Arkansas Sports Betting in 2025: Top AR Sportsbooks and DFS sites

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: 

April 1, 2025: A bill to legalize real money online casino gaming platforms in Arkansas didn’t advance out of an initial committee hearing, underscoring its stalled momentum in the legislature.

March 20, 2025: Arkansas lawmakers are taking a run at legalizing online casinos and banning sweepstakes gaming.

March 10, 2025: An Arkansas lawmaker is proposing constitutional changes to casino gaming which would allow online slots and table games like blackjack and roulette to be played.

Feb. 16, 2024: Several states, including Arkansas, sent cease-and-desists letters to daily fantasy sports (DFS) operators Underdog and PrizePicks for offering unlicensed sports betting.

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.

Best DFS Apps in Arkansas (2025)

Given Arkansas’ strict and complex sports betting regulations, daily fantasy sports (DFS) and top social sportsbooks offer a safe, legal way for residents to enjoy wagering on sports in 2025.

With over 30 years of industry experience, we’ve highlighted the best DFS platforms and social sportsbooks available to Arkansas players today.

🥇 Top AK DFS Promo – Thrillzz: Spend $10, Get 53  

• Thrillzz - Best for Squads feature
• ProphetX - Best for trading
• Novig - Best for Challenges
• Underdog Fantasy - Best for Vulture Protection
• Betr Picks - Best for high payouts
• DraftKings Pick6 - Best for Dynasty Status
• Fliff - Best for Fliff Cash
• Kalshi - Best for prediction markets
• DraftKings DFS - Best for daily lineups

1. Thrillzz Arkansas

Spend $25, Get $53

Code: COVERS

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✅ What it is: Thrillzz is a sweepstakes sportsbook where users make picks on games with virtual currency instead of real money.

📍 How it caters to Arkansas users specifically: Arkansas fans can make predictions on their favorite teams, from the Razorbacks in college sports to nearby pro teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, or Memphis Grizzlies.

💰  Bonus details: Sign up with the Thrillzz promo code 'COVERS' to get a 'Spend $25, Get $53' offer.

💡  What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Thrillzz is different from traditional sportsbooks as it doesn’t involve cash wagers. Instead, you’re making picks with virtual coins that are awarded through bonuses. The focus is on predictions rather than real money betting.

Although the platform is designed to be low-stakes, Sweeps Coins can still be redeemed for prizes. Because it operates under sweepstakes laws, Thrillzz is available in states where legal sports betting is not permitted. Those in Alabama have a way to be involved in sports outcomes, even if sports betting hasn’t been legalized.

⚖️  Legal reassurance: The legal age requirement for Thrillzz in Arkansas is 18.

2. ProphetX Arkansas

Up to 100 in Prophet Cash

Code: COVERS

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✅ What it is: ProphetX is a sweepstakes-based exchange where users trade sports outcomes directly with one another instead of against the house.

📍 How it caters to Arkansas users specifically: Arkansas sports fans can trade outcomes on Razorback matchups or take positions on nearby pro teams.

💰 Bonus details: When using the ProphetX promo code 'COVERS', you can get a welcome bonus that returns up to 100 in Prophet Cash.

💡 What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Traditional sportsbooks lock you into lines set by the house, and these odds always have a built-in margin. ProphetX eliminates this by operating as a peer-to-peer exchange.

Users can post the odds they want, or accept those offered by others, making the pricing feel more like a real marketplace. For instance, if you think the Razorbacks should be +3 instead of +5, you can set that number yourself and see if another player will take the other side.

⚖️ Legal reassurance: To sign up for ProphetX, you have to be at least 19.

3. Novig Arkansas

  

Up to $100 Bonus

Code: COVERS100

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✅ What it is: It follows a sweepstakes casino model. Novig maintains a sweepstakes casino model where sports predictions are turned into trades against other users. You can post your own lines and match up directly against others.

4. Underdog Fantasy Arkansas

✅ What it is: Underdog Fantasy gives you DFS in two formats. Pick’em contests are simple over/under calls on player stats, while Best Ball lets you build season-long lineups.

📍 How it caters to Arkansas users specifically: Razorback fans can make stat calls on their favorite college players.

💰  Bonus details: Use the Underdog Fantasy promo code 'COVERS
' to get a $100
 bonus when making your first wager of $5
.

💡 What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Sportsbooks lock you into betting lines and odds that always have a house margin. Underdog removes the odds altogether and focuses on contests. You’re picking a full lineup in Best Ball, which runs all season, or making over/under calls on player states in Pick’em. The difference is that you’re not just guessing outcomes, but also competing against other players.

⚖️ Legal reassurance: Only available to those aged 18 or over in Arkansas, according to DFS laws.

5. Betr Picks Arkansas

$10 on Sign-Up + $200 Bonus Cash

Code: COVERSBONUS

Claim $210

✅ What it is: Betr Picks is a simple DFS platform where you make quick, easy picks on whether players will hit or miss their projected stats.

📍 How it caters to Arkansas users specifically: Betr gives Arkansas fans the opportunity to participate in college and pro actions for their favorite players.

💰  Bonus details: New users can register with the Betr promo code 'COVERSBONUS' to claim a no deposit bonus of $10, and a 50% deposit match up to $200.

💡  What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Betr Picks is player props at its simplest. You make quick calls on if athletes will go over or under their projections. There aren’t any betting lines or spreads, just stat-based predictions that anyone can follow. You receive results on the same day, making it a faster-paced experience than sports betting. Plus, there’s an added social element as you can share and track your picks with other users.

⚖️ Legal reassurance: Arkansas residents must be 18 or over to use Betr Picks.

6. DraftKings Pick6 Arkansas

✅ What it is: DraftKings Pick6 is a DFS platform where you make a simple prediction on if a player will finish over or under their projected numbers.

📍 How it caters to Arkansas users specifically: For Arkansas players, Pick6 lets you make calls on Razorback stars, or you can go for players from nearby pro teams like the Cowboys or Chiefs for major league action.

💰 Bonus details: New DraftKings customers can get $50 in Bonus Picks with just a $5 entry.

💡  What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Pick6 focuses only on player projection. You decide if players will go over or under their numbers. It’s nothing more complicated than that. Unlike sportsbooks, there are no spreads or lines. You’re playing in a skill-based format where payouts are based on fixed multipliers.

⚖️ Legal reassurance: Only those 18 and above are eligible for DFS platforms in Arkansas.

7. Fliff Arkansas

  

First purchase bonus: Spend $100, get up to $300 in Fliff Coins

Code: COVERS300

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No-deposit bonus: 5,000 Fliff Coins + 1 Fliff Cash

Code: COVERS300

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✅ What it is: Fliff is a social sportsbook, where you can make predictions on sports without risking money. As it is a sweepstakes site, you use virtual currency for all bets.

📍 How it caters to Arkansas users specifically: Arkansas fans can make predictions on their Razorbacks without the worry of risking their own money.

💰  Bonus details: Register with the Fliff promo code 'COVERS300' to claim 5,000 Fliff Coins and 1 Fliff Cash with no deposit required, and a first-purchase boost.

💡  What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: Unlike traditional sportsbooks, where users bet with real money, Fliff uses two types of virtual currencies. Fliff Coins are for fun play, while Fliff Cash is for redeemable rewards. You can obtain both through various promotions, with no purchase required. This means you can enjoy all the thrill of sports predictions without the stress of losing a deposit.

⚖️  Legal reassurance: The legal age for sweepstakes sportsbooks in Arkansas is 18.

8. Kalshi Arkansas

$10 Bonus

Code: COVERS

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✅ What it is: Kalshi is one of the only federally regulated exchanges in the US, allowing you to trade contracts on all sorts of events, from sports to politics. It takes everyday questions and turns them into a marketplace. It's firmly on our list of the best prediction market sites

📍 How it caters to Arkansas users specifically: Arkansas users can trade contracts on their favorite sports teams.

💰  Bonus details: Sign up with the Kalshi promo code 'COVERS' to get a welcome bonus of $10 with a deposit of $1.

💡  What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t:Kalshi focuses on turning real-world events into tradable markets, rather than betting. Each contract is a simple yes-or-no agreement, and prices fluctuate with new developments, allowing you to trade in and out just like you would a stock.

Because it’s an exchange, every trade is made directly with other users. Let’s take a Cowboys game. You can enter before kickoff, then sell your position at a profit, or hold out until the result is finalized. It gives you more flexibility compared to traditional betting.  In addition to this, Kalshi doesn’t just focus on sports; it offers contracts on a wide range of topics, including sports, politics, pop culture, and other popular events.

⚖️  Legal reassurance: You must be 18 or older to sign up for Kalshi in Arkansas.

9. DraftKings DFS Arkansas

✅ What it is: DraftKings DFS is a fantasy platform where you draft a lineup of players with a set budget. Your score is determined by how well your picks perform in their games, competing against other users.

📍 How it caters to Arkansas players specifically: Arkansas players can draft lineups with their favorite players from the Razorbacks.

💰 Bonus details: Make an initial deposit of $5 and receive a $3 contest ticket that could earn you a share of millions in prizes. 

💡 What it offers that traditional sportsbooks don’t: DFS isn’t about spreads or odds, but how strategic your lineup construction is. You’re weighing up the best players, balancing a salary cap, and predicting their performance. Winnings don’t depend on a single bet hitting, but on whether your roster outscores the competition. This makes DFS more about identifying value and building smarter lineups than simply placing bets.

⚖️ Legal reassurance: DraftKings DFS is legal for those 18 and older in Arkansas.

Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?

Yes, Arkansas has a legal and regulated sports betting market. In November 2018, Voters approved a state-wide ballot, allowing land-based sports betting to launch in July 2019. This was followed by mobile sports wagering via online sportsbooks arriving in March 2022.

Who can bet on daily fantasy 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:

Top Arkansas sports betting site

Arkansas may not feature any of the major players in the U.S. online sports betting market, 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 sports betting site and features one of the more user-friendly sports betting apps.

Betly Arkansas

$100 bonus bet

Ends: Feb. 1, 2025

Claim $100

Read our Betly review for an expert analysis of Arkansas's top sportsbook.

• App store rating: 2.9⭐️ (30 reviews)
• Google Play Store rating: 3.2/5⭐️ (139 reviews)
• Sign-up bonus: $100 bonus bet
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

Best Arkansas sports betting offers and bonuses

Online Arkansas sportsbooks are here to kickstart the accounts of new Natural State bettors. Here are the best Arkansas sportsbook promos in 2025:

Betly Sportsbook - $100 Bonus Bet: Sign up with Betly Sportsbook to activate a $100 bonus bet. If the bet loses, Betly returns the full stake in the form of a bonus bet, up to $100.

Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.

How to start DFS 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. 

Why Betly is the best sports betting site in Arkansas

Arkansas only has three online sports betting options, 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 $100 bonus bet and it's 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. 

What sportsbooks are legal in Arkansas?

With just three online sportsbooks, options are limited in Arkansas. Here's how the legal landscape looks in 2025:

1. Betly - Best app
   
   
2. Bet Saracen - Competitive odds
   
   
3. 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 wager in Arkansas at the following sports betting locations:

Arkansas' online sportsbooks

Land-based AR sportsbooks

Latest Arkansas betting news

DFS vs. Arkansas Sports Betting - What's the Difference?

Sports bettors in Arkansas can legally wager through state-regulated retail and online sportsbooks. The Natural State officially launched mobile sports betting in 2022, giving players the chance to place wagers anywhere within state lines. However, compared to larger markets, Arkansas offers fewer sportsbook options, as only a handful of operators are licensed to serve the state.

Fortunately, daily fantasy sports (DFS) remain widely available, offering an alternative way for fans to engage with their favorite teams and athletes through contests, predictions, and head-to-head competition.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of Arkansas’ sports betting market below:

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.

NFL Draft

Arkansas is one of the few states where bettors are legally able to bet on the NFL Draft. Check out our guide for how to bet on the NFL Draft in 2025. 

Politics

There is no legal way to wager on politics in Arkansas or any other U.S. state. That said, prediction markets like Kalshi offer the opportunity to wager on politics, entertainment award ceremonies, and more.

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 Arkansas 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 propelled the state’s monthly betting handle into eight figures.

Stay updated as we monitor the sports betting revenue in every authorized U.S. market, providing monthly reports on both the handle and hold.

Editor’s note: Arkansas casinos closed from mid-March to May 18, 2020 due to COVID-19.

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Home team advantage: Arkansas sports

While it's tempting to support your hometown Arkansas 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.

NHL

St. Louis Blues

Get live NHL odds

NBA

Memphis Grizzlies

Oklahoma City Thunder

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Dallas Cowboys

Get live NFL odds

MLB

St. Louis Cardinals

Get live MLB odds

Arkansas sports betting law

Arkansas voters went to the ballots in November 2018 and approved retail sports betting, and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort opened the state's first land-based sportsbook in July 2019. Limited online sports betting in Arkansas expects to continue, with just three sports betting sites operational.

Here's a snapshot of how Arkansas sports betting looks in 2025: 

• The Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) regulates Arkansas sports betting.
  
  
• Only persons who are at least 21 years of age may place a wager. 
  
  
• Mobile sports wagering is operated directly or through an intermediary by a casino licensee.
  
  
• Sports betting is subject to a tax of 13% on the first $150 million in revenue, 20% thereafter.
  
  
• Winning subject to a 3% state tax on all gambling income.
  
  
• Arkansas' general fund receives the largest share of gaming tax revenue.
  
  
• Wagering on college sports, including in-state teams, is permitted.
  
  
• Arkansas’ sports-betting authority does not regulate betting on esports.
  
  
• Promotional games including sweepstakes are regulated.

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 daily fantasy sports. Online casinos are illegal in the Natural State.

Quick facts: Arkansas sports betting

Arkansas has a steadily growing sports gambling market and just enjoyed its largest monthly handle ($66.1 million in November 2024).

Check out our AR sports betting facts table here:

Responsible gaming in Arkansas

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:

Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches

Legal online North Carolina sports betting is now here after the state launched at 12 p.m. on March 11, 2024. 

Sports bettors in the Green Mountain State can finally rejoice: Vermont sports betting is live as of Jan. 11, 2024.  

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

Missouri sports betting is the next U.S. set for legalization, with a Dec. 1, 2025 launch date looming.

The following is a list of states moving toward legal sports betting that could potentially create their own individual markets soon:

Arkansas sports betting history

Online wagering capabilities in Arkansas came into play in December 2021, when the framework for legal online betting was finalized. Still, the results have produced just three online sportsbooks.

2023: January produces the state's record betting handle, with its legal sportsbooks taking in more than $32 million.

2022: Arkansas approves controversial sports betting revenue sharing rule that requires licensees to retain 51 percent of net sports-betting revenues in any market-access agreement with a third-party operator.

2021: State Rep. Lee Johnson introduces HB 1942 in April, a bill that would permit casino licensees to expand Arkansas sports betting beyond retail-only. 

2020: Betly opens its sportsbook at Southland Casino Racing in Memphis.

2019: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort accepts the state's first legal sports bet and Saracen Sportsbook becomes Arkansas' second legal sportsbook.

2018: Arkansas voters approve Issue 4, a state constitutional amendment.

Arkansas sports betting resources

Explore the following valuable sources to enhance your understanding of the current state of legal sports betting in Arkansas in 2025:

The Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC): Controls and monitors Arkansas sports betting

Arkansas Problem Gambling Council: Advocates for player protections for people with problem gambling

Arkansas online sports betting bill: HB 1942

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.