Arkansas

Online sports betting has been available in Arkansas since last March, with up to eight mobile sportsbook operators allowed to enter the market. You can place sports bets in person at two locations: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Saracen Casino Resort. Southland Casino is unique because it launched both its in-person and online sportsbook, Betly. Besides traditional casino games, bettors in Arkansas can also wager on horse and dog racing at these casinos.

How Arkansas Sports Betting Compares

Mobile sports betting went live in Arkansas in March 2022. While it’s unclear which platforms will be available, major players like FanDuel and DraftKings are expected to join eventually. Arkansas residents can place retail sports bets at the Saracen Casino Resort and Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Additionally, both online and in-person bets are accepted at Southland Casino through their sportsbook, Betly. Last year, the Saracen and Oaklawn casinos started their own sportsbooks exclusively for Arkansas residents.

The state allows up to eight sportsbooks to enter the market, according to the state budget joint committee. Arkansas is unique compared to other states due to a requirement that sportsbook operators must give 51% of their profits back. This high revenue share requirement makes some mobile sportsbooks hesitant to launch in Arkansas, highlighting the uniqueness of this market setup.

Arkansas's Legalization Timeline

Mobile sports betting in Arkansas has faced many challenges, but it’s finally here. Here’s a brief timeline of the key events leading up to its legalization:

April 2019

Arkansas opens its first two casinos: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs and Southland Gaming and Racing in West Memphis, each featuring a retail sportsbook.

November 2018

Arkansas voters approve an amendment to allow casino gaming, which includes retail sportsbooks, in four locations. The Arkansas Racing Commission is given the authority to license and regulate these venues.

October 2019

The Saracen Casino opens in Jefferson County, also housing a retail sportsbook.

January 2021

Senate Bill 669, which would allow mobile sports betting, is introduced by Senator Will Bond but never reaches a vote.

April 2021

House Bill 1942 is introduced by Representative Lee Johnson, aiming to legalize mobile sports betting. The House does not discuss or vote on it, and the legislative session ends without passing the bill.

December 2021

The Arkansas Racing Commission proposes an amendment for mobile sports betting, signaling progress. However, legislators need to meet and approve the rule changes. The next meeting is set for January 25, 2022.

January 2022

The Racing Commission requests to delay discussions on mobile sports betting to address legislators’ concerns. As a result, mobile betting won’t be live by the Super Bowl. The next committee meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2022.

February 2022

The Arkansas Legislative Committee approves mobile sports betting on February 16th, followed by final approval from the Arkansas Joint Budget Committee. Online betting is set to launch on March 4th.

March 2022

Mobile sports betting officially launches with up to eight operators entering the market.

February 2024

The Arkansas Department of Finance issues a cease and desist letter on February 15th to DFS operators like PrizePicks and Underdog Sports for offering prop betting, despite being compliant with Act 1075 enacted in 2017.

What Can I Bet on in Arkansas?

Now that mobile sports betting is legal in Arkansas, you can place bets on a variety of sports and leagues, including the Arkansas Razorbacks just in time for March Madness.

Types of Bets Available:

Point Spreads: Bet on the margin of victory and the final score difference between the teams.
Moneylines: Choose the outright winner of a game or event.
First Half & Second Half: Bet on the first or second half of the game as if they were separate events.
Totals (Over/Unders): Wager on the combined score of both teams in a game.
Futures: Place bets on future events like end-of-season awards or results.
Player Props: These are creative bets not directly related to the game’s final outcome or score.

Sports You Can Bet On:

Football: Includes NFL and CFL.
Basketball: Covers the NBA, WNBA, and various international leagues.
Baseball: MLB games.
Hockey: NHL and international leagues.
Soccer: Competitions like MLS, English Premier League, and UEFA Champions League.
College Sports: NCAA football and basketball.
Golf: PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and other major golf tours.
Auto Racing: Includes IndyCar, NASCAR, and Formula One.

You’ll also find betting options for other sports like boxing, tennis, and rugby at Arkansas sportsbooks.

Arkansas Highlights

November 2018: Retail gaming locations are authorized to operate in Arkansas

In November 2018, Amendment 100 was passed, allowing the construction and operation of casinos in four Arkansas cities: West Memphis, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, and Russellville. These casinos are authorized to operate sportsbooks, enabling sports betting at these retail locations.

October 21, 2019: Three casinos have been built within the state

The Saracen Casino has opened in Jefferson County, joining Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Southland Gaming and Racing as the third casino operating in Arkansas.

January 2021: Senate Bill 669 is Proposed and Denied Within the Same Month

Senate Bill 669, proposed at the start of the month, did not pass through the Senate. After several meetings, the bill failed to gain enough support and never reached a vote.

April 18, 2021: The Arkansas Mobile Sports Betting Bill Highlights Southern Interest

On Monday, April 19, Arkansas lawmakers filed a statewide online sports betting bill. This latest proposal in a southern state with limited gambling options aims to join the expanding national digital wagering market.

February 2022: The Racing Commission Leads the Discussion on Sports Betting

After addressing legislators’ concerns, the Racing Commission approved mobile sports betting legislation on February 16th. The Arkansas Joint Budget Committee then gave the final approval on February 24th. Online betting is set to start on March 4th, perfectly timed for March Madness!

Arkansas Teams to Bet On

Pro Sports Teams

Unfortunately, Arkansas doesn’t have any pro sports teams, as it falls just below the population cutoff for states that typically host such teams. However, Arkansas residents often support professional teams from neighboring states.

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Stars
Texas Rangers
Tennessee Titans
Memphis Grizzlies
Oklahoma City Thunder
Kansas City Chiefs
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Saints

College Sports Teams

College Football

Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas State Red Wolves

College Basketball

Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas State Red Wolves
Central Arkansas Bears
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Wolves

Arkansas Sporting Locations

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

Oaklawn Casino and Racetrack offers a comprehensive gaming experience with over 1,500 slot machines, 32 table games, and a sportsbook. Centrally located in Arkansas, Oaklawn also features a resort with a spa and more than 10 dining and drinking options for visitors who might not be interested in gaming.

Website: https://www.oaklawn.com/
Location: 27050 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71902
Phone: (800) 625-5296

Southland Park Gaming and Racing

This location is currently being renovated to expand the casino and add a resort. Despite the construction, the property is far from small. It features over 2,000 slot machines, 24 table games, a racetrack, and a sportsbook, offering a wide variety of gaming options. Additionally, there are 6 dining and drinking options available for those seeking refreshments.

Website: https://www.southlandcasino.com/
Location: 1550 North Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR 72301
Phone: (800) 467-6182

Saracen Casino Resort

Saracen, the second central-most gaming location in Arkansas, offers a robust array of gaming options with over 2,300 slot machines, 50 table games, and a poker room. It includes a sportsbook for those interested in sports betting. The casino ensures guest comfort with an on-site resort, providing a convenient place to rest after a thrilling night. Additionally, there are 4 dining and drinking options available to cater to various tastes and preferences.

Website: https://www.saracenresort.com/
Location: 1 Saracen Resort Dr., Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Phone: (870) 686-9001

Conclusion

Arkansas sports betting offers various options for bettors, from retail sportsbooks to DFS and social casinos. Use promo code WINDAILY for exclusive bonuses and promotions. Always bet responsibly and enjoy the variety of betting options available in the Natural State.