Arkansas sports betting 2026: The best AR sportsbooks

On Feb. 26, 2026, the Arkansas Racing Commission has unanimously approved FanDuel and DraftKings for commercial sports betting licenses for Arkansas sports betting. Sports betting in Arkansas has been legal since 2019, and Arkansas is introducing online sports betting in 2022.

National sportsbooks initially stayed away from Arkansas, mostly because of fears about revenue splitting forcing third-party operators to give more than half of their revenue to their in-state partners. However, DraftKings and FanDuel have embraced that split, as DraftKings partnered with Southland Casino Hotel, while FanDuel partnered with Oaklawn Casino to take their Arkansas sports betting apps. Click here to create your DraftKings Arkansas account:

Arkansas Sports Betting (Updates May 2026)

Arkansas sports betting history and the latest news

• May 2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, allowing states to legalize sports betting.
• November 6, 2018: Arkansas voters passed Proposition 4 (Amendment 100), which legalized casino gaming and legalized sports betting in licensed casinos.

• July 1, 2019: The first legal sports bet is placed in Arkansas, a $5 bet on the Dallas Cowboys at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Read more about this here.
• April 2021: House Bill 1942 is passed, setting the framework for online sports betting.
• December 30, 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission approves a 51% profit sharing rule, meaning 51% of the revenue from a third-party operator, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, goes to the in-house partner, and the other 49% goes to the third-party operator.
• February 22, 2022: Arkansas Legislature adopts and finalizes 51% profit sharing law. Read more about this here.
• March 5, 2022: Southland Casino launches Betly for Arkansas online sports betting.
• May 10, 2022: The BETSAracen app for Saracen Casino is launched.
• August 2022: The Oaklawn Sports mobile app goes live.
• September 24, 2024: Arkansas sports books clear $1 billion
• February 26, 2026: DraftKings and FanDuel are granted sports betting licenses from the Arkansas Racing Commission. Read more about this here.
• March 20, 2026: FanDuel and DraftKings launch sports betting operations in Arkansas.

New users can claim the Arkansas FanDuel promo code here, which gives new users a $150 betting bonus if their first $5 bet wins:

Arkansas sports betting apps and promos

FanDuel

• FanDuel is one of the most popular and highly rated sportsbooks. Offers thousands of spreads, money lines, totals, props, and more for professional, indoor and outdoor sports, as well as college sports. FanDuel is known for its easy-to-use interface, exciting blue and white beauty, competitive opportunities and extensive market options.
• FanDuel Arkansas promo code gives new users a $150 bonus bet if their first $5 bet wins.
• The FanDuel Sportsbook app can be downloaded for both Apple and Android systems.
• FanDuel offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, with most withdrawals paying out in less than a day. Users withdrawing via debit card, PayPal and Venmo are paid within 24 hours. Online banking may take up to five days. Mailed checks arrive within 10 business days of mailing.

sign up with a promo code for Arkansas FanDuel, which offers new users $150 in bonus bets when you place a $5 bet:

The Kings Are Not Prepared

• DraftKings started as a fun daily sports site before evolving into one of the most popular sportsbooks in the country. That DFS DNA shows in the interface, as DraftKings relies on stats, player data, and matchup paralays in a way that appeals to the most engaged, research-driven bettors.
• New users in Arkansas can take advantage of the DraftKings promo code, which delivers an instant $100 in bonus bets after the first bet of just $5.
• The DraftKings Sportsbook app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.
• DraftKings supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, payout times vary depending on the option selected. Common withdrawal methods include PayPal, debit card, online banking, and mailed checks.

sign up with an Arkansas DraftKings promo code, which offers new users $100 in instant bonus wagering for a $5 wager:

When will Arkansas expand online sports betting?

On Feb. 26, the Arkansas Racing Commission approved Oaklawn Casino’s partnership with FanDuel and Southland Casino Hotel’s partnership with DraftKings. FanDuel and DraftKings can start sportsbook promos and instant betting sites.

Oaklawn Sports, the Arkansas betting app that operated under license from Oaklawn Casino, will no longer operate and will instead use the FanDuel app “powered by Oaklawn Sports.”

DraftKings operates under the license of the Southland Casino Hotel, formerly operated by Betly, an Arkansas online sportsbook.

Saracen Casino Resort has not entered into a licensing relationship with a national sports book and continues with its BETSaracen operating system.

Southland Casino Hotel, Oaklawn Casino and Saracen Casino Resort, three commercial casinos in Arkansas, can each use two sportsbook applications. All Arkansas betting apps must operate under a 51%-49% revenue split, which favors local casinos, and that hasn’t changed the relationship between FanDuel and DraftKings.

These Arkansas betting apps can get started quickly. This new partnership does not include prediction markets, only online sports betting.

Click here to create your FanDuel Arkansas account:

Who regulates sports betting in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates racing, casino betting and sports betting, both in person and online, in Arkansas. It operates under the authority of the state government of Arkansas and is composed of elected members. The Arkansas Racing Commission offers online resources at its website (www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/racing-commission), as well as in person, by phone, or by email.

Where is Arkansas’ sports betting tax revenue?

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 55% of the tax paid by Arkansas sportsbooks goes to the state’s general fund, 27.5% goes to the city and county where the casino is located, and 17.5% goes to the Arkansas Racing Commission to be included in its Purse and Awards fund. Arkansas sports books pay a tax rate of 13% on the first $150 million of sports revenue, then 20% on all revenue over $150 million. According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, the state collected $7.229 million in tax revenue from sports betting between January and October 2025.

Responsible gambling in Arkansas

Arkansas has several problem gambling helplines, including the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET and the Arkansas Gambling Council at 501-403-2321.

FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?

Yes, sports betting in Arkansas has been legal since 2019, with the implementation of online sports betting in 2022.

Will the new Arkansas sports books have promotional codes?

Historically, FanDuel, DraftKings and many major sportsbooks have offered promo codes when introduced to new states. Both FanDuel and DraftKings offer lucrative welcome promos to new users in Arkansas.

Is DraftKings legal in Arkansas?

Yes, after the February 26 decision by the Arkansas Racing Commission, DraftKings Sportsbook is officially licensed by the Southland Casino Hotel.

Is FanDuel in Arkansas yet?

Yes, after the decision of Feb. 26 of the Arkansas Racing Commission, FanDuel Sportsbook is officially and “powered” by Oaklawn Sports.

Can I use Caesars Sportsbook in Arkansas?

No, and there is no current pressure for that to change anytime soon. However, there are Arkansas sports betting licenses if Caesars or otherwise sports betting apps be interested.

Do I need to be a resident to bet in Arkansas?

No, you do not need to be an Arkansas resident to use Arkansas sports betting apps. However, you need to be physically located in the state for Arkansas sports betting.

What sports can I bet on in Arkansas?

Arkansas has no restrictions on traditional professional sports or college sports, in-state or out-of-state, with Arkansas online sports betting. This allows Arkansas sports bettors to bet on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, football, college basketball and more. However, you cannot bet on eSports or betting markets.

What is the legal age for sports betting in Arkansas?

Users must be 21 years of age to participate in Arkansas sports betting.

What betting markets are available in Arkansas?

Arkansas online sports betting offers spreads, money lines, futures, props, and more on professional and college sports. You can also bet on awards, such as MLB MVP or NFL Coach of the Year, which are not allowed in all states with online sports betting.

Will DraftKings and FanDuel be able to bring prediction markets to Arkansas?

No, the February 26 decision only allowed FanDuel and DraftKings to operate in the sports betting arena in Arkansas.