be live in time for March Madness.
• 📅 Jan. 26, 2021: The 51% revenue sharing rule, which was awaiting final approval, is pulled from the legislative agenda, potentially delaying Arkansas sports betting until at least March.
• 📅 Dec. 30, 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission vote unanimously to allow a rule change to revenue sharing of mobile sports betting, clearing the way for approval from the joint legislative Rules Committee and Gov. Asa Hutchinson. The vote means mobile sports betting in Arkansas could begin in the early part of 2022.
• 📅 Dec. 20, 2021: Opposition to a rule change that would give Arkansas casinos 51% of mobile sports betting profits (5-15% is typical) makes national headlines.
• 📅 Nov. 18, 2021: Arkansas Racing Commission votes to publish rules for online sports wagering and allow for a 30-day public comment period. Revised rules will require approval from joint legislative Rules Committee and signature of Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
• 📅 April 30, 2021: Legislative session adjourns without a vote on sports betting legislation.
• 📅 April 19, 2021 Rep. Lee Johnson introduces online sports betting House Bill 1942.

Arkansas Sports Betting History

• ⌛ 2022: Online sports betting could launch, allowing for mobile legal sports betting in Arkansas.
• ⌛ 2021: Online sports betting legislation fails to come up for vote before state Legislature adjourns in late April. Arkansas Racing Commission in November votes to publish rules for online sports wagering. Legislative Rules Committee and Gov. Asa Hutchinson are expected to approve AR online betting.
• ⌛ 2019: State’s first legal sports wager is placed on July 9 at Oaklawn Racetrack and Casino in Hot Springs, ushering in the era of sports gambling in Arkansas.
• ⌛ 2018: Arkansas voters approve constitutional amendment to legalize in-person sports betting and casino-style gambling at one horse track, one greyhound track and two proposed casinos in Jefferson and Pope counties. The answer to the question "is sports betting legal in Arkansas legal" is finally "yes."

Arkansas Racing Commission Approves Online Sports Betting

With sports betting limited to in-person wagering at casinos, and many Arkansas online bettors crossing the state line to wager in mobile-only Tennessee and elsewhere, the Arkansas Racing Commission took steps to add online sports wagering. In a November 2021 commission meeting, the panel voted to publish rules for online sports wagering and set a public comment period.

“I’d like to see this done as quickly as possible,’’ Arkansas Racing Commission chairman Alex Lieblong said of implementing online sports betting in the state.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson Supports Arkansas Sports Betting

The governor did not endorse a 2018 constitutional amendment to allow for in-person sports betting and casino gambling in the state, but when voters approved the measure by a 54-46% margin, Hutchinson said: “The people have spoken, and I respect their will.’’

With Tennessee allowing online-only sports betting and Louisiana sports betting in the process of implementing mobile wagering, Hutchinson has come out in favor of adding online sports wagering, provided the racing commission implements appropriate geofencing measures. Hutchinson said adding online sports wagering would keep Arkansas competitive with some of its neighboring states.

If the legislative Rules Committee approves the rule change to allow Arkansas online sports betting, the governor is expected to sign it.

Arkansas Sports Betting Law

Key points of Arkansas’ sports betting law, should it come into effect. It would apply to AR betting apps as well as every AR sportsbook online:

• ✅ All bettors must be 21 or over.
• ✅ Sports wagering is regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission.
• ✅ Betting is permitted on professional and college sports, including games involving Arkansas-based schools.
• ✅ In-person sports betting is permitted at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs; Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis; and Saracen Casino Annex in Pine Bluff. A fourth commercial casino in Russellville is expected to begin construction soon.
• ✅ Online sports wagering rules are not yet finalized, but a current proposal allows each Arkansas casino to partner with two mobile platforms. The revenue split between casino and mobile sports betting operator is not yet resolved.
• ✅ Majority of gaming tax revenue is allocated to state’s general fund.

Arkansas Online Sportsbooks

Among the top online sportsbooks likely to apply for an online license in Arkansas:

DraftKings Arkansas Sportsbook

DraftKings already offers legal daily fantasy sports betting in Arkansas and is among the heavyweights in the online sports betting industry. Player-friendly mobile app, solid bonus offers and aggressive marketing help make DraftKings Arkansas Sportsbook app one of the leading sports betting providers in every state it operates. It would likely be one of the best online betting sites Arkansas bettors will have access to.

Claim the DraftKings Arkansas promo code

FanDuel Arkansas Sportsbook

Like rival DraftKings, FanDuel is a major player in daily fantasy sports in Arkansas and one of the leading national online sports betting providers. FanDuel offers plenty of daily promotions, a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options and an easy-to-use FanDuel Arkansas mobile app. FanDuel would be a formidable player among online betting sites AR.

• Claim the FanDuel Arkansas Promo Code

BetMGM Arkansas Sportsbook

Online gaming division of gambling giant MGM Resorts International continues to gain market share with aggressive expansion and promotions. Huge betting menu, ranks among top three (with DraftKings and FanDuel) in online sports betting handle in neighboring Tennessee and BetMGM Arkansas betting app would be a major force among AR sports betting sites.

• Claim the BetMGM Arkansas Promo Code

Caesars Arkansas Sportsbook

Caesars has entered into partnerships in other states with Cherokee Nation, which was recently approved for a casino license in Pope County. Caesars Arkansas sportsbook app offers one of the highest welcome bonus offers in the industry and the most popular rewards program. A Caesars AR online sportsbook would likely offer a similar, generous welcome bonus.

• Claim the Caesars Sportsbook Arkansas promo code

TwinSpires Arkansas Sportsbook

The in-person sportsbook at Oaklawn Racing & Casino Resort in Hot Springs is partnered with Churchill Downs Inc., the owner of TwinSpires. While known primarily for the Kentucky Derby and pari-mutuel wagering, Churchill Downs owns a fast-growing online sports betting business available in more than a half-dozen states. Given the popularity of Arkansas horse betting, sports betting online on a TwinSpires Arkansas betting app would be appealing given its facebook.

• Claim the TwinSpires Arkansas Sportsbook Promo Code

Betly Arkansas Sportsbook

Betly Sportsbook, owned by Delaware North, offers in-person wagering at Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis, Ark. Betly already provides online sports wagering in West Virginia.

Bet Saracen Sportsbook

Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff) launched its sportsbook, BET Saracen, on May 10. The hope was for a launched timed to coincide with March Madness, but regulatory delays prevented that.

How We Pick the Best Arkansas Sport Betting Sites

Among the key criteria Bookies.com uses to determine the best online sports betting sites in Arkansas and other states:

How are Arkansas Sports Betting Sites Regulated?

The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates all sports betting in the state, and every AR sports betting website will fall under its umbrella. We only consider and recommend sites that are properly licensed and regulated by the commission. We do not review offshore-based sportsbook sites, which lack proper regulation and oversight.

Arkansas Sports Betting Sites Reputation

Your AR sports betting site of choice should have a successful sports wagering history and trustworthy reputation in Arkansas and other states in which it operates.

Accessibility

Arkansas online sports betting sites should be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from your smartphone (iOS or Android) or home computer. Downloading the app should be simple and hassle-free.

Reliability

The top sports betting platforms will reliably offer betting lines on the games you want at fair prices. Deposits and withdrawals should be processed in a timely fashion.

Site and Mobile Experience

Mobile wagering is the present and future of sports betting (between 80 and 90% of all sports wagers in the U.S. are placed online), so mobile experience is key. That means a multi-functional, player-friendly app that is easy to navigate. Customer service should be available to promptly resolve any potential question or issue.

Generous and Ongoing Sports Bet Bonuses

Most sports betting bonuses are geared toward signing up new accounts and players should take advantage of risk-free first bets and deposit match offers (always read terms and conditions before claiming). Existing players should look for daily promotions such as free odds boosts and reduced juice on select games from their AR online sportsbooks.

Payment Options

How do you want to deposit funds into your Arkansas sports betting account? The best betting sites AR has should offer a wide selection of options, ranging from credit/debit card to e-wallet (such as PayPal), online banking or cash. In many cases, funds are transferred into your Arkansas sports betting account in seconds.

Variety of Games to Bet On

Bettors won’t have any trouble finding betting lines of the NFL, college football or other major sports on their favorite AR sports betting app. But what about games in less popular or international sports leagues? Your Arkansas sportsbook should offer all those options.

Better Odds

Securing the most favorable odds on your wagers will be a key to sports betting success on the best online betting sites AR. We look for moneyline prices that charge the lowest vigs and offer the most value. We encourage players to sign up with more than one Arkansas sportsbook, which allows them to shop and compare odds and prices.

Deposits and Withdrawals

The more options for both, the better. Using the same method to make deposits AND withdrawals usually works best. That usually involves E-wallets, online banking or a Play+ prepaid card.

Payout Process

Withdrawals can be requested at any time and the payout process should be timely. Withdrawals generally require a 24–48-hour approval period. A form of ID may be required for your initial withdrawal. Some sportsbooks allow players to track the status of each withdrawal request.

Security at Online Sportsbooks in Arkansas

Arkansas bettors should be confident that all of their wagers are safe and their personal information secure. Your Arkansas sports betting provider should be utilizing the most advanced encryption technology that is available to leading financial institutions. Bettors can also take measures of their own to help keep their accounts safe.

Are Mobile Sports Betting Apps Available in Arkansas?

Not yet, but hopefully Arkansas legal mobile sports betting will be available as soon as March. If a rule calling for a 51% revenue sharing plan between casinos and operators clears one final vote, mobile sports betting will launch in Arkansas possibly by the middle of March.

When online sports wagering is formally approved, Arkansas online sportsbook providers will offer mobile sports betting apps for Android and iOS devices, free to download. While the apps are state-specific, the Arkansas FanDuel or DraftKings app will look nearly identical to the companies’ sports betting apps in other states.

Bonuses & Promotions at Arkansas Sports Betting Sites

Arkansas online sportsbooks are expected to offer a wide range of welcome bonuses and promotions. Bonus offers generally include some form of wagering requirement. The most common bonus offers:

💰 Risk-Free First Bet: If new account holders lose their first wager, the money is refunded in wagering credits.

💰 Deposit match: The online sportsbook will match up to 100% of the player’s initial deposit. These funds will come with a playthrough requirement, ranging from 1x to up to 25x, so be sure to real the terms and conditions of the online sportsbook Arkansas site before opting in.

💰 Welcome bonus: A small welcome bonus just for signing up.

Among the most popular promotions for existing players are odds boosts, parlay insurance and reduced juice on specific sports or games.

Types of Sports Bets Offered in Arkansas

Arkansas online players will find all of the same wager-types (and more) they would find at their favorite casino sportsbook. The most popular sports bets offered:

• ⭐ Point Spread: Arkansas sports betting sites will "give" points to an underdog or "take" them from a favorite to balance the odds, usually at -110. If Arkansas is +17 against Alabama, it must lose by 16 points or less (or win) to cover the spread. The Crimson Tide would need to win by 18 or more to cover.
• ⭐ Moneyline: A straight-up bet on which team will win a game. A favorite is represented with negative odds (such as -180), which represents how much you must bet in order to win $100. An underdog has plus-odds, which is how much you would win with a $100 bet.
• ⭐ Totals (over/under): AR sportsbooks set a combined total of points and you wager whether the two teams will go above or below that mark.
• ⭐ Parlay: The kind of bet combines multiple bets into one wager. Your stake will be less for a bigger potential payout, but every leg must hit in order for you to cash. While a fun style of betting, the odds favor the sportsbook on these wagers.
• ⭐ Teasers: A style of parlay betting where you can adjust the lines in your favor in exchange for a lower potential payout. The best online sports betting AR sites will all offer teasers.
• ⭐ Proposition bet: A wager on an aspect of a game that does not necessarily depend on the end result. Player prop bets on online football betting AR sites could include whether a QB throws for 300+ yards or a wide receiver scores a touchdown. Team props include first team to score, total number of sacks, etc.
• ⭐ Futures bet: A futures bet is on an event in the future. An example of an NFL futures bet would be next Super Bowl winner.

Online sports providers will also offer live (in-game) betting – wagers placed while the game is in progress with odds continually updated in real time.

What Sports Leagues Can I Bet On in Arkansas?

Wagering on just about every major sports league is available. Some examples:

When Can I Play Daily Fantasy Sports in Arkansas?

Any day you want. Arkansas legalized paid-entry daily fantasy sports in 2017, the 11th state to do so. All of the major daily fantasy sports operators, including FanDuel and DraftKings, currently operate in the Razorback State.

How to Sign up and Place a Sports Bet in Arkansas

Signing up for an Arkansas online sports betting account will be simple and quick. Before registering, spend some time navigating multiple Arkansas sportsbooks to determine which site(s) work best for you. To sign up:

1. ✅ Select your Arkansas sportsbook of choice.
2. ✅ Click on “Open Account” or “Join Now” to register. You will be asked to provide some information, such as name, address, contact number and last four digits of Social Security number (to verify age and identity).
3. ✅ Once your account is established, deposit funds for wagering. You will be offered several options (credit card, online banking, PayPal, etc.), some of which transfer funds instantly.
4. ✅ When funds appear in your account balance, you are ready to wager. Find the sport and game you wish to bet on, enter an amount and submit wager.

Top 5 Arkansas Sports Teams to Bet On

University of Arkansas

Arkansas sports betting law allows for wagering on college games involving in-state schools. The University of Arkansas is a member of the Southeastern Conference and by far the most high-profile collegiate program in the state. The best betting apps AR will have plenty of bets available.

Arkansas State

The Red Wolves are a football-playing member of the Sun Belt Conference.

University of Arkansas-Little Rock

The UALR Trojans are a non-football member of the Sun Belt.

Dallas Cowboys

Perhaps the most popular team in the NFL is clearly the most popular in the Razorback State. Betting websites AR will have a ton of lines for the Cowboys, including NFL futures, props, in-game betting and the standard moneyline, spread and totals wagers.

St. Louis Cardinals

The MLB team has more than a dozen radio affiliates in Arkansas and a large fan base throughout the state.

Responsible Gambling

Several state and national resources are available for problem gamblers, including the Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services, Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-Anon and the National Problem Gambling Helpline.

All Arkansas casinos offer self-exclusion programs in which players can voluntarily exclude themselves from wagering for a specific period of time. When Arkansas online sportsbooks go live, all are expected to allow players to set limits on deposits, wagering amounts and time spent on the website.

Latest Arkansas Sports Betting Numbers

ARKANSAS SPORTS BETTING, APRIL vs. MARCH

Updated Dec 2