Arkansas sports betting was legalized in November 2018 – six months after the federal ban on sports wagering was lifted in the United States.
Voters approved a state-wide ballot, allowing land-based sports betting to launch in July 2019. And after several failed attempts to bring mobile sports betting to the Land of Opportunity, Arkansans finally saw online sportsbooks arrive in March 2022.
Arkansas Sports Betting Revenue
Arkansas sports betting began in July 2019, and features both online betting and retail betting for users. The Natural State blew past its 2023 figures with $557 million in handle in 2024 and $48 million in gross revenue.
Arkansas surpassed its 2024 handle and gross revenue totals by November of 2025.
Below is an outline of Arkansas' sports betting figures over the years:
Arkansas annual data
| Year 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $574,334,000 | $52,296,000 | 9.4% |
| 2024 | $557,920,060.90 | $48,201,729.04 | 8.6% |
| 2023 | $404,764,327.45 | $37,190,265.01 | 9.2% |
| 2022 | $185,818,482.57 | $17,922,004.31 | 9.60% |
Arkansas 2025 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $62,347,909.93 | $6,931,367.15 | 11.1% |
| Feb | $46,305,952.03 | $4,386,889.64 | 9.0% |
| Mar | $65,593,041.78 | $1,703,064.81 | 2.6% |
| Apr | $48,687,247.38 | $4,542,659.71 | 9.3% |
| May | $47,308,478.67 | $4,706,466.35 | 9.9% |
| June | $37,466,071 | $4,888,918.72 | 13.0% |
| July | $29,432,610.48 | $3,427,538.64 | 11.6% |
| Aug | $40,582,487.62 | $4,262,473.85 | 10.5% |
| Sept | $56,707,000 | $5,189,000 | 9.1% |
| Oct | $64,952,000 | $5,869,000 | 9.0% |
| Nov | $74,952,000 | $6,389,000 | 8.5% |
Arkansas 2024 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $50,698,700.74 | $5,855,921.37 | 11.6% |
| Feb | $40,947,811.47 | $2,672,209.37 | 6.5% |
| Mar | $50,031,696.43 | $3,406,749.16 | 6.8% |
| Apr | $41,763,742.01 | $3,788,711.97 | 9.1% |
| May | $39,823,867.08 | $3,556,977.29 | 8.9% |
| June | $31,416,491.56 | $3,227,768.99 | 10.3% |
| July | $25,464,079.55 | $2,677,225.18 | 10.5% |
| Aug | $32,207,496.67 | $1,941,927.20 | 6.0% |
| Sept | $53,056,637.65 | $6,918,340.96 | 13.0% |
| Oct | $60,435,367.64 | $3,150,162.46 | 5.2% |
| Nov | $66,058,202.50 | $9,201,129.94 | 13.9% |
| Dec | $66,015,967.59 | $1,804,605.15 | 2.7% |
Arkansas 2023 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $32,976,263.78 | $2,868,243.53 | 8.7% |
| Feb | $29,532,263.40 | $1,709,714.05 | 5.8% |
| Mar | $37,474,412.47 | $4,264,046.92 | 11.4% |
| Apr | $25,452,659.00 | $2,336,023 | 9.2% |
| May | $22,777,209.13 | $2,293,280.81 | 10.1% |
| June | $22,708,944.62 | $1,334,972.77 | 5.9% |
| July | $17,577,626.45 | $2,077,422.11 | 11.8% |
| Aug | $22,553,214.32 | $1,673,538.31 | 7.4% |
| Sept | $41,002,256.59 | $4,026,260.97 | 9.8% |
| Oct | $44,986,802.89 | $5,825,160.75 | 12.9% |
| Nov | $54,770,448.69 | $3,018,845.21 | 5.5% |
| Dec | $52,952,226.11 | $5,762,756.58 | 10.9% |
Arkansas 2022 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $8,775,931.94 | $1,181,335.40 | 13.50% |
| Feb | $5,876,443.86 | $331,001.46 | 5.60% |
| Mar | $10,686,500.56 | $791,848.06 | 7.40% |
| Apr | $8,598,226.07 | $749,810.56 | 8.70% |
| May | $10,185,647.40 | $583,015.48 | 5.70% |
| Jun | $12,632,207.00 | $4,044.98 | 0.00% |
| Jul | $9,290,467.35 | $854,435.82 | 9.20% |
| Aug | $10,195,911.40 | $1,015,339.56 | 10.00% |
| Sep | $21,185,546.60 | $3,208,032.31 | 15.10% |
| Oct | $26,879,106.82 | $2,793,719.19 | 10.40% |
| Nov | $30,576,009.02 | $2,999,449.73 | 9.80% |
| Dec | $30,936,484.55 | $3,409,971.76 | 11.00% |
Arkansas sports betting at a glance
- Launch date: July 2019
- Regulator: Arkansas Racing Commission
- Latest reported month: September 2025
- Lifetime handle: $1,638,041,332
- Lifetime revenue: $152,648,187
- Last updated: December 24, 2025
Note: Arkansas reports sports betting revenue on a monthly basis. Figures below reflect combined online and retail wagering unless otherwise specified by the regulator.
About sports betting revenue in Arkansas
Arkansas legalized sports betting in 2018, with retail wagering launching later that year at the state’s licensed casinos under the oversight of the Arkansas Racing Commission. Online and mobile sports betting followed in 2022, expanding access beyond in-person wagering.
The state’s sports betting market is closely tied to its casino infrastructure, with wagering offered through a small number of licensed casino operators and their approved mobile partners. While mobile betting is now available statewide, Arkansas remains a relatively limited market in terms of operator count and overall scale.
The Arkansas Racing Commission publishes periodic reports outlining sports betting handle, revenue, and tax contributions. These figures reflect combined retail and mobile activity and provide insight into market performance within a tightly regulated, casino-anchored framework.
Because Arkansas operates with a small number of sportsbooks and a population-constrained footprint, its sports betting figures are best viewed as indicators of steady participation rather than direct comparables to large, highly competitive, or mobile-dominant markets.
How to read revenue numbers
- Handle represents the total amount wagered by bettors during the month.
- Revenue reflects sportsbook winnings after payouts, before expenses.
- Hold is calculated as revenue divided by handle, expressed as a percentage.
Monthly revenue can fluctuate significantly due to seasonality, betting mix, and the outcomes of major sporting events.
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.
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 2026:
- 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.
Covers and credibility
We have had our finger on the pulse of the sports betting industry for more than 25 years. The sports betting revenue figures and statistics found here have been personally reviewed, verified, and fact-checked to ensure their validity.
News outlets turn to Covers for our earned reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of sports betting information. These are among the notable publications and media outlets that have referenced Covers.com and our industry experts.
More industry resources
As states continue to authorize legal sports betting — now 38 states plus DC, consult these informational websites for additional information on the sports betting industry:
- American Gaming Association (AGA): Organization dedicated to advancing the gambling industry's interests by promoting, educating, and advocating for responsible gambling.
- Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA): Supreme Court of the United States ruling.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Those seeking help for a gambling problem can call 1-800-GAMBLER toll-free, 24/7.
Related sports betting revenue coverage
U.S. Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
Monthly Sports Betting Revenue by State: Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado | Connecticut | DC | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Missouri | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Tennessee | Vermont | Virginia | West Virginia | Wyoming
Sports betting revenue tracker FAQ
The sports that generate the most sports betting revenue can vary depending on factors such as the sport's popularity, the betting market's size, and the timing and frequency of significant events. Football stands as the most popular sport for betting in the United States, with the NFL generating the highest revenue. The Super Bowl alone is one of the world's most-watched and bet-on sporting events. Basketball is also a popular sport for betting, particularly in the United States where the NBA lays claim to the top basketball league in the world.
Sports betting revenue varies greatly depending on the region, market, and size of the industry. However, in many jurisdictions, sports betting can generate significant revenue and contribute to the overall economy. Compared to other industries, sports betting revenue may not be as significant. For example, in 2020, the global video game industry was estimated to generate over $159 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, the global film industry was estimated to generate over $100 billion in revenue in 2020.
The popularity of select sports events cannot be overlooked, with the Super Bowl and World Cup among the largest betting events in the globe. Betting odds and lines also greatly impact the amount of revenue generated by sports betting. Other factors include technological advancements, including the live streaming of events.
The future of sports betting revenue hinges on additional markets legalizing sports betting, via mobile betting, land-based, or a combination of both. An uptick in legal U.S. markets will trigger increased revenues, while new bet trends including same game parlays and in-game wagering, unlocks more opportunities for customers.
Online sports betting has significantly impacted sports betting revenue, notably in states where it is legal and regulated. The rise of online sports betting has facilitated the customer experience, allowing people to place bets remotely or in-person from the event itself, leading to increased revenue for sportsbooks. Betting site operators can also reach a much larger audience and customer-base. Overall customer convenience plays a large part in driving up sports betting revenue.
Gross revenue represents the total amount of money a sportsbook takes in from all customer bets, and it includes the total value of all bets placed, regardless of whether the bets won or lost. In other words, gross revenue is the total amount of money a sportsbook earns from its customers. Net revenue, conversely, is the amount of money a sportsbook earns after deducting all its operating expenses. This includes things like salaries, rent, marketing expenses, and other costs associated with running the sportsbook. Net revenue is the profit a sportsbook makes from its operations.
Major sports events including the Super Bowl and World Cup have a significant impact on sports betting revenue. These events garner a lot of attention from fans, which leads to increased betting activity and higher revenue for sportsbooks. The Super Bowl alone is the largest single-day betting event on the sporting calendar, which generates millions of dollars in revenue for sportsbooks.
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