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What the heck is going on with Arkansas and sports betting? Can you bet? What about online? Where can you even bet? These are all questions many bettors — from locals to visitors— have about the state.
There’s a lot of confusion which is why we felt compelled to write this in-depth betting guide to Arkansas sports gambling. We researched it so you don’t have to! Stick with us and we go DEEP on sports betting in Arkansas (and a few other things too).
Is Sports Betting Legal In Arkansas?
Yes, sports betting is fully legal in Arkansas. In fact, the state was among the early adopters, legalizing sports betting in November 2018, just a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal ban. That bucked the trend of most southern states — many of which have yet to come around to betting.
But… Arkansas took a more cautious approach to opening its markets. This isn’t a free market where any and all entrants can enter the scene. Only three casinos in the state are allowed to offer betting — Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Southland Casino Racing, and Saracen Casino Resort.
Worse, for an entire three years, all bets had to be made in-person. That all changed in February 2022 when mobile betting went live. But here again, only those three casinos were allowed to offer it. That’s how things have remained, which has put a lid on the sector’s growth inside the state.
International Online Sportsbooks Available In Arkansas
Arkansas has embraced legal sports betting, providing residents with various options for wagering. However, bettors should be aware of certain restrictions that apply to state-regulated sportsbooks. In Arkansas, while you can place bets on many major sports, state law prohibits wagers on political events and entertainment props. Additionally, there are limitations on betting involving in-state college teams, such as the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University. These restrictions can narrow your betting choices, particularly if you’re interested in local college sports or unique events.
This is where international sportsbooks come into play. Offshore platforms offer the flexibility to bet on political outcomes, engage with a full range of college sports without restrictions, and explore specialty markets that aren’t available through Arkansas’s regulated sportsbooks. If you want to wager on local college teams or significant political events, international sportsbooks can greatly enhance your betting options.
Concerns about the safety and reliability of offshore betting are valid, but the international sportsbooks we recommend have been rigorously vetted for security and trustworthiness. Our team has used these platforms for years, ensuring they provide prompt payouts, fair treatment, and excellent customer service. By opting for these trusted offshore operators, you can confidently expand your betting experience while maintaining peace of mind regarding the safety of your funds and personal information.
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Legal Online Sportsbooks Available In Arkansas
There are no commercial operators in the state. No DraftKings. No FanDuel. No BetMGM. Nothing besides the three casinos we mentioned — Betly, Oaklawn Sports, and Bet Saracen.
Arkansas Online Sportsbook Comparison
If you're trying to figure out the best sportsbook in Arkansas, the answer depends on what features matter most to you — whether it is bonuses, betting options, live betting, or something else. We’ve gone up and down that list to recommend the best Arkansas bookie out there:
Best sportsbook for nonuses: This answer could be in flux because all three bookies are regularly switching up their promos. Still, BetSaracen tends to be on the more generous side. At the moment, they’re offering a first bet match up to $500, which is a solid option for those just starting out in Arkansas. BetSaracen has consistently offered strong bonus incentives, making it a top choice for those chasing extra value.
Best sportsbook for betting options: While most sportsbooks offer similar odds and betting lines, Oaklawn Sports stands out by offering a diverse selection of bets across a variety of sports, including unique parlays and futures. Plus, Oaklawn has been a staple in Arkansas sports and horse racing for years, which adds to its credibility. Bettors have a one-stop shop here.
Best sportsbook for live betting: Betly's platform is known for its quick updates on in-game odds, which are crucial for bettors who want to place bets as the action unfolds. Their live betting experience is seamless, allowing you to wager as the game progresses without lag, giving it a strong advantage for those who enjoy real-time betting. Every second counts when in-play betting and Betly mostly delivers.
Best sportsbook for rewards: We’re big fans of Oaklawn Rewards, which allows bettors to earn points not just for online bets but also for spending at Oaklawn's casino and racetrack. These points can be redeemed for dining, hotel stays, and other real-world perks at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. It’s great having options for in-app and real-life goodies.
Best sportsbook for user experience: BetSaracen offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for both beginners and seasoned bettors to navigate. Even if you’re a complete novice to online betting, we’re confident you can pick up BetSaracen — it’s that easy.
Arkansas Quick Facts
| Fact | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Launch date: | 2019 |
| Legal age: | 21 Years Old |
| Online sports betting | ✅ Yes |
| Number of licenses | 3 |
| Remote registration | ✅ Yes |
| Retail sportsbooks | ✅ Yes |
| Retail casinos | ✅ Yes |
| Online casino sites | ❌No |
| Online poker | ❌No |
| Betting on college sports | ✅ Yes |
| Betting on esports | ✅ Yes |
| State population | 3 million |
| State regulator | The Arkansas Racing Commission |
| Last verified | ✅ September 12 |
What You Can’t Bet On In Arkansas?
Betting in Arkansas is mostly straightforward, but like many states, there are a few exceptions to what’s allowed.
College sports player props: Betting on individual college athletes is a no-go. While you can still bet on college teams (including Arkansas ones), player-specific props are off-limits to avoid any “fixings.l
Non-sporting events: Whether it’s the Oscars, political outcomes, or WWE storylines, Arkansas keeps its betting market focused strictly on sporting events. If it’s not a traditional athletic competition, you won’t find it available.
For full access to the above bets, offshore sportsbooks have you covered. In fact, going offshore might be the play in Arkansas period. In more way than one, they offer a better playing experience for Arkansas bettors.
Who Can Legally Bet in Arkansas?
For the few no-no’s that Arkansas has, the state has way more green lights. Here’s what is on the table inside the state:
Legal age: In Arkansas, you must be 21 years old to place a legal sports bet. This is consistent with the majority of states that allow sports betting so no big deal here.
Mobile betting: Yes, Arkansas offers mobile betting, and the best part? You can bet from anywhere within state lines. No need to be physically present at a casino. You can place your wagers from your home, stuck in traffic, the bar, or anywhere else in Arkansas.
Remote registration: Arkansas allows you to register for a sportsbook account completely online. There’s no need to visit a casino in person — just sign up through your mobile device or computer and start betting right away.
Taxable winnings: Just like the rest of the U.S., Arkansas taxes gambling winnings, so any significant payouts are subject to both federal AND state taxes — a double whammy, we know. Be sure to report your winnings to stay on the right side of the law! We hear Uncle Sam is undefeated in the long run!!
Latest Arkansas Betting News
Arkansas Sportsbooks & Casinos
As we've been saying, three casinos own the entire betting industry in Arkansas. Here's a closer look at each one:
Oaklawn Racing & Gaming in Hot Springs accepts a full range of professional and college sports bets, including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, MMA, boxing, golf, F1, and NASCAR, and more. The Oaklawn sportsbook was ready to launch on July 1, 2019, the first day of legal sports betting in the state.
Southland Racing & Gaming in West Memphis is a casino, buffet, and greyhound racetrack that now offers sports betting on site. Their sportsbook, named Betly, has odds for NBA, college basketball, NASCAR, PGA tournaments, and more. They allow sports betting at their sports bar, which makes for a more laid back environment.
Saracen Casino Annex Sportsbook is located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and owned by the Quapaw tribe - this will be Arkansas’ first tribal casino. Initially, they opened their doors with 300 slot machines on October 1, 2019, and thereby opened their sportsbook. The casino is currently under construction with a June 2020 completion date. That is now delayed due to COVID-19, so the Saracen resort will be opening a bit later than originally planned.
Arkansas Sports Betting Timeline
Looking back on what has happened over the years in the great state of Arkansas, we look at the most important events in recent years.
Interest In Legalized Betting
Naturally, the governing bodies chose to legalize sports betting in Arkansas to see more revenue coming into the state, as opposed to residents visiting other states to place a wager or two. Casino revenue will be taxed 13% on the first $150 million, and 20% thereafter.
Launch In 2019
Betting was legalized the year before, but it took several months to actually get the thing set up and live. That day finally came on July 1, 2019.
Latest Arkansas Betting News
Latest Arkansas Legal Betting Updates
Nov 21, 2024 14:26 PM
Arkansas witnesses a slight dip in sports betting handle to $52.9 million in December, down 3.2% from November. However, there's a substantial 71% year-over-year increase.
A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Arkansas Sports Betting
How To Bet On Sports In Arkansas
Arkansas sportsbooks are going to offer the full gamut of sports bets — from the major sports to the downright forgotten ones (we’ve seen curling odds before, for Pete’s sake!). Still, the majority of bettors are likely going to flock to these markets in the Natural State:
How To Bet On Football In Arkansas
Football reigns supreme in Arkansas, especially when it comes to the Razorbacks and NFL Sundays. Between college football Saturdays or NFL matchups, in-state sportsbooks like offer all the usual football odds — moneyline, over/under, point spreads, props, and everything inbetween. From SEC showdowns to NFL rivalries, Arkansas bettors have a wide range of options every weekend during the Fall and early Winter.
How To Bet On Basketball In Arkansas
Basketball betting is huge in Arkansas, thanks to having a quality program on their own (more on that soon). Besides the Super Bowl, the second-biggest betting event of the year is the March Madness tournament — especially games involving the local teams. NBA betting is big too, but college hoops really drive the local culture. In-state sportsbooks know this and really roll out the red carpet for big college moments. Betting opportunities will not be hard to find, trust us.
How To Bet On Baseball In Arkansas
A stream of opportunity, that’s exactly what baseball betting is for six months straight. The MLB season is a whopping 162 games, plus playoffs. No other sport offers anywhere near as many chances to bet, and on a near daily basis for half the year. If you want to make a killing at this betting thing, you’d be wise to master a sport like baseball given the plethora of opportunities.
How To Bet On Fighting In Arkansas
UFC and boxing events are regular highlights on Arkansas sportsbooks. Whether it's a major title fight or a lower-profile bout, there are plenty of betting options for combat sports enthusiasts. Look for value in under-the-radar fights, as these can often present the best betting opportunities.
Betting on Arkansas Teams
Arkansas doesn’t have any professional sports teams, but fans in the state have no shortage of loyalty. Local allegiances are often split between nearby teams like the Dallas Cowboys or Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. In basketball, the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks can pull the population towards them. It’s a hodgepodge of everything — and sportsbooks happy oblige by offering wagers on all of it.
Betting on Arkansas NCAA Teams
With no pro teams, Arkansas fans treat their college sports like that plus more. The Arkansas Razorbacks, especially in football and basketball, are the pride of the state. Whether it’s an SEC football showdown or the Razorbacks making a deep run in March Madness, Arkansas sports betting heats up with collegiate action. There’s also smaller sports programs like Arkansas State or University of Arkansas at Little Rock, but make no mistake about it, the Hogs (the nickname given to the Razorbacks) run the state.
Arkansas Betting Revenue Statistics
The year 2024 is nearing its end, and if estimates are to be believed, 2024 will be a smashing success for the Arkansas betting scene. It's currently on track to surpass $500 million in revenue for 2024. This would blow away the 2023 record number of $404 million. These are just estimates, of course, but we think it's more likely to overperform the predictions than underperform given how hot the football season is going to be.
In 2023, the state made over $5 million from tax revenues. A small number because they tax sports betting so low compared to the likes of Illinois and New York. That number could be closer to $6.5 million if estimates stay on track inside the state.
Other Types of Betting in Arkansas
Betting isn’t just limited to sports in Arkansas. No, far from it actually. Here’s what else bettors can get action on inside the state:
Casinos: As we’ve been saying, there’s three local casinos — Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Saracen Casino Resort, and Southland Casino Racing — with a lot of pull. These casinos offer a range of gambling options, including slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and poker rooms. It’s pretty much the Vegas experience, albeit more toned-down.
Horse racing: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs is one of the few places in Arkansas where you can bet on live horse racing. Oaklawn hosts thoroughbred racing events and has become famous for the annual Arkansas Derby. Bettors can place wagers at the track or through simulcast betting. Online options are also available for thoroughbred racing.
Daily fantasy sports (DFS): Arkansas legalized daily fantasy sports in 2017, allowing residents to participate in DFS contests on platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and PrizePicks. This form of betting remains popular, especially during football and basketball seasons.
Arkansas Lottery: Yes, they are indeed a lottery state. The lottery offers a variety of games, including instant scratch-offs and draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Lottery tickets are available at convenience stores and gas stations statewide. Nothing out of the ordinary here compared to other lottery states.
Sports Betting Rules In Each State
We have detailed guides just like this one available across all 50 states, not just Arkansas. Here’s quick links to all of it in case you’re moving or traveling elsewhere and want to figure out the betting situation:
Responsible Gaming in Arkansas
We’re all for sports betting in Arkansas, obviously. It’s a great way to add excitement to your favorite games, but there are times when that excitement can turn into something more dangerous. When the fun gives way to stress, anxiety, and frustration, it’s a sign that betting might be veering off track and toward addiction.
Addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process with clear warning signs along the way. Be on the lookout for these red flags in yourself or your friends:
- Chasing losses: Placing bigger bets to try and win back money you've lost.
- Betting beyond your means: Using funds meant for essentials like rent, bills, or groceries to keep betting.
- Constant preoccupation: Obsessing over past bets or planning your next one, even when you should be focused on other things.
- Escalating risk: Continuously increasing your bets just to feel the same excitement.
If any of these behaviors seem familiar, it might be time to take a break or even reach out for help. Thankfully, Arkansas offers resources to support any bettor struggling. Here’s some of our favorites:
Arkansas lacks state-specific initiatives to deal with problem gambling. In 2015 Senator Alan Clark introduced a bill to cut all funding to help deal with problem gambling. However, local residents can still access national resources.
National resources are also out there:
Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)
The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)
A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.