Arkansas Sports Betting: Sign Up For Legal AR Sportsbooks

Top Arkansas Sports Betting Sites

Sports bettors in Arkansas now have several options, with five online sportsbooks available alongside three retail locations across the state. Whether placing bets in person or online, the market has steadily expanded to provide more choice and convenience for players.

The recent arrivals of DraftKings and FanDuel, both launching in March 2026, have added major national brands to the lineup. They join established operators like BetSaracen, Oaklawn Sports, and Betly, creating a competitive and fast-growing sports betting scene in Arkansas. With legislation allowing for additional licenses, there’s still plenty of room for the market to expand and welcome even more top-tier sportsbooks in the future.

MORE: Arkansas online casinos

DraftKings Sportsbook AR

DraftKings Sportsbook is now live in Arkansas, which comes as little surprise. The brand has been a major name in Daily Fantasy Sports, legal in the state since 2017, giving it strong recognition among local sports fans. In 2020, DraftKings further strengthened its position by merging with SBTech, the sports betting technology partner of Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs.

With a polished platform that combines a wide range of sports, diverse betting markets, and a smooth user experience, DraftKings stands out as one of the leading online sportsbooks available in Arkansas. For more info, check out our DraftKings Arkansas expert review.

FanDuel Sportsbook AR

FanDuel, like DraftKings, built its reputation as a top Daily Fantasy Sports provider. That background has already made it a familiar name among sports fans in Arkansas. The company has also partnered with technology provider IGT, which powers the retail sportsbooks at Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis and Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff.

In other states, FanDuel’s sportsbook has earned a strong following thanks to its intuitive interface, wide variety of betting options, and frequent promotions. Now that FanDuel is live in Arkansas, it’s positioned to be a major contender among the state’s top mobile sports betting apps.

BetMGM Sportsbook AR

BetMGM has leveraged the reputation of its parent company MGM and combined it with the sports betting expertise of UK giant Entain to create an outstanding online and mobile sports betting experience. Along with FanDuel and DraftKings, it is in the top three for online sports betting handle in neighboring Tennessee, and it operates two casinos in Mississippi.

It also hinted at its intentions by showing up at the meeting of the Arkansas Racing Commission in December 2021. BetMGM delivers a broad choice of bets and markets and excellent user experience and has to be a major contender for an Arkansas mobile sports betting license. For more info about BetMGM Arkansas check out our expert review.

Caesars Sportsbook AR

The Caesars sportsbook has won plaudits across several states for the quality of its user experience and the excellence of its online betting provision. Caesars is a huge name in the world of casinos, of course, but its speedy transition into online and mobile sports betting was helped by the acquisition of UK sports betting stalwart William Hill.

Caesars is the partner of the Gulfside Casino Partnership, which will operate the fourth casino to open in Arkansas, the River Valley Casino in Russellville. Given this link-up and the excellence of the Caesars sportsbook, it is in a powerful position when it comes to securing a license to offer online gambling here.

BetRivers Sportsbook AR

BetRivers is another online sportsbook that is the product of a quick pivot by a well-known casino operator, the Rivers brand. BetRivers, part of Rush Street Interactive, has moved with impressive speed to launch a quality product in several states.

It was one of the first four brands to go live with online and mobile betting in New York at the start of January 2022. Arkansas bettors may soon get the opportunity to try out the superb sports wagering platform and excellent rewards program on offer.

Other Sportsbooks That Might Make The Cut

With a maximum of eight online sports wagering licenses likely to be available in Arkansas, some illustrious names in the online sportsbook world will inevitably be excluded from the list of authorized operators.

Fanatics Sportsbook has quickly established itself as a strong contender in the industry and continues to expand its presence across the country.

Bet365 is the biggest name globally in online sports wagering and would like to add more states to its US roster.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Arkansas. In November 2018, voters in the Natural State approved legalized gaming. The following year, each of the three casinos currently operating in the state launched a retail sportsbook. However, progress toward online sports betting in Arkansas was much slower.

The Arkansas legislature meets only in odd-numbered years, so efforts to legalize mobile wagering didn’t resume until 2021. Even then, it took until December for the Arkansas Racing Commission to finalize the rules governing online sportsbooks.

There were hopes that Arkansas betting sites would be live in time for the Super Bowl in February 2022, but online sports betting didn’t officially launch until March. Proposed rule changes that would have given casinos 51% of online betting profits were removed from consideration in late January, contributing to delays that pushed the rollout into March.

Fast forward to today, Arkansas is home to five sports betting apps following the launches of FanDuel and DraftKings in March 2026.

Arkansas Mobile Sports Betting Apps

With the market still developing, Arkansas bettors are beginning to see improvements in the overall mobile betting experience. As more recognized brands enter the state, the quality of sportsbook apps and features available to users continues to rise.

The latest additions, FanDuel and DraftKings, introduce two of the most established names in U.S. sports betting. Their arrival raises the standard across the market, offering bettors more competitive odds, a wider range of betting options, and stronger promotions, with the potential for further growth as additional operators join in the future.

AR Sports to Bet On

Like most states offering online betting, Arkansas sportsbooks offer bets on all the most popular leagues and events.

• NFL Betting Many legal sports bets in Arkansas are placed on NFL games. Football remains one of the most popular betting markets, even in states like Arkansas that don’t have their own NFL team. Fans in the Natural State often support nearby franchises such as the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs. The sport’s overall popularity, combined with frequent breaks in play that make it well-suited for live betting, ensures there is consistently strong interest in football betting across the state.
• NBA Betting Arkansas is home to more than three million people, despite not having any “Big Four” professional teams in the major U.S. sports leagues. Even so, interest in top-level sports remains strong across the state. When it comes to the NBA, the closest team is the Memphis Grizzlies. Since relocating from Vancouver in 2001, the franchise has rarely been a dominant force, but it continues to draw solid regional support from Tennessee and neighboring states, including Arkansas. Basketball is also a highly popular sport for betting, making the NBA a key market for sportsbooks in the state.
• MLB Betting Even in a state without an MLB franchise within its borders, baseball retains perennial popularity among American sports fans. The length of the regular season keeps its profile high for many months, and there are a plethora of ways to bet on the sport. Many baseball fans in Arkansas have a soft spot for the St Louis Cardinals, among other big names in neighboring states. With the World Series still an important date on the American sporting calendar, you can be sure to find plenty of ways to play when the action starts at the ballpark.
• NHL Betting Hockey has become a genuinely coast-to-coast sport in the last 20 years. As a result, the NHL enjoys a high profile even in states without a top-level representative. Arkansas residents who love hockey tend to root for the St Louis Blues, but there is a generally high level of interest in the regular season, not to mention the Stanley Cup finals. Many AR sports betting sites will also run markets on the best hockey action in Europe, which in turn helps to keep the NHL at the front of mind for those who enjoy sports wagering.
• College Sports In the absence of any Big Four sports teams, attention among Arkansas sports betting fans is naturally drawn to the many strong college programs in the state. Fortunately, Arkansas has not followed states that prohibit wagering on NCAA action. College sports are among the most popular betting markets. Bettors can place wagers on both professional and college sports, and teams like the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Arkansas State Red Wolves are sure to generate significant interest, especially with mobile wagering now available in the state.

Arkansas Teams to Bet On

In Arkansas, there's one team for you to bet on and that's the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Here's some more information on the SEC school located in Fayetteville. 

• Arkansas Razorbacks The Razorbacks represent the University of Arkansas in 19 varsity programs and draw huge support from Fayetteville and across the state. Their football, basketball, and baseball teams compete at a high level. With wagering permitted on college sports, betting interest in the Hogs and their rivals across Arkansas and in neighboring states remains high.

Promotions & Offers At Arkansas Online Sportsbooks

One thing you can count on in 2026 is that all online and mobile sportsbooks licensed in Arkansas are competing to attract new customers with appealing sign-up promotions and bonuses. The best platforms also provide ongoing offers to keep players engaged and reward loyalty over time. New bettors should take full advantage of these bonuses when opening an account, as they can add significant value to your starting balance.

• Risk-Free Bets Many of the leading operators offer a risk-free bet as a sign-up bonus, often up to a maximum of $1,000 or even higher. The way this works is simple. When you place your first wager, if it's a winner you get a return. If it's unsuccessful, however, you receive your stake back, usually as a free bet or in site credits. This is a great way to enjoy your first interaction with Arkansas online sportsbooks.
• Deposit Match This is another method regularly used to make customers feel welcome when they register for an account. However much you deposit in your account, the sportsbook will match it. Effectively, you double your initial betting balance. But always check the terms of the offer - sometimes the bonus can be less than 100% of your deposit.
• Referral Bonus So you're enjoying life with an Arkansas sportsbook and you tell your buddies all about it. The good news is that if one of them signs up with the same online sportsbook and places a bet, you qualify for a bonus. This is usually in the form of a free bet. In return for you doing their work for them of growing their customer base, the sportsbook often puts as much as $100 in your account.
• Odds Boost One of the best ways in which Arkansas sports betting sites will add value to the day-to-day wagering experience is by enhancing the odds about a particular result or outcome. Some operators do this so regularly that they have a dedicated section on their home page or home screen where you can find today's offers. If this is a bet you were planning to have anyway, the boosted odds could deliver an expectedly handsome return.
• Parlay Insurance Many serious and casual sports bettors enjoy the challenge of a parlay. What could be more tempting than the prospect of a massive return from a small stake? But we all know the feeling of missing out on that return because just one of your selections lets you down. With parlay insurance, if one leg loses you get your stake back, usually in the form of a free bet. Check the terms to make sure your parlay qualifies for this safety net.

Why Sign Up For Multiple Arkansas Sportsbooks?

Choosing just one Arkansas sports betting website or app can be difficult, with several operators competing for your wagers. It’s worth remembering that there’s nothing stopping you from opening two, three, or even more accounts.

This can be especially beneficial in a newly launched market, where competition for customers is at its peak and sign-up offers are often at their most generous. Let’s take a look at some of the other reasons why having multiple accounts can be a smart move.

Get The Best Line

If you have more than one AR mobile sports betting account, you are perfectly placed to compare the odds that different operators are offering. As you become more experienced, you will get to know which Arkansas sportsbooks have the most competitive odds on certain sports, and even at certain times. Some put their next-day prices up earlier than others, and there can be some great value in those opening shows.

Intro Betting Bonuses

If you want to start betting regularly, it can make sense to open more than one account simply to take advantage of the generous sign-up offers for new customers. In competitive markets, where the need to sign up new customers is intense, sportsbooks can offer some amazingly large bonuses. You could find yourself with a handful of free bets, risk-free bets and deposit bonuses that make your mobile betting experience highly pleasant and relaxing in the immediate future.

Bet Offerings

Although all Arkansas online sportsbooks will have their own branding and clear identity, some of them will use the same back-up software as others. This can mean you see the same sports offered and the same range of futures and props. By having several accounts, you make sure you are getting the full range of markets and promotions available to AR sports betting customers.

Feel the Sportsbook

It beats repeating that ultimately, the choice of which Arkansas sports betting site to use will be a completely personal one. The only way to know which sportsbook or sportsbooks will suit you best is to test-drive them, in the same way you would before buying a new car. You will know when you are in the right place, with an operator whose website and app design, range of markets and offers, and general user experience, suit you best.

Sportsbook Rules

Not all legal sports betting sites in Arkansas will play by the same rules. It's worth knowing that there will be variations between operators that could impact on the bets you want to place. For instance, you may have to place your initial risk-free bet at odds greater than a particular price. Some operators stipulate -300, others -200... and some impose no restriction at all. Similarly, some sportsbooks refund NFL first touchdown scorer props - others don't, because they include a no-scorer option in their markets. Check out different sites to make sure you are betting somewhere that suits your approach and gives you more chance of getting the value and returns you seek.

Available Sports Wagers At Legal Arkansas Sports Betting Apps

There are many betting options available when it comes to Arkansas sports betting. From moneylines to parlays and prop bets, we break down what each type of wager means.

• Moneyline Whether you play at a retail sportsbook or you prefer mobile betting, the moneyline is the simplest bet in the sports betting industry. The odds display exactly which contender is the favorite and which is the underdog. All you have to do is decide which is going to win and place your wager accordingly. It really is as simple as that.
• Parlays Parlays are multiple bets. If you have several selections on game day, or even in the same game, then you can place a single stake on them all being correct. If you are right, the odds multiply and you could be looking at a special return. However, for your parlay to hit, all the selections must be correct.
• Totals Also known as over/unders, totals bets are exactly as they sound, a wager on the number of times something will happen during a game. The sportsbook sets a number and you have to decide if the total will be more or fewer than that. If you think it will be more, you bet on the "over" side of the market.
• Point Spreads One of the most popular wagers for American sports fans. Your AR sportsbook will give the underdog in the match a notional start, so that the odds about both contenders are pretty much the same. You then have to decide if the favorite will win by more than that spread. If the Kansas City Chiefs are -7 on the spread and win by eight points, they have covered the spread, and if you backed them, you're a winner.
• Futures You are not restricted to betting solely on sports that are about to happen - or events that are already underway. You can look into the future and place bets that may not be settled for months. If you believe the Dallas Cowboys are a good bet for next year's Super Bowl, for instance, you will be able to find a price long in advance.
• Prop Bets Not all bets revolve around the result of a game. Some, called proposition bets, relate to outcomes within the event - and the choice of props can be staggering. You can find player props that relate to individuals' performances, and team props based on how they will fare in the first period or half, or how quickly they will reach a certain number of points, runs or goals. The selection available at the top AR sports betting sites will be vast.
• Live Bets Recent advances in digital technology have enabled mobile betting operators to update their odds instantly. That in turn has heralded the era of live betting, in which you can place a wager on an event that has already started. Live betting is great fun, and you can be sure all the best future mobile sportsbooks available for betting on sports in Arkansas will offer this feature.
• Prohibited Bets There are certain events on which no American sportsbook is allowed to take wagers. They include political events - you cannot make a market on a Presidential election, or even a local one. We also recommend that you do not patronize offshore betting sites. These operators are unlicensed and, in the event of a dispute, you have no legal recourse and could lose your money.

Other Arkansas Gambling Options

In addition to online sports betting, here’s a breakdown of other forms of gambling available in Arkansas.

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS is a great way of getting involved in sporting action, and has been legal in Arkansas since 2017. FanDuel and DraftKings, the two biggest operators, have numerous DFS customers in the Natural State already. DFS games allow you to select a team of players in action in different games, you score points based on their performances.

Horse Racing

Arkansas has a proud horse racing history,  the Oaklawn track in Hot Springs hosts top-class action, including the prestigious Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. Online betting on horse racing is permitted in Arkansas, while it is also offered at the retail sportsbooks hosted by the three Arkansas casinos where betting is currently allowed.

Elections

Some sportsbooks draw up markets for major elections to show how they believe the public's verdict will go. However, they are not allowed to take bets on these markets. Wagering on all political events, including elections, is strictly forbidden across the USA.

Pop Culture Ceremonies

As more states embrace legal sports betting, some jurisdictions allow wagers on events like the Academy Awards. However, this remains the exception rather than the rule. In Arkansas, regulated betting sites and sportsbooks are not currently permitted to offer wagers on the Academy Awards or other non-sporting award shows.

eSports

In some states, players can place wagers on esports, which have grown rapidly in popularity in recent years. However, under rules set by the Arkansas Racing Commission, retail sportsbooks are not permitted to offer bets on esports, as they are not classified as an “athletic sport." While esports betting is technically permitted for online betting in Arkansas, it is not widely available through major licensed sportsbooks.

AR Online Sports Betting Legislation

The first steps toward legalizing sports betting in Arkansas came in late 2018, when voters approved a measure allowing retail sportsbooks at the state’s casinos. At the time, two casinos were operational; a third has since opened, with a fourth expected in the near future.

The first legal sports bet in Arkansas was placed in July 2019 by Oaklawn’s general manager, Wayne Smith. Five months later, the retail sportsbook at Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff also went live.

It wasn’t until late 2021, however, that the state moved forward with online sports betting. The Arkansas Racing Commission approved new rules to permit mobile wagering, and online sports betting officially launched in March 2022.

Who Regulates Arkansas Sports Betting Sites?

The Arkansas Racing Commission, which is part of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, is the body charged with regulating all forms of gambling in the state.

That means it controls:

• Horse Racing
• Greyhound Racing
• Casino Gaming
• Electronic Games of Skill

Arkansas Sports Team Partners

As things stand, no online sportsbook has forged a partnership with a sports team based in Arkansas. Such partnerships are a great way to boost the profile of a sports gambling operator. However, the fact that sports betting is at such an early stage in its development in the Natural State, coupled with the fact that there are no top-level pro teams based in Arkansas, has made such deals unrealistic.

There have been instances in other states where online sportsbooks have partnered with college teams. It will be intriguing to see if any such deals are done now that AR online betting is live.

How Arkansas Sports Betting Compares to the Other Legal States

There is no denying that Arkansas is lagging behind many of the other states, over 35 in all, that have now legalized sports betting in some form or other. The fact that Arkansas sports betting is currently restricted to retail sportsbooks at three casino locations, with a fourth soon to open, means the market is smaller than in other territories. However, when Arkansas online sportsbooks are allowed to operate in the near future, it will inevitably generate a significant uptick in handle, revenue, and tax dollars for the state.

Retail Sports Betting vs. Mobile Sports Betting

Arkansas residents who previously had to travel to one of the state’s casinos to place retail bets now have the opportunity to compare that experience with mobile sports betting.

There’s certainly an appeal to being in a lively sportsbook, surrounded by others enjoying the excitement of wagering on sports. However, the convenience of placing bets from home has transformed the industry in recent years.

Leading online sportsbook operators have invested significant time and resources into creating platforms that are easy to use on both desktop and mobile devices. As a result, millions of Americans are now enjoying the accessibility and ease of online sports betting.