Last Updated May 25, 2022, 10:03 AM ET
Online sports betting launched in Arkansas on Saturday, March 5, 2022. The Betly online sportsbook came online via its partnership with Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis.
Up to six mobile sportsbooks could soon join forces with Arkansas' three casinos to offer bettors a much more convenient way to place bets.
Covers will continue to lean on its decades of sports betting expertise to bring you a list of the best online sportsbooks in Arkansas.
Arkansas sports betting was legalized in November 2018 — six months after the federal ban on sports wagering was lifted in the United States. After several failed attempts to bring mobile sports betting to the Land of Opportunity, Arkansans could finally see online sportsbooks arrive in March 2022.
Here’s a glimpse into Arkansas’ sports betting journey:
May 10, 2022: After months of delay, Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app officially goes live. It is only the second legal mobile sports betting platform to launch in Arkansas.
March 23, 2022: Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app has yet to launch. The operator had hoped to go live for March Madness, citing issues with 'partners, vendors, and testing laboratories' as the cause of the delay.
March 5, 2022: Betly becomes the state's first legal online sportsbook, with its web-only online platform.
March 4, 2022: Legal online and mobile sports betting in Arkansas is officially allowed to begin, but the state's three casinos aren't yet ready to offer it. The casinos are still expected to launch mobile sportsbooks before March Madness.
Feb. 22, 2022: Arkansas' mobile sports betting rules are officially approved by the state legislature's Joint Budget Committee. Online sports betting is on track to launch in time for March Madness.
Feb. 17, 2022: Lawmakers approve changes to gambling rules that would allow for legal online sports betting in Arkansas. The proposed rules advance to the state legislature's joint budget committee for a final vote.
Jan. 25, 2022: The Arkansas Racing Commission removes mobile sports betting from the legislative agenda, requesting the updated rule be discussed at a future meeting. The last-minute delay will prevent the state from launching mobile sports betting before Super Bowl 56.
Dec. 30, 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission approves changes to Arkansas’ casino gaming rules to allow for mobile sports betting. The proposed changes would see online operators partner with and surrender 51% of profits to local casinos.
Jan. 28, 2020: Betly sportsbook launches a retail sportsbook in Southland Casino Racing.
Oct. 1, 2019: Saracen Casino resort opens Saracen Sportsbook, the second retail sportsbook in Arkansas.
July 1, 2019: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort takes Arkansas’ first legal sports bet as general manager Wayne Smith picks the Dallas Cowboys to defeat the New York Giants in the first game of the 2018-19 NFL season.
November 2018: State voters approve a ballot initiative to legalize casino gaming. Retail sports betting is included in the initiative.
May 14, 2018: SCOTUS overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing each state to legalize and regulate sports betting on its own terms.
Arkansas' mobile sports betting rules have been approved, and online wagering is now up and running via the Betly online sportsbook. The state legislature's Joint Budget Committee signed off on AR's online sports betting rules on Feb. 22, 2022, setting the stage for a pre-March Madness launch.
Much to the dismay of online operators, Arkansas appears to be moving forward with a revenue-sharing agreement significantly in favor of local casinos. Arkansas' three casinos, partnering with two online sportsbooks each, will be granted 51% of all profits generated from online sports betting.
Arkansans should expect a competitive market when all is said and done. Mobile sportsbooks could offer some enticing welcome bonuses — especially if more operators launch ahead of March Madness.
You must be 21 years of age to partake in legal sports betting in Arkansas. Wagers can be placed at one of the state’s three casinos.
Here's everything you need to know about placing sports betting in AR:
Legal ageArkansas sports betting is for adults 21 and older.
Mobile bettingArkansans cannot place legal mobile bets just yet. The Betly sportsbook is only available using a web browser, but mobile apps are coming.
Remote registrationRemote registration will surely accompany mobile sports betting in Arkansas. Sports bettors will have the ability to sign up, claim bonuses, make deposits, and confirm wagers from anywhere in the state.
Within state bordersTo place a legal sports bet, you’ll have to sign-up with Betly or visit a retail sportsbook in Arkansas. When mobile wagering arrives, bettors will be able to confirm their picks from anywhere in the state.
Retail sportsbooksBettors can find brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in each of Arkansas’ three casinos — Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Saracen Casino Resort, and Southland Casino Racing. A fourth casino, Legends Resort & Casino, has yet to be built but will house a sportsbook as soon as it's constructed.
Taxable winningsArkansas bettors will have to surrender 24% of their winnings to the federal government. In addition, Arkansas levies a 3% state tax on all gambling income.
Arkansas is now set to launch mobile sports betting in early March 2022. Until then, Arkansans will be limited to three retail sportsbooks.
Currently limited to three retail sportsbooks51% profit-sharing in favor of casinos could discourage top operators No esports betting To place a legal sports wager in Arkansas, you’ll need to register with Betly, the state's only licensed sports betting site, or visit a brick-and-mortar sportsbook in one of the state’s three casinos.
We recommend exploring each sportsbook's offering in-depth before signing up and locking in your first pick. This means line shopping, comparing welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, and ensuring your banking needs are met.
Until more online operators receive the green light for launch, Arkansans are limited to one online site or they'll have to visit a casino to register with a retail sportsbook.
While mobile sportsbooks will offer welcome bonuses to new bettors in Arkansas, retail locations rarely do the same. Welcome offers may include risk-free bets, no deposit bonuses, and deposit matches.
Arkansas bettors can register with the state's only licensed operator or they must visit a retail location to make their initial deposits.
All of the popular bet types are available in the Natural State. These include point spreads, Over/Unders (totals), moneylines, props, futures, live betting, and more.
Always read your chosen sportsbook's terms and conditions section to fully understand what each bet and promotion entails. We also recommend comparing odds whenever possible to ensure the best potential payouts. Not all sportsbooks offer bettors the same betting lines, so consistently identifying the most favorable odds will pay dividends in the long run.
Arkansans can access winnings from Betly or in person at a retail sportsbook. Soon, bettors will experience the convenience of mobile withdrawals. Online sportsbooks will offer some combination of PayPal, eCheck, bank transfer, Skrill, and Play+ to users looking to withdraw funds. The method chosen will determine processing times.
Arkansas sportsbooks default to American odds when displaying betting odds. Favorites are accompanied by a minus (-) sign. The following number indicates the amount you'll have the wager to generate $100 in profit. For example, -375 odds tell you a $375 wager is required if you're hoping to win $100.
Underdogs are shown with a plus (+) sign and represent the amount to be won when placing a $100 bet. For example, +600 odds represent the $600 you would stand to win should your $100 bet prove successful.
Wagers on underdogs will set you up for a larger payday. It's up to you to determine if the inherent risk is worth the reward.
Our odds converter lets you view odds in other formats, such as fractional and decimal odds.
Arkansas has seen a steady year-over-year increase in betting handle since accepting its first legal wager in July 2019. The addition of mobile betting in 2022 should propel the state’s monthly betting handle into eight figures.
Editor’s note: Arkansas casinos closed from mid-March to May 18 due to COVID-19.
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | - | - | - | - |
| 2021 | - | - | - | - |
| 2020 | $32.8M | $4.1M | 12.7% | $583K |
| 2019 | $11.2M | $1.3M | 11.8% | $173K |
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2021 | $7.1M | $4.4M | $5.9M | $4M | $3.6M | $3.8M | $2.9M | $2.8M | $7M | $9.5M | $8.3M | - | $59.9M |
| 2020 | $2.5M | $4.3M | $1.5M | - | $509 | $1,189 | $179K | $1M | $3.9M | $6.5M | $6.2M | $6.4M | $32.8M |
| 2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $416K | $778K | $2.2M | $2.2M | $2.9M | $2.6M | $11.2M |
While most events are fair game in Arkansas, some bet types are not permitted in the Natural State. Wagers on political events, esports, and amateur athletes under 18 are off-limits.
There is no legal way to wager on politics in Arkansas or any other U.S. state.
Arkansas has yet to legalize esports betting. State regulators could revisit the legality of this bet type with the launch of mobile betting.
Fortunately for Arkansas bettors, the state's sports betting law permits wagers on both out-of-state and in-state college teams.
With just one online option and three retail sportsbooks, AR bettors' choices are limited. However, the state's proposed sports betting legislation calls for up to six online operators.
You can currently place a legal sports wager in Arkansas at the following locations:
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Betly  |
Yes | IGT | No | Southland Casino Racing |
| BetSaracen | Yes | IGT | No | Saracen Casino Resort |
| Sportsbook | Venue | Address | Phone number | Odds provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Bar & Grill (Betly) | Southland Casino Racing | 1550 N. Ingram Blvd. West Memphis, AR 72301 | 1-(800)-467-6182 | IGT |
| Oaklawn Sportsbook | Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort | 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | (501)-623-4411 | SBTech |
| Saracen Sportsbook | Saracen Casino Resort | 1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 | (870)-686-9001 | IGT |
While it's tempting to support your Razorbacks with your bankroll, it's important not to let your sports allegiances cloud your judgment when betting. Be sure to research every bet thoroughly before blindly backing your hometown squads. Check out our how to bet guides to get started.
Arkansas is still relatively new to gambling, as the state’s three fully operational casinos launched in 2019.
The only forms of online gambling in Arkansas are horse race betting and DFS (daily fantasy sports). Online casinos are illegal in the Natural State.
CasinoOaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Saracen Casino Resort, and Southland Casino Racing offer classic table games, slots, and much more. Both Oakland and Southland feature high-limit areas, while Saracen’s dedicated poker room is a must for card sharks.
Although real money online casinos are off-limits in Arkansas, gamblers can turn to sweepstakes casino websites. These sites allow players to get started for free with the aim of earning real cash prizes.
PokerArkansas gamblers can find live poker at Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff. Unfortunately, online poker is not available in the state.
Horse racingThere is one thoroughbred racing venue in Arkansas. Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort, known initially as Oaklawn Park, opened in 1904 and is home to "The Racing Festival of the South." The Arkansas Derby highlights each racing season in the Natural State.
Pari-mutuel wagering is permitted both at the track and best horse racing betting sites in Arkansas.
Daily fantasy sportsArkansas is one of a handful of states that have passed legislation to legalize DFS. In 2017, the general assembly passed Act 1075 (then HB2250), deeming DFS a game of skill and not a form of gambling. FanDuel and DraftKings have a stronghold on the Arkansas DFS market.
Like other states with regulated gambling, Arkansas has taken steps to provide the resources needed to prevent, monitor, and treat gambling addiction.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) offers self-help resources to those in need. Problem gamblers can also join a self-exclusion program to ban themselves from any gambling facility voluntarily.
Visit the National Council on Problem GamblingArkansas was one of the first states to legalize sports betting. Today, the following states have some form of legal sports wagering in place:
The following is a list of states moving toward legal sports betting that could potentially create their own individual markets soon:
Offshore sportsbooks offer Arkansas sports bettors an enticing alternative to betting in Natural State casinos. Unfortunately, these websites are not licensed and pose a legitimate threat to your bankroll. We strongly advise you avoid these online sportsbooks and stick to regulated Arkansas operators.
Yes, Arkansas legalized retail sports betting in 2018. The Arkansas Racing Commission oversees all sports wagering activity in the state.
You can register with the state's one online sportsbook. Alternatively, you can visit one of three Arkansas retail sportsbooks to place a legal wager. These are found in each of the state's three casinos. More online betting sites will arrive in March 2022.
One online sportsbook is live in Arkansas. As online betting expands in 2022, each casino could partner with two online operators each.
Yes, but horse race betting is the lone option for the time being. Betly launched online operations too, but you have to register and play via desktop. Up to six sportsbooks could enter the AR market.
Yes, Arkansas sportsbooks use the same odds providers as those found in Las Vegas.
You must be 21 or older to place a legal sports bet in Arkansas.
No, bet365 does not have a license to operate in Arkansas.
No, Arkansas sportsbooks do not offer any action on esports.
Sports bets can be placed online at Betly or at a retail sportsbook at one of the following Arkansas casinos: Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort, Saracen Casino Resort, Southland Casino Racing.
Yes, you may place wagers on any Arkansas-based team.
No, both Arkansas residents and visitors are permitted to place wagers online.
Arkansas generated $4.1 million in sports betting revenue in 2020.
Jeff Watters is a content editor at Covers. Before he began supporting Covers experts in making smarter sports bettors in 2021, the well-traveled Nova Scotian and Atlanta Braves fanatic spent time writing about education, software, and NHL prospects.
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