Arkansas Sportsbooks

Sports betting in Arkansas is legal and operational both online and at retail locations. Initially, sports betting was only available in person at casinos, but a rule change in late 2021 allowed for the launch of online betting in March 2022. As of now, there are three online sportsbooks available in Arkansas: 

1. Betly
2. Oaklawn Sports
3. Bet Saracen

What is Legal Sports Betting in Arkansas?

Legal sports betting in Arkansas encompasses both in-person betting at designated casinos and online betting through licensed sportsbooks. This allows bettors to place bets from anywhere within the state using approved online apps or by visiting a casino.

• November 2018: Arkansas voters approve retail sports betting.
• July 2019: Retail sports betting launches at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
• December 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission approves online sports betting rules.
• March 2022: Online sports betting becomes operational in Arkansas.

Best Arkansas Sportsbooks

Online Sportsbooks

1. Betly
2. Bet Saracen
3. Oaklawn Sports

Retail Sportsbooks

1. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs)
2. Southland Casino Racing (West Memphis)
3. Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff)
4. Legends Resort & Casino (Russellville) - Coming soon

Online Sports Betting in Arkansas

2024 has been an exciting year so far for Arkansas sports betting. Here are a few of the highlights:

• 
  July 24, 2024: The sports betting handle in Arkansas reached $38.8 million in May, while June saw a total of $31.4 million, marking a 38.3% increase compared to June last year.
• June 19, 2024: The sports betting handle in Arkansas decreased to $41.7 million in April, reflecting a 16.6% drop from March but a significant 64% increase compared to April of the previous year.
• May 7, 2024: Saracen Casino Resort, one of three online sports betting operators in Arkansas, is preparing to advocate for the legalization of online casino gaming. This move aims to reduce the prevalence of unregulated gambling providers in the state.
• April 30, 2024: March sports betting handle in Arkansas amounted to $50 million, an 18% rise from February and a 25% increase year-over-year.
• February 15, 2024: Arkansas regulators issued cease-and-desist letters to PrizePicks and Underdog, demanding that the DFS apps cease operations within the state.

Under Arkansas's online sports betting regulations, the state can accommodate up to eight online sportsbooks. Currently, three sportsbooks are operational. Additional candidates may offer online sports betting promotions and bonuses upon their launch in Arkansas:

FanDuel Sportsbook

• FanDuel, initially a daily fantasy sports provider, has expanded into full-service gambling. Its user-friendly app and various promotions have propelled it to the top of the market in multiple areas of the country. FanDuel has partnered with gambling technology provider IGT, which powers the sports betting operations at Southland Casino Racing and Saracen Casino Resort.

DraftKings Sportsbook

• Known for its daily fantasy sports operations, DraftKings has been active in Arkansas since 2017. The company's merger with SBTech, a partner of Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, in 2020, and its presence at a 2021 Arkansas Racing Commission meeting underscore its potential to expand into online sports betting.

Caesars Sportsbook

• Caesars Sportsbook, associated with one of the largest global gambling companies, is partnered with Gulfside Casino Partnership. This partnership is poised to manage the upcoming River Valley Casino in Russellville.

BetMGM Sportsbook

• BetMGM Sportsbook has been at the forefront of online sports betting launches in multiple states in the past few years. MGM is active in the region and maintains two casino properties in neighboring Mississippi. BetMGM also had a presence at the December 2021 meeting of the Arkansas Racing Commission.

Other Potential Arkansas Sportsbooks

With the possibility of up to eight online sportsbooks in Arkansas, other companies may also enter the market:

• BetRivers
• Betfred

To sign up for an online sportsbook in Arkansas:

1. Select a licensed sportsbook.
2. Visit their website or download the app.
3. Click "Sign Up" or "Register."
4. Enter your personal information (name, address, last four digits of SSN).
5. Verify your identity and age (must be 21+).
6. Set up account preferences and security measures.
7. Make your first deposit.

What Sports Can I Bet on in Arkansas?

NFL

• Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs.
• Example: Bet on the outcome of a Cowboys game or place a player prop bet on a Chiefs player.

NBA

• Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies.
• Example: Wager on the Mavericks' game against the Lakers.

MLB

• Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers.
• Example: Bet on the Cardinals' game outcome or total home runs by the Rangers.

NHL

• Teams: Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues.
• Example: Place a bet on the Stars' winning chances or goalie saves by the Blues.

College Sports

• Teams: Arkansas Razorbacks, Arkansas State Red Wolves.
• Example: Bet on the Razorbacks' basketball game.

NASCAR

• Example: Wager on the winner of a NASCAR race or top finishers.

Arkansas’ Sports Teams to Bet On

Although Arkansas lacks professional sports teams, nearby teams and college sports are popular for betting:

• NFL: Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs.
• NBA: Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies.
• MLB: St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers.
• NHL: Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues.
• College: Arkansas Razorbacks, Arkansas State Red Wolves, Central Arkansas Bears, Little Rock Trojans, Pine Bluff Golden Lions.

Types of Wagers Available

• Moneyline: Bet on the outright winner.
• Parlays: Combine multiple bets into one for higher potential payouts.
• Totals (Over/Under): Bet on whether the combined score will be over or under a set number.
• Point Spreads: Bet on the margin of victory.
• Futures: Long-term bets on season outcomes.
• Prop Bets: Specific events within a game.
• Live Bets: Bets placed during the game with real-time odds.

Prohibited Bets

Arkansas law prohibits betting on political elections and virtual sports.

Factors to Consider

• Competitive Odds: Ensure you get the best possible return on your bets.
• Market Variety: Look for a wide range of sports and betting options.
• User Experience: Choose platforms with a user-friendly interface.
• Customer Support: Reliable support is crucial for resolving issues.
• Payment Options: Secure and convenient methods for deposits and withdrawals.
• Bonuses and Promotions: Take advantage of offers with clear terms.
• Mobile Compatibility: Ensure a seamless mobile betting experience.
• Reputation and Licensing: Select sportsbooks with a strong reputation and proper licensing.

Why Should I Have At Least 3 Arkansas Sportsbook Accounts?

Maintaining multiple sportsbook accounts provides several advantages:

• Line Shopping: Compare odds to find the best value.
• Market Access: Access a broader range of betting options.
• Backup Options: Ensure availability if one sportsbook is down.

What Deposit And Withdraw Options Are Available?

Common payment methods include:

• Credit/Debit Cards
• E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill)
• Bank Transfers
• ACH/eCheck
• Play+ Prepaid Cards
• PayNearMe

The legalization of sports betting has positively impacted Arkansas' economy, generating significant tax revenue. The revenue supports education, local governments, and problem gambling services.

Arkansas Sports Betting Tax Rate

Arkansas imposes a 51% tax rate on sports betting revenue, one of the highest in the country.

Importance of Responsible Gaming in Arkansas

The Arkansas Racing Commission and sportsbooks promote responsible gaming through:

• Age Verification: Prevent underage betting.
• Self-Exclusion Programs: Allow voluntary gambling restrictions.
• Deposit Limits: Set caps on deposits.
• Cool-Off Periods: Temporary account suspensions.
• Support Resources: Access to helplines and support services.

Residents of Arkansas have been able to legally participate in daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests since 2017. Governor Asa Hutchinson approved HB 2250 in April of that year, enabling DFS sites to operate legally within the state. Prominent DFS providers, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, have been integral to the Arkansas DFS landscape since then.

This legislation marked Arkansas as the first state to legalize DFS in 2017 and the ninth state overall to do so. The law primarily focuses on the taxation of DFS operations, imposing an 8% flat tax on DFS sites. The act is concise, spanning just four pages and lacking extensive restrictions or consumer protection measures for contest participants.

Legal Status: Betting on horse and greyhound races is legal in Arkansas, both live and online.

Arkansas Derby:

• Prestigious race held every April at Oaklawn Park.
• Features 3-year-old thoroughbreds running 1⅛ miles on dirt for a $1.25 million purse.
• Notable winners: American Pharoah, Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex.

Online Betting:

• Residents can bet on races through online platforms like FanDuel Racing, which offers coverage via FanDuel TV.

Greyhound Racing:

• Takes place from January to September at Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis.
• Though less popular due to animal welfare concerns, it remains an option for wagering.