Arkansas Sports Betting Handle Up In March, But Mobile Shows Loss

With the Arkansas Razorbacks on a roll during March Madness, the state’s three casinos saw an increase in the amount of money wagered on sports compared to the previous month.

The first month of online sports betting in Arkansas also saw a large amount of money wagered.

However, Southland Casino Racing, the only casino offering online sports wagering in Arkansas, lost money on the effort during the month.

Overall Monthly Handle Improves

In March, the three casinos in Arkansas accepted $7.38 million in on-site bets, compared to $5.87 million in February, according to figures released Monday from the Arkansas Racing Commission.

During March, the University of Arkansas won three NCAA men’s basketball tournament games before falling in an Elite Eight matchup against Duke, 78-69.

Oaklawn Roars Back In Win Column

These March figures include a bounce back by Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in the amount of money it won on sports betting.

In February, the sportsbook collected only $1,509 in winnings, on a total of $2.12 million wagered. The low win total resulted in a state investigation that uncovered no wrongdoing.

The win total was much higher in March. After winning bettors were paid, the casino collected $390,791 during the month, substantially more than February’s win total.

The March win total at Oaklawn came on a handle of $3.1 million.

Saracen, Southland Witness Heavier Sportsbook Activity

Arkansas’ other casinos also experienced more wagering activity in March than the previous month.

At Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, the sportsbook took in $1.49 million during the month, up from $1.24 million in February.

Once bettors were paid, the casino won $162,086 in March. That total exceeded the $26,645 the casino won during February from sports betting.

In West Memphis, Southland had an on-site sports betting handle of $2.77 million in March, topping February’s handle of $2.5 million.

However, once the winners were paid, Southland earned $271,165 in March, a lower total than the $302,847 win one month earlier.

Southland Loses Money In First Online Wagering Month

Also in March, Southland became the first Arkansas casino to offer legal online sports betting.

Southland’s Betly Sportsbook was launched March 5 on web browsers and, a few days later, on an Android app. An Apple iPhone app is expected soon.

Bettors wagered $3.29 million on Southland’s mobile platforms in March, but the casino lost $32,154 in its first live month of online wagering.

Saracen and Oaklawn are expected to offer statewide mobile sports wagering soon.