Our Best Arkansas Sports Betting Offers

 

Arkansas Sports Betting Expands with FanDuel and DraftKings Approval

 

On February 26, 2026, the Arkansas Racing Commission unanimously approved FanDuel and DraftKings for sports wagering vendor licenses, marking a major step forward for the state’s betting market. While sports betting has been legal in Arkansas since 2019, and online wagering launched in 2022, this decision brings two of the biggest national operators into the space.

 

Initially, major sportsbooks avoided Arkansas due to the state’s strict revenue-sharing model, which requires third-party operators to give more than 50% of revenue to their in-state casino partners. Despite this, both FanDuel and DraftKings have now entered the market:

 

• DraftKings partnered with Oaklawn Casino

• FanDuel partnered with Southland Casino Hotel

 

With their official launch on March 20, 2026, Arkansas bettors now have access to top-tier platforms and expanded betting options.

 

 

Timeline: Arkansas Sports Betting History

 

Here’s a look at how sports betting developed in Arkansas:

 

• May 2018: PASPA is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, allowing states to legalize sports betting

• November 6, 2018: Arkansas voters approve Issue 4 (Amendment 100), legalizing casino gaming and sports betting

• July 1, 2019: First legal bet placed—a $5 wager at Oaklawn Racing Casino

• April 2021: House Bill 1942 establishes framework for online sports betting

• December 30, 2021: 51% revenue-sharing rule approved for third-party operators

• February 22, 2022: Rule finalized by Arkansas Legislative Council

• March 5, 2022: Southland Casino launches Betly app

• May 10, 2022: Saracen Casino launches BETSaracen app

• August 2022: Oaklawn Sports mobile app goes live

• September 24, 2024: Arkansas sportsbooks surpass $1 billion in total handle

• February 26, 2026: FanDuel and DraftKings approved for licenses

• March 20, 2026: FanDuel and DraftKings officially launch in Arkansas

 

 

What This Means for Bettors

 

The arrival of FanDuel and DraftKings signals a major shift in Arkansas sports betting:

 

• More competitive odds and markets

• Access to top-tier mobile platforms

• Increased promotions and bonuses

 

New users can now take advantage of welcome offers, including the FanDuel Arkansas promo, which gives $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.

 

Arkansas Sports Betting Apps & Promos

 

With the arrival of major national operators, Arkansas bettors now have access to some of the best sportsbook apps and promotions in the country. Here’s a breakdown of the top platforms available in the state.

 

 

FanDuel Sportsbook

 

FanDuel is one of the most popular and user-friendly sportsbooks in the U.S., offering a wide range of betting markets across professional and college sports, both domestic and international.

 

Known for its clean blue-and-white interface, competitive odds, and deep market selection, FanDuel makes it easy for both new and experienced bettors to find value.

 

 

FanDuel Arkansas Promo

 

• Bet $5 and get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins

• VIP players can access a Bet & Get / Bet Reset offer up to $5,000 with a $2,000 deposit

 

 

App & Payments

 

• Available on iOS and Android

• Fast payouts:

   

  • Debit card, PayPal, Venmo: within 24 hours

  • Online banking: up to 5 days

  • Check by mail: up to 10 business days

 

 Sign up using the Arkansas FanDuel promo to claim your bonus.

 

 

DraftKings Sportsbook

 

DraftKings started as a daily fantasy sports platform and has grown into one of the most recognized sportsbooks in the U.S. Its interface is built for bettors who enjoy stats, analytics, and same-game parlays.

 

 

DraftKings Arkansas Promo

 

• Bet $5 and get $300 in bonus bets instantly

 

 

App & Payments

 

• Available on iOS and Android

• Deposit/withdrawal options include:

   

  • PayPal

  • Debit card

  • Online banking

  • Mailed check

 

Sign up with the Arkansas DraftKings promo to unlock your bonus.

 

 

Expansion of Arkansas Online Sports Betting

 

Arkansas sports betting continues to evolve with new partnerships and expanded access.

 

• On February 26, 2026, the Arkansas Racing Commission approved:

   

  • FanDuel + Oaklawn Casino

  • DraftKings + Southland Casino Hotel

• Both operators officially launched on March 20, 2026, bringing major upgrades to the state’s betting market.

 

 

Key Changes:

 

• FanDuel replaces Oaklawn Sports, now operating as FanDuel powered by Oaklawn

• DraftKings replaces Betly under Southland’s license

• Saracen Casino continues to operate independently with BETSaracen

 

 

How Arkansas Betting Apps Work

 

• Arkansas has three licensed casinos:

   

  • Oaklawn Casino

  • Southland Casino Hotel

  • Saracen Casino Resort

• Each casino can operate up to two sportsbook apps

• All apps must follow a 51%–49% revenue split, favoring in-state casinos

 

 These rules remain unchanged, even with the addition of FanDuel and DraftKings.

 

The addition of FanDuel and DraftKings marks a major upgrade for Arkansas sports betting. With better apps, stronger promos, and more competitive markets, bettors now have significantly more options than before.

 

If you’re looking to get started, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these welcome offers and improved platforms.

 

Who Regulates Sports Betting in Arkansas?

 

Sports betting in Arkansas is regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC), which oversees all forms of wagering in the state, including horse racing, casino gaming, and both retail and online sports betting.

 

The ARC operates under the authority of the Arkansas state government and is made up of appointed members responsible for ensuring fair and compliant betting practices.

 

Bettors and operators can access services and information through the commission’s official website or contact them directly:

 

• Address: 1515 W. 7th Street, Suite 505, Little Rock, AR 72201

• Phone: 501-682-1467

• Email: racing@dfa.arkansas.gov

• Website: dfa.arkansas.gov/office/racing-commission

 

 

Where Does Arkansas Sports Betting Tax Revenue Go?

 

Sports betting revenue in Arkansas is distributed across several key areas to support both state and local initiatives.

 

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL):

 

• 55% goes to the state general fund

• 27.5% goes to the local city and county where the casino operates

• 17.5% goes to the Arkansas Racing Commission’s Purse and Awards Fund

 

 

Tax Rates:

 

• 13% on the first $150 million in gaming revenue

• 20% on revenue exceeding $150 million

 

According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, the state generated approximately $7.23 million in sports betting tax revenue between January and October 2025.

 

Responsible Gambling in Arkansas

 

Arkansas provides several resources for individuals who may need support with problem gambling.

 

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-MY-RESET

• Arkansas Problem Gambling Council: 501-403-2321

 

These services offer confidential support, guidance, and tools to help individuals maintain responsible betting habits.