Arkansas Sportsbooks | Guide to Arkansas Sports Betting 2024

Arkansas online sports betting could be a possibility if a new Senate vote goes the right way. You’ll also be able to download an Arkansas sports betting app and gamble on the move, whether you’re in Little Rock, Springdale or Hot Springs.

Retail betting outlets have only been in operation in Arkansas since 2019. However, if a new vote goes through, Arkansas residents will have access to regulated online sports betting sites and apps.

Online Sports Betting Arkansas Timeline

November 2021: Latest news is that the draft rule change is presented to the AR Racing Commission which would permit legalized mobile sports betting. 

November 2021: Racing Commission approves a license for a new casino in Pope County, the Legends Resort & Casino.

April 2021: Despite further attempts to introduce mobile sports betting bills, the Arkansas legislature’s session ends with no agreements.

January 2021: SB 669 proposed which would allow make online and mobile sports betting legal in Arkansas. The sports betting bill dies before reaching the Senate committee.

July 2019: First legal sports bet is placed in Arkansas.

November 2018: Amendment 100 approved which allows casinos to open retail betting locations in Arkansas.

April 2017: Act 1075 authorizes betting on daily fantasy sports (DFS)

December 2013: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort launches first horse racing betting app in Arkansas, Oaklawn Anywhere.

Current Arkansas Sports Betting Laws and Bills

In 2018, Arkansas made a key amendment to its existing gambling laws following a public referendum. Under the amendments, retail sportsbooks were permitted at the state’s land-based casinos:

• Betly
• Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
• Saracen Resort Casino

Proposals expanding the current Arkansas legislature to include online sportsbooks took a couple more years to develop. If an Arkansas Senate vote goes the right way, online sportsbooks could soon take their first AR bets.

Arkansas Casino and Gambling Laws

There are three casinos in the state, some – like Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort – offering table games alongside trackside horse racing betting. Casinos were expanded in 2018 following the public vote and now offer more games and retail sports betting. The Arkansas Racing Commission issued a license to the Legends Resort and Casino in Pope County in 2021. It is yet to open.

The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates casinos and racinos. All thoroughbred horse racing and greyhound racing is overseen by the Commission too. Pari-mutuel betting is permitted at all racinos and racetracks. However, no online casino apps are currently available.

Legal Sports Betting options currently available in AR

Retail sports wagering is the only way to enjoy legal sports betting. However, it is expected that mobile and online betting will become fully legal for Arkansas residents.

Since July 2019, AR retail bookies have let you place bets on all moneyline, totals, and point spread bets. You can also back multiple selections in a parlay.

You can bet on all professional sports such as NFL and NBA at AR sportsbooks. Plus, you can get involved in live wagering on many college games, NFL and MLB. You are also permitted to bet on overseas sports and international leagues such as the English Premier League.

There are three casinos or racinos in Arkansas, each with its own retail sportsbook. A fourth casino and sportsbook – Legends Resort & Casino – got the greenlight in 2021.

With mobile and online sports betting on its way in Arkansas, every casino in the state should launch legal apps. You’ll have to be of legal gambling age - 21 or over to register for an online sportsbook account and you’ll have access to some great promotions along the way.

Many of the biggest sportsbook operators are already prevalent in multiple US states, some are live right now in a neighboring state as Mississippi gambling sites. Let’s see who could be appearing in Arkansas.

It’s not clear whether online sportsbook sites in Arkansas will permit pre-registration. However, the strategy has proved popular in states such as North Carolina. With pre-registration, you can earn a bonus bet or bonus just for signing up early. Plus, when the sportsbook goes live you can take advantage of a welcome bonus for new players.

Likely Sign-Up Bonuses

Welcome bonuses at Arkansas sportsbooks should follow those seen in other regulated states. Earn bonus bets when you open your account or get a deposit match bonus just for loading your account.

• Deposit match bonus
• Bonus Bets

Events Promotions

You’ll also be able to claim special promotions centered around big sporting events. Get bonus bets to use on the Super Bowl or World Series or get money back if your player scores a touchdown.

Loyalty Programs

Rewards schemes are a great way for AR gamblers to earn extra cash. You’ll earn player points every time you place bets. You can redeem points for cash or unlock special bonuses such as faster cashouts and birthday offers.

Arkansas gamblers already have access to full sports betting at retail outlets in the state. It’s likely that the first online and mobile sportsbooks in the state will offer the same range of markets. You’ll also be able to wager on college sports in Arkansas but politics may be excluded.

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Hockey
• Soccer
• Tennis
• MMA
• Boxing
• Motorsports
• Olympics
• College football
• College basketball
• Rugby
• Cricket
• Golf

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Betting Allowed in AR?

Arkansas legislature on DFS passed back in 2017. Under Act 1075 of 2017, it’s legal to enter paid DFS contests within Arkansas state lines. Operators are taxed 8% on gross revenues, although activity has been slow in Arkansas. DraftKings and FanDuel wasted no time in opening their sites to AR fantasy enthusiasts. You can pay to join real-money fantasy sports pools for a shot at winning cash in NFL or MLB contests.

• Check DraftKings DFS Review
• Check Fanduel DFS Review

Will Horse Race Betting Become Available Online?

It’s already legal to bet at ADW (Advance Deposit Wagering) sites in Arkansas. You can place real-money pari-mutuel bets on races taking place across the US and overseas. Sites such as TVG offer odds and markets on all tracks, including thoroughbred meets in Arkansas.

Arkansas bettors have a huge number of teams to bet on - Here are five of the best home sides.

Arkansas State Red Wolves: The Wolves play football in Division I of the NCAA and represent Arkansas State University. They were founded in 1911 but haven’t won a national title since 1970.

Arkansas Razorbacks: The University of Arizona boasts several Razorbacks teams, predominantly in basketball and football. The Razorbacks basketball team has seven conference tournament titles to their name, most recently in 2000. Many Razorbacks stars have gone on to enjoy success in the NBA.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions: There are over 10 college football teams in Arkansas. Like the Razorbacks, the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions represent the University of Arkansas.

We only recommend you sign up with legal sportsbooks when Arkansas expectedly goes live in 2023. While offshore sportsbooks are available in Arkansas, you can’t guarantee that your funds are secure and the gaming can be trusted. At legalized sportsbooks, you get:

• Reliable odds and software
• Accurate payouts and fast cashout times
• Responsive customer support
• Bonuses and promotional payouts

US states with legal sports betting tend to offer the same kinds of promotions. There’s no reason to suspect Arkansas will be any different. You should be able to claim a comparable range of bonuses for Mississippi, Tennessee betting, and West Virginia betting:

• Welcome bonus including deposit match
• Bonus Bets
• Enhanced odds
• Loyalty schemes
• In-play specials

Online sports betting should be fun, but it’s not fun for all gamblers. Gambling addiction affects people across the US, but sportsbooks will provide resources to get you help fast. We expect that the first AR mobile sportsbooks will also supply links to problem gambling charities. You’ll also be able to set your own deposit limits or request a time-out.

If you need help controlling your play, contact the National Council On Problem Gambling in Arkansas.