Sports Betting

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Arkansas

Arkansas sports betting is extremely limited with only three licensed operators and minimal welcome bonuses. Between BetSaracen, Oaklawn Sports, and Betly, Arkansas bettors face minimal promotional offers compared to neighboring states. Arkansas voters approved sports betting in November 2018, but the state's 51% revenue-share requirement has kept national operators away. Arkansas generated an estimated $150-200 million in annual handle, ranking near the bottom nationally. At Shurzy, we keep it real: Arkansas sports betting is broken by design.

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Arkansas

Is Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas?

Yes, sports betting is fully legal in Arkansas, but severely limited. Arkansas voters approved Issue 4 in November 2018, amending the state constitution to permit sports betting. Retail betting launched July 1, 2019 at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs (the first legal bet was a $5 wager on the Dallas Cowboys by general manager Wayne Smith). Online/mobile betting launched March-April 2022.

Arkansas has only THREE legal sportsbooks: Oaklawn Sports (owned by Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Hot Springs), BetSaracen (owned by Quapaw Nation's Saracen Casino Resort, Pine Bluff), and Betly (owned by Southland Casino Racing, West Memphis). A fourth casino, Legends Resort & Casino in Pope County (Russellville), received a license in 2024 but has not yet opened.

Here's what you need to know:

Must be 21+ and physically in Arkansas
Can only bet through three operators: BetSaracen, Oaklawn Sports, Betly
Can bet on pro sports and college games (Arkansas Razorbacks)
Cannot bet on high school sports, entertainment awards, political elections, or specific novelty props
Arkansas has a 51% revenue-share requirement that blocks national operators from entering the market

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Arkansas

Arkansas has three legal sportsbooks. Here are all three.

1. BetSaracen (Saracen Casino Resort - Quapaw Nation) - Occasional "Bet $25, Get $125" (Code: INSIDEAR)

BetSaracen launched in May 2022 and is owned by the Quapaw Nation's $350 million Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff. The app covers major pro and college sports with in-play betting and live data feeds. However, the interface is dated compared to national operators, and deposit options are limited (no cryptocurrency). Bonuses are occasional and inconsistent, sometimes you'll see "Bet $25, Get $125" promos during major events, but these aren't guaranteed for new users.

Best for: Pine Bluff/southeast Arkansas residents.

2. Oaklawn Sports (Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort) - Minimal to None

Oaklawn Sports is the online extension of Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, Arkansas' most famous casino and horse racing track. The app launched in April 2022 and offers standard betting markets on pro and college sports. Welcome bonuses are minimal to none, you might see occasional free bet vouchers during major events like the Super Bowl or March Madness, but don't count on it.

Best for: Hot Springs/central Arkansas residents.

3. Betly (Southland Casino Racing) - Minimal to None

Betly launched in March 2022 as Arkansas' first regulated mobile sportsbook, operating through Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis. The app offers credit card deposits but no cryptocurrency options. Betly has fewer markets and promotional offers compared to BetSaracen and Oaklawn. Welcome bonuses are essentially nonexistent.

Best for: Memphis metro/northeast Arkansas residents (West Memphis is across the river from Memphis, Tennessee).

How to Choose Your Arkansas Sportsbook

With only three legal options, picking the right sportsbook comes down to location and convenience:

If you live in Pine Bluff or southeast Arkansas: BetSaracen is your closest option and occasionally runs the best promos.
If you live in Hot Springs or central Arkansas: Oaklawn Sports is tied to the state's most famous casino and racing track.
If you live near Memphis or northeast Arkansas: Betly operates through Southland Casino in West Memphis, right across the river from Tennessee.
Shop lines. Even with three operators, you should still compare odds before placing bets. Small differences in lines can change your payout.

Shurzy tip: With only three apps, there's no real competition. Sign up for all three and see which one gives you the best lines on the games you actually want to bet.

How to Claim a Sportsbook Bonus in Arkansas

Claiming your bonus in Arkansas is straightforward, though don't expect much:

Step 1: Pick your sportsbook. Choose from BetSaracen, Oaklawn Sports, or Betly.
Step 2: Create your account. Visit the sportsbook's website or download the app. Enter your name, address, date of birth, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your SSN.
Step 3: Turn on geolocation. You must be physically in Arkansas to place a bet. The app confirms this automatically.
Step 4: Make your first deposit. Most books require $10 to $25 to qualify for any bonus. Use a card, PayPal, or online banking.
Step 5: Enter the promo code (if there is one). For BetSaracen, check if code INSIDEAR is active. Oaklawn and Betley rarely require codes because they rarely offer bonuses.
Step 6: Place your qualifying bet. Follow the bonus terms if a promotion is available.

Shurzy tip: Arkansas bonuses are rare and small. Don't expect anything close to what you'd get in Michigan, Maryland, or Louisiana. Most of the time, you're betting without any promotional cushion.

Sports Betting Tips for Arkansas Bettors

Arkansas betting is limited, but here's how to make it work:

Check all three apps for lines. Even with limited competition, odds can vary across BetSaracen, Oaklawn, and Betly. Shop around before placing your bet.
Focus on Razorbacks games. Arkansas allows betting on college sports including Arkansas Razorbacks. Take advantage of the betting options available on SEC football and basketball.
Watch for rare promos during major events. BetSaracen occasionally runs bonuses during the Super Bowl, March Madness, or big SEC games. Don't expect them regularly, but grab them when they appear.
Consider DFS as an alternative. DraftKings DFS and FanDuel DFS operate legally in Arkansas and offer pick'em contests with real money prizes. PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy are also available.
Don't expect loyalty rewards. Unlike national operators with extensive rewards programs, Arkansas sportsbooks don't offer much in terms of ongoing perks or VIP programs.

Shurzy tip: Arkansas sports betting is what it is, three operators, minimal bonuses, and no sign of change. If you're serious about betting, neighboring Louisiana (45 minutes from Texarkana) and Tennessee (right across the river from West Memphis) offer way better options.

Responsible Betting in Arkansas

The Arkansas Racing Commission oversees responsible gaming programs. All regulated sportsbooks offer deposit limits, self-exclusion, and timeout features.

If you need help, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700, available 24/7.

Final Take

Arkansas sports betting offers virtually no welcome bonuses due to the state's 51% revenue-share rule that blocks major operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. Only three licensed sportsbooks exist: BetSaracen, Oaklawn Sports, and Betly. Occasional promotions like "Bet $25, Get $125" appear during major events, but don't expect consistent offers.

Most Arkansas residents use DFS platforms (legal) for better promotional offers and more betting options. If you're betting on the Razorbacks on Saturday or the Cowboys on Sunday, Arkansas sportsbooks offer limited value compared to neighboring states. Keep it simple: use whichever app has the best line, play responsibly, and don't expect much in terms of bonuses.

Shurzy tip: No spreadsheets, no stress. Just fast picks, good promos, and wins you can flex. That's the Shurzy way. (But honestly, Arkansas doesn't have good promos, so maybe just flex the DFS wins instead.)

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