Sports Betting

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Arkansas for Football

Arkansas launched sports betting over two years ago on March 6, 2022, but the market remains one of the most restrictive in America. The Natural State has only three licensed online sportsbooks (Betly, BetSaracen, Oaklawn Sports) operating, with combined welcome bonuses totaling just $100. That's not a typo. One hundred dollars total across all three operators. The good news? Arkansas is one of the few states where you can legally bet on the NFL Draft.

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Arkansas for Football

Is NFL Betting Legal in Arkansas?

Yes, NFL betting is legal in Arkansas through retail casinos and 3 licensed online sportsbooks. Arkansas legalized sports betting via voter referendum in November 2018, with retail sportsbooks launching at three casinos in July 2019 and online mobile betting officially launching on March 6, 2022.

Here are the key legal facts you need to know:

Regulatory body: Arkansas Racing Commission
Licensed online operators: 3 active sportsbooks (Betly, BetSaracen, Oaklawn Sports) as of November 2025
Maximum authorized operators: Up to 8 total online operators permitted under legislation, but only 3 currently live
Retail locations: 3 currently operational (Oaklawn, Southland, Saracen); 4th casino (Legends) under construction
Retail partner restriction: Each online operator must have direct affiliation with a casino operator
Age requirement: 21 years old or older for all sports betting
Remote registration: YES, fully online remote registration allowed (unlike Nevada/Illinois)
Geolocation requirement: Must be physically located within Arkansas to place wagers
College sports: Yes, full college sports betting permitted, including Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas State Red Wolves
NFL Draft betting: Arkansas is one of just a few states permitting legal NFL Draft betting
Tribal lands restriction: Wagers cannot be placed from tribal lands using geofencing
Tax rate: Operators pay 51% on adjusted gross revenue (highest tax rate in the nation, explains limited operator interest)

Best Online Sportsbooks for NFL Betting in Arkansas

Arkansas features just 3 licensed online sportsbooks, significantly limiting bettors' options compared to competitive markets. Here are your only choices:

1. Betly Sportsbook – Best Welcome Bonus

Betly ranks as one of Arkansas' top sportsbooks (retail partner: Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis). Welcome offer: $100 Bonus Bet if your first bet loses, with minimum deposit and wager requirements of $10 at odds of -250 or greater. Betly launched on March 6, 2022 and features a modern, user-friendly app interface. The operator offers live betting and comprehensive NFL markets.

Key Details: Approval date: March 6, 2022 (initial launch date). Odds provider: IGT. Retail connection: Southland Casino Racing (West Memphis). Features: Mobile app, live betting, extensive NFL coverage. Bonus terms: $100 bonus bet (maximum); requires $10+ deposit and $10+ wager at -250 or higher odds.

Best for: Anyone who wants the only real welcome bonus in Arkansas.

2. BetSaracen – Saracen Casino Affiliate

BetSaracen operates as the Saracen Casino Resort sportsbook in Pine Bluff. The operator provides competitive odds and basic welcome bonuses. BetSaracen features deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options through its responsible gaming program.

Key Details: Odds provider: IGT. Retail connection: Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff). Launch date: March 6, 2022. Features: Mobile app, live betting, NFL markets. Responsible gaming: Deposit limits, self-exclusion, time limits available.

Best for: Anyone near Pine Bluff or Saracen Casino.

3. Oaklawn Sports – Different Odds Provider

Oaklawn Sports is the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort sportsbook in Hot Springs. The operator provides a modern interface and uses Kambi for odds provisioning (different from competitors).

Key Details: Odds provider: Kambi (provides opportunity for line shopping across other operators). Retail connection: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs). Launch date: March 6, 2022. Features: Mobile app, live betting, comprehensive NFL coverage. User interface: Noted as modern and intuitive.

Best for: Line shoppers who want different odds from Betly and BetSaracen.

Shurzy tip: Arkansas has three sportsbooks and a 51% tax rate that scared off everyone else. Betly's $100 bonus is literally the only welcome offer in the entire state. Sign up for all three apps anyway because line shopping between Oaklawn (Kambi) and the other two (IGT) might save you half a point here and there.

Best NFL Betting Bonuses in Arkansas

Arkansas sportsbooks offer minimal welcome bonuses compared to competitive markets. Here's the brutal truth:

Total combined bonuses: $100 (essentially just Betly's single offer).
Betly Sportsbook: $100 Bonus Bet if your first bet loses. Minimum deposit: $10. Minimum wager: $10. Required odds: -250 or greater. Expiration: Check terms (typically 7 days).
BetSaracen & Oaklawn Sports: No publicly advertised welcome bonuses as of November 2025. Inquire directly with operators for any unstated offers.
Daily Promotions: All 3 operators feature occasional daily odds boosts on NFL games. Availability and terms vary by operator.

Shurzy tip: $100 across three sportsbooks is embarrassing. Competitive states offer $5,000+ in combined bonuses. If you live near the Louisiana or Mississippi border, drive there instead.

Popular NFL Bets You Can Make in Arkansas

Arkansas sportsbooks (all 3) offer standard NFL betting options. Here's what you can wager on:

Moneyline: Pick the outright winner. Example: Chiefs -180 vs. Colts +150.
Point Spread: Bet on the margin of victory. Example: Chiefs -3.5 must win by 4+ points.
Totals (Over/Under): Combined score betting. Example: Chiefs-Colts over/under 49.5.
Player Props: Individual player performances (passing yards, TDs, receptions).
Team Props: Team-specific outcomes (first-half points, team total score).
Same-Game Parlays (SGP): Combine multiple outcomes from one game.
Futures: Super Bowl winner, division champs, MVP odds.
Live/In-Play Betting: Real-time odds throughout the game.
College Sports: Full college football/basketball betting including Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas State.
NFL Draft: Arkansas uniquely permits legal NFL Draft betting (one of just a few states).

How to Bet on the NFL in Arkansas: Step-by-Step

Getting started with legal NFL betting in Arkansas takes just a few minutes. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose a licensed sportsbook (Betly, BetSaracen, or Oaklawn Sports).
Step 2: Create an account online. Download app or visit website; provide full legal name, address, DOB, and SSN.
Step 3: Verify identity and age (21+). Upload photo ID; sportsbooks verify 21+ age requirement via third-party verification.
Step 4: Confirm location. Geolocation technology confirms you're physically in Arkansas (NOT on tribal lands).
Step 5: Make a deposit. Use credit/debit cards, bank transfer, or other approved methods.
Step 6: Claim welcome bonus. Apply Betly's $100 bonus bet if choosing that operator (inquire at BetSaracen/Oaklawn for bonuses).
Step 7: Navigate to the NFL. Find the NFL section, select games and wagers.
Step 8: Place bet and withdraw. Confirm bet slip; withdraw winnings via banking methods (typically 24-48 hours).

Shurzy tip: Arkansas is one of the worst sports betting markets in America, and the 51% tax rate guarantees it stays that way. If you live in Little Rock and Louisiana is two hours away, make the drive. If you're stuck in Arkansas, use all three apps for line shopping and pray the state lowers that tax rate someday.

Responsible Gambling in Arkansas

Arkansas provides responsible gaming resources through casino operators and state resources. All 3 operators offer deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options. Individual sportsbooks offer self-exclusion (not centralized statewide program). Each operator maintains separate self-exclusion protocols.

Get Help: If you or someone you know struggles with problem gambling, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), available 24/7, free, and confidential.

Final Take: Arkansas' Restrictive NFL Betting Scene

For Arkansas residents seeking robust NFL betting options, consider visiting neighboring states (Louisiana, Mississippi) with far more competitive markets and better bonuses. If forced to bet in-state, Betly's $100 welcome bonus and modern interface make it marginally preferable to alternatives, though expectations should remain modest.

Shurzy tip: Arkansas launched sports betting and immediately made it one of the worst markets in America. Three sportsbooks, $100 in bonuses, and a tax rate so high it keeps out everyone worth betting with. Unless you're tied to Arkansas for work or family, bet somewhere else. Literally anywhere else.

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