Arkansas Sports Betting: Top AR Sportsbooks In 2026
Arkansas sports betting was legalized in November 2018 - six months after the federal restriction on sports wagering was lifted in the United States. After a number of failed efforts to bring mobile sports betting to the Land of Opportunity, saw online sportsbooks arrive in March 2022.
Here's a glimpse into Arkansas' sports wagering journey:
March 20, 2026: After both FanDuel and DraftKings protected licenses in Arkansas last month, both books released in the Natural State March 20th.
Feb. 26, 2026: Arkansas regulators all approved FanDuel and DraftKings to launch mobile sportsbooks through collaborations with Oaklawn and Southland gambling establishments.
Feb. 19, 2026: FanDuel and DraftKings could be running sports betting in Arkansas before the end of February.
April 1, 2025: A costs to legislate real cash online gambling establishment gaming platforms in Arkansas didn't advance out of an initial committee hearing, underscoring its stalled momentum in the legislature.
March 20, 2025: Arkansas legislators are taking a perform at legislating online gambling establishments and banning sweepstakes video gaming.
March 10, 2025: An Arkansas lawmaker is proposing constitutional modifications to casino gaming which would permit online slots and table games like blackjack and live roulette to be played.
Feb. 16, 2024: Several states, consisting of Arkansas, sent out cease-and-desists letters to day-to-day dream sports (DFS) operators Underdog and PrizePicks for providing unlicensed sports betting.
Sept. 2, 2022: The Oaklawn Sports mobile app launches in Arkansas, ending up being the state's 3rd legal online choice.
Aug. 23, 2022: Kambi extends its partnership with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. The brand-new contract consists of Oaklawn's retail sportsbook and an online sportsbook solution for the upcoming launch of 'Oaklawn Sports.'
May 10, 2022: After months of delay, Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app officially goes live. It is only the 2nd legal Arkansas sports betting platform to launch.
March 23, 2022: Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app has yet to launch. The operator had wanted to go live for March Madness, mentioning concerns with 'partners, suppliers, and screening labs' as the reason for the hold-up.
March 5, 2022: Betly becomes the first legal online sportsbook to go reside in Arkansas.
March 4, 2022: Legal online Arkansas sports betting is officially enabled to start, however the state's 3 casinos aren't yet prepared to use it. The casinos are still expected to release mobile sportsbooks before March Madness.
Feb. 22, 2022: Arkansas' mobile sports betting rules are officially approved by the state legislature's Joint Budget Committee. Online sports betting is on track to introduce in time for March Madness.
Feb. 17, 2022: Lawmakers approve changes to gambling rules that would permit legal online sports betting in Arkansas. The proposed guidelines advance to the state legislature's joint budget plan committee for a final vote.
Jan. 25, 2022: The Arkansas Racing Commission removes mobile sports betting from the legal program, asking for the updated guideline be talked about at a future meeting. The last-minute delay will avoid the state from introducing mobile sports betting before Super Bowl 56.
Dec. 30, 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission approves modifications to Arkansas' gambling establishment video gaming rules to permit mobile sports betting. The proposed changes would see online operators partner with and surrender 51% of revenues to local casinos.
Jan. 28, 2020: Betly sportsbook introduces a retail sportsbook in Southland Casino Racing.
Oct. 1, 2019: Saracen Casino resort opens Saracen Sportsbook, the second retail sportsbook in Arkansas.
July 1, 2019: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort takes Arkansas' first legal sports bet as basic manager Wayne Smith selects the Dallas Cowboys to defeat the New York Giants in the first video game of the 2018-19 NFL season.
November 2018: State citizens authorize a tally effort to legislate gambling establishment video gaming. Retail sports wagering is included in the initiative.