Arkansas Sports Betting in 2023
The online launch of Arkansas sports betting commenced when Betly went live in March 2022. Claim the top sign-up bonuses and promos from the best sportsbooks in the Natural State and follow along as we break down everything you need to know about Arkansas online sports betting.
Best Arkansas sports betting sites
#1 Top-rated sportsbook
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.7/5- Competitive pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
- Exclusive live streaming
Payout Speed:Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.3/5- Weekly promotions
- Over 20 sports available
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.4/5- User-friendly mobile app
- Good deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.7/5- Generous welcome bonus
- Offers same-game parlays
- Ample betting options
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.6/5- Well-designed mobile app
- Live same-game parlays
- 24/7 customer support
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.6/5- Good live betting section
- Offers same-game parlays
- User-friendly interface
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.4/5- Top-rated sportsbook
- Ample markets
- Fast and secure banking
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.1/5- Modern betting platform
- Convenient banking
- 24/7 customer support
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.2/5- Frequent special offers and promotions
- Proprietary online sportsbook software
- Fast withdrawals
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.3/5- Awesome welcome bonus
- Consistently good pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
- Population: 3.02 million
- Legal age for sports betting: 21
- Online sports betting: Yes
- Retail sportsbooks: Yes
- Sports betting revenue: $4.1 million
Arkansas sports betting updates
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 finally saw online sportsbooks arrive in March 2022.
Here’s a glimpse into Arkansas’ sports betting journey:
Sept. 2, 2022: The Oaklawn Sports mobile app launches in Arkansas, becoming the state's third legal online option.
Aug. 23, 2022: Kambi extends its partnership with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. The new agreement includes Oaklawn's retail sportsbook and an online sportsbook solution for the upcoming launch of 'Oaklawn Sports.'
May 10, 2022: After months of delay, Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app officially goes live. It is only the second legal Arkansas sports betting platform to launch.
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 first legal online sportsbook to go live in Arkansas.
March 4, 2022: Legal online Arkansas sports betting 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.
Why Betly is the best sports betting site in Arkansas
Arkansas only has three options when it comes to online sports betting providers, and Betly is the clear top choice. While bettors won't be blown away by the key features of the site, it is extremely user-friendly and covers all of the major sports.
Their current welcome offer is a $250 risk-free bet and is a good starting point to get into Arkansas sports betting. No promo code is required.
Live betting is the best thing Betly has going for it at the moment, but we are hopeful that features like early cash out and live streaming will become available. Betly is now available in Arkansas, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
Best offers and bonuses in Arkansas
Online Arkansas sportsbooks are here to kickstart the accounts of new Natural State bettors. Here are the best Arkansas sportsbook bonuses and promo codes in 2023:
Betly Sportsbook - $250 Risk-Free Bet: The first bet made on the Betly Sportsbook app is 100% risk-free, up to $250. If the bet loses, Betly returns the full stake in the form of a free bet.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Top Arkansas betting site
Arkansas may not feature any of the major players in the U.S. sports betting industry, but one operator stands out among its peers. Also live in West Virginia, Tennessee, and Ohio (as MVGBet), Betly is our pick for the top Arkansas betting site.
Betly Arkansas
Risk-free bet up to $250
No code required
Covers has generated this Betly Sportsbook Review to provide even further expert analysis.
- App store rating: 2.7 (iOS), N/A (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Risk-free bet up to $250
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
What sportsbooks are legal in Arkansas?
With just three online sportsbooks, options are limited in Arkansas. Here's how the legal landscape looks in 2023:
- Betly - Best app
- Bet Saracen - Competitive odds
- Oaklawn Sports - Modern interface
Legal sportsbooks in Arkansas
With just three online and retail Arkansas 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:
Arkansas' online sportsbooks
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Betly  |
Yes | IGT | No | Southland Casino Racing |
| BetSaracen | Yes | IGT | No | Saracen Casino Resort |
| Oaklawn Sports | Yes | Kambi | No | Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort |
Land-based AR sportsbooks
| 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 | Kambi |
| Saracen Sportsbook | Saracen Casino Resort | 1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 | (870)-686-9001 | IGT |
Latest Arkansas betting news
Who can bet on sports in Arkansas?
You must be 21 years of age to partake in legal Arkansas sports betting. Wagers can be placed in person at one of the state’s three casinos or online with three Arkansas betting sites.
Here's everything you need to know about placing sports betting in AR:
Legal age
Arkansas sports betting is for adults 21 and older.
Mobile betting
Arkansans can place mobile bets using one of the three sports betting sites available in the state.
Remote registration
Remote registration allows Arkansas sports betting to take place anywhere in the state. Sports bettors have the ability to sign up, claim bonuses, make deposits, and confirm wagers from home, the bar, or any other location in AR.
Within state borders
To place a legal sports bet, you’ll have to shave both feet on the ground in Arkansas. Bettors cannot place wagers with an AR sportsbook from outside the state.
Retail sportsbooks
Bettors 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 an Arkansas sportsbook as soon as it's constructed.
Taxable winnings
Arkansas 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.
The pros and cons of Arkansas sports betting
Arkansas launched mobile sports betting in March 2022. Currently, three online sportsbooks and three retail sportsbooks are available to bettors.
Currently limited to three retail sportsbooks51% profit-sharing in favor of casinos could discourage top operators No esports betting How to start betting in Arkansas
To place a legal sports wager in Arkansas, you’ll need to register with one of three licensed Arkansas sports betting sites or visit a brick-and-mortar sportsbook in one of the state’s three casinos.
Select a sportsbook
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.
Register online
Until more online operators receive the green light for launch, Arkansans will be limited to three online sites. Alternatively, bettors can visit a casino to register with a retail sportsbook.
Claim a bonus
While mobile Arkansas sportsbooks will offer welcome bonuses to new bettors, retail locations rarely do the same. Online welcome offers include risk-free bets, no-deposit bonuses, and deposit matches.
Deposit funds
Arkansas bettors can register with one of three licensed operators or visit a retail location to make their initial deposits.
Choose your bet types
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.
Start betting
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.
Withdraw funds
Arkansans can access winnings online or in person at a retail sportsbook. Arkansas sportsbooks offer some combination of PayPal, eCheck, bank transfer, Skrill, and Play+ to users looking to withdraw funds. The method chosen will determine processing times.
Reading the odds
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.
What you can't bet on in Arkansas
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.
Politics
There is no legal way to wager on politics in Arkansas or any other U.S. state.
esports
Arkansas sports betting does not include esports betting. State regulators could revisit the legality of this bet type with the launch of mobile betting.
What about AR college sports?
Fortunately for Arkansas bettors, the state's sports betting law permits wagers on both out-of-state and in-state college teams.
Arkansas sports betting handle
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, 2020 due to COVID-19.
Yearly breakdown
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $185.4M | $17.9M | 9.6% | $2.4M |
| 2021 | $67.7M | $8.5M | 12.5% | $1.2M |
| 2020 | $32.8M | $4.1M | 12.7% | $583K |
| 2019 | $11.2M | $1.3M | 11.8% | $173K |
Monthly handle
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2022 | $8.4M | $5.8M | $10.6M | $8.5M | $10.1M | $12.6M | $9.2M | $10.1M | $21.1M | $26.9M | $30.5M | $30.9M | $185.4M |
| 2021 | $7.1M | $4.4M | $5.9M | $4M | $3.6M | $3.8M | $2.9M | $2.8M | $7M | $9.5M | $8.3M | $7.7M | $67.7M |
| 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 |
Home team advantage: Arkansas sports
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.
Other types of gambling
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.
Casino
Oaklawn 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.
Poker
Arkansas gamblers can find live poker at Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff. Unfortunately, online poker is not available in the state.
Horse racing
There 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 sports
Arkansas 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.
Quick facts: Arkansas sports betting
Arkansas has a steadily growing sports gambling market and just enjoyed its largest monthly handle ($12.6 million in June 2022).
Check out our AR sports betting facts table here:
| Launch date | March 5, 2022 |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
| Number of betting licenses | 3 |
| Number of betting sites | 3 |
| Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | No ❌ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 3.04 million |
| Total handle (2021) | $67.7 million |
| Tax rate | 13% |
| State regulator | The Arkansas Racing Commission |
Responsible gaming in Arkansas
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 or Arkansas betting sites voluntarily.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
Arkansas was one of the first states to legalize sports betting. Today, the following locales have legalized some form of sports wagering:
Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches
Maryland online sports betting is now live following its Nov. 23, 2022, launch.
Sports bettors in Ohio can finally rejoice: Ohio sportsbooks began doing business when the ball dropped on Jan. 1, 2023.
Additionally, legal online wagering is on deck in Massachusetts. Massachusetts sports betting will involve two launches, as retail sportsbooks project to go live in January 2023, and mobile operators hope to take legal wagers in March.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
The following is a list of states moving toward legal sports betting that could potentially create their own individual markets soon:
Arkansas sports betting conclusion
Arkansas sports betting is growing at a slow and steady pace. Only three Arkansas sportsbooks are currently online, but several major players are looking to launch soon. While there are no professional sports teams to bet on or online casinos to play at, land-based AR sportsbooks and Arkansas betting sites are shouldering the total handle.
It's easy to speculate why top operators have been sluggish to launch in Arkansas, as the current revenue-sharing rule is challenging. A company like FanDuel would concede at least 51% of their mobile betting revenue should they partner with one of Arkansas' three casinos.
Sportsbooks to avoid in Arkansas
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
Offshore sportsbooks offer Natural State sports bettors an enticing alternative to wagering at Arkansas sports betting sites. Unfortunately, these websites are not licensed and pose a legitimate threat to your bankroll. We strongly advise you to avoid these online sportsbooks and stick to regulated Arkansas operators.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Arkansas sports betting FAQ
Yes, Arkansas legalized retail sports betting in 2018, and online sports betting became a reality in March 2022. The Arkansas Racing Commission oversees all sports wagering activity in the state.
You can register with the state's three online sportsbooks. 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.
Three online sportsbooks are live in Arkansas — Betly, BetSaracen, and Oaklawn Sports. As online betting expands, each casino could partner with two online operators each.
Yes, online and mobile Arkansas sports betting is available.
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 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 $2.4 million in sports betting tax revenue in 2022.
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Jeff has been reviewing sportsbooks and covering North American sports betting full-time since 2021. The former NHL prospects writer has crafted over 100 reviews and guides for the Covers community and has been sweating his own picks for over a decade.
