History of Sports Betting Legalization in Arkansas

Arkansas voters approved retail sports betting in 2018, and the first wagers were accepted in 2019. At first, the only way to bet was in person at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Southland Casino, or Saracen Casino Resort.

The big shift came in late 2021, when the Arkansas Racing Commission signed off on new rules for online sports betting. By March 2022, BetSaracen launched as the first mobile sportsbook in the state. Soon after, Betly and Oaklawn Sports apps went live.

This made online sports betting legal for the first time in Arkansas. While the national giants like DraftKings and FanDuel stayed out, local operators filled the gap.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Online Sports Betting Apps in Arkansas

Currently, Arkansas offers three licensed online sports betting apps:

• BetSaracen – Backed by Saracen Casino Resort, this is the state’s most popular sportsbook app.
  
  
• Betly – Linked to Southland Casino, offering competitive lines and promotions.
  
  
• Oaklawn Sports – Run by Oaklawn Racing Casino, also tied to one of Arkansas’s oldest racing venues.
  
  

Unlike many online sports betting USA states, Arkansas does not have apps from DraftKings, FanDuel, or BetMGM. That’s because state rules require casinos to keep at least 51% of revenue, which discouraged national brands.

Still, the available apps provide full access to spreads, totals, parlays, and live betting. NFL betting is featured heavily, and all three apps promote college football markets as well.

How to Bet: Online Sports Betting How To in Arkansas

Getting started is simple. You must be 21 or older and physically located in Arkansas. Sportsbooks use geolocation to confirm your location before accepting wagers.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Download BetSaracen, Betly, or Oaklawn Sports from the app store.
   
   
2. Create an account with your name, email, and last four digits of your SSN.
   
   
3. Deposit funds using a debit card, bank transfer, or e-wallet.
   
   
4. Browse the betting menu, from NFL games to NBA futures.
   
   
5. Place your first bet and track results inside the app.
   
   

This process mirrors what you’ll find in other sports betting legal online states. The main difference in Arkansas is fewer app options compared to larger markets.

Example: NFL Betting on BetSaracen

Suppose the Dallas Cowboys are playing the Green Bay Packers. On BetSaracen, you see the Cowboys listed at -3.5 with odds of -110. You place $55 to win $50. If the Cowboys win by 4 or more, you cash your ticket.

At the same time, you decide to parlay the Cowboys’ spread with an over 47.5 total points bet. Now your $20 bet could return over $70 if both legs hit. That’s a clear example of how online sports betting apps in Arkansas let you play the same markets available nationwide.

Arkansas Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

Arkansas is part of the wave of states where sports betting legal frameworks have expanded rapidly. But it operates differently than places like New Jersey or Arizona.

In New Jersey, bettors can choose from 20 or more online sportsbooks, including all the big national brands. Arkansas has just three apps, all run locally. This limits competition, which means fewer sign-up bonuses and promos.

Still, Arkansas offers something unique. By keeping sportsbooks tied directly to casinos, the state ensures revenue stays local. This has helped fund community programs while still giving fans access to online betting.

What Sports and Bets Are Allowed?

Arkansas allows betting on pro sports, college sports, and international leagues. This includes football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and more.

Unlike some states, Arkansas does not restrict betting on in-state college teams. You can wager on Arkansas Razorbacks games without limits. That sets Arkansas apart from sports betting legal states like New York, where local college markets are restricted.

Standard bet types include:

• Moneylines and spreads
  
  
• Totals (over/under)
  
  
• Parlays and teasers
  
  
• Futures (Super Bowl, NBA Finals, etc.)
  
  
• Live in-game betting
  
  

NFL betting is by far the biggest market. On Sundays, apps run promotions for same-game parlays and boosted odds, especially around prime-time matchups.

Daily Fantasy Sports and Other Options

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel were legalized in Arkansas in 2017. They continue to operate today. However, the state has cracked down on pick’em-style fantasy sites like PrizePicks and Underdog, which were ordered to stop offering contests in 2024.

Beyond DFS, Arkansans also have access to online horse racing betting and social sportsbooks like Fliff, which use virtual currency to mimic sports wagering.

Taxes and Regulation

The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates all online sports betting legal operators. Sportsbooks pay taxes on revenue, with a portion directed toward state funding.

For players, winnings are considered taxable income. If you win big on NFL betting or March Madness futures, you may receive tax forms from your sportsbook at year’s end.

The Future of Online Sports Betting in Arkansas

The market is still young, but growing steadily. More apps could launch if casinos decide to expand skins or partner with new brands. For now, the local-only model means fewer promos but a strong focus on Arkansas bettors.

Given the popularity of NFL betting and college football in the state, expect betting volume to keep climbing. Arkansas may never rival New Jersey in size, but it has built a sustainable system.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Arkansas

So, is online sports betting legal in Arkansas? Yes. Since 2022, residents have had access to BetSaracen, Betly, and Oaklawn Sports apps. Retail betting has been live since 2019, and the online market continues to grow.

Arkansas may not have as many apps as other states, but bettors still enjoy full access to spreads, parlays, and in-play markets. NFL betting remains the centerpiece, with college sports close behind.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.