Arkansas Sports Betting: Best Arkansas Sportsbooks in July 2026

Quick Overview of Betting in Arkansas

These are the key facts about Arkansas sports betting:

Reviews of the Best AR Online Sports Betting Apps

The best Arkansas sportsbooks now include national titans FanDuel and DraftKings, following new partnerships in March 2026 with in-state retail sportsbooks.

Here’s the rundown on the top Arkansas online sportsbooks:

1. FanDuel

Best for: Mobile app

FanDuel launched its sports betting app in Arkansas in March 2026 in partnership with Oaklawn Sports, the first legal sportsbook in Arkansas. FanDuel is a regular at the top of our sportsbooks rankings for its unparalleled user experience, intuitive app, and comprehensive betting options.

New players in Arkansas can claim a welcome bonus: Bet $5, Get up to $1,000 in Bet Resets which gives you up to $1,000 in Bet Reset Tokens when you bet $5 daily for your first 5 days. You'll receive a $200 Bet Reset Token every day you qualify, which refunds your wager in Bonus Bets if it loses. You won't need a specific FanDuel promo code to claim this. If you want to see how this introductory offer stacks up against rival options across the country, you can check our analysis of the best sportsbook promo codes & bonuses. Once you are registered, you will also find a variety of Arkansas sports betting bonuses on the promotions page, which features ongoing perks like Bet Protect+, Bet Resets, and Profit Boost Tokens.

FanDuel has a stacked lineup of over 20 sports categories, including major leagues like the NFL and NBA, international events and tournaments across popular sports, and a range of motorsports like NASCAR and F1. Features include a How to Bet learning hub with guides for all the top sports and the FanDuel Research hub packed with blogs and match analysis. There’s also live sports coverage and exclusive player interviews on FanDuel TV to complement the live betting options.

Deposits start from just $5, with a $10 minimum for most withdrawal methods. FanDuel accepts 14 secure payment methods, including major debit cards, Venmo, mobile banking, and Apple Pay on the iOS app. (Note: Deposits placed using Cash at Counter or Pay Near Me will not qualify for the welcome promotion). Speaking of which, the FanDuel app is widely considered the best of the bunch and is the most downloaded sports betting app in the US.

» Check out our full FanDuel Sportsbook Review for all the details.

💰 Sign up bonus: Bet $5, Get up to $1,000 in Bet Resets
🤩 FanDuel AR Promo Code: Not Required
⭐ WSN rating: 4.7/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.5/5

Claim Your Bonus Bets at FanDuel AR

2. DraftKings

Best for: All-rounder

DraftKings hit a 30-state milestone in March 2026 when it joined the ranks of Arkansas sports betting sites. The DraftKings app operates as the online sportsbook partner of Southland Casino, replacing the Betly app in Arkansas.

Arkansans can claim the current DraftKings welcome offer: [bonuses draftkings sportsbooks]. DraftKings regularly updates ongoing promotions and offers, so check the promotions page for the latest sport-specific bonuses.

The 25+ sports on DraftKings cover all the bases, with popular markets like football and basketball alongside niche sports like sailing and surfing. The detailed How to Bet guides cater for all these sports, and the integrated Stats Hub is a great resource for beginner and experienced players alike.

Other DraftKings features include live coverage and in-game betting, an innovative social community for peer-to-peer interaction, and a new DraftKings Dynasty rewards program. Loyalty perks include exclusive promotions, milestone rewards, DK shop discounts and more.

The 13 payment methods include debit cards, e-wallets like Venmo and Skrill, and online banking, with a low $5 minimum deposit. Most withdrawal methods have a low $1 minimum, apart from checks and bank wire transfers.

DraftKings is an impressive all-rounder and a strong addition to the Arkansas online sports betting scene. The DraftKings app is highly rated with 4.7 stars on Google Play and 4.8 on the App Store. While the FanDuel app has a clear lead with over double the downloads for iOS, DraftKing’s new features and seamless mobile performance make it a competitive alternative.

» Find out more in our in-depth DraftKings Sportsbook Review.

💰 Sign up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly
🤩 DraftKings AR Promo Code: Not Required
⭐ WSN rating: 4.6/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.7/5

Grab your DraftKings Bonus

All AR Sports Betting Sites & Retail Partnerships

Each of the three online Arkansas sportsbooks are partnered with one of the state's three casinos and retail sportsbooks. Here’s a quick rundown:

How to Sign Up and Bet in Arkansas

Signing up and betting in Arkansas is fairly straightforward, but it helps to have KYC documents on hand when registering. The state regulator mandates identity verification and KYC checks for all users signing up to Arkansas betting sites. Here’s a guide to signing up and betting in Arkansas:

• Choose a sportsbook: Use our sportsbook reviews to pick a licensed Arkansas sports betting platform. Steer clear of offshore or unregulated operators, as these don’t offer the same protection and security as a regulated site.

• Sign up via the app or website: You’ll need to enter your name, email address, phone number, home address, date of birth, and SSN to create an account. This follows state regulations on identity verification and confirms you’re over the minimum age and located in the state.

• Verify your identity: The operator may be able to verify your identity from the information you provided, or you may need to upload documentation. Take photos of the front and back of your ID and ensure all information is clearly legible before uploading.

• Claim the welcome bonus: Head to the promotions section to view your available bonuses. Check the T&Cs before claiming for any deposit requirements or activation steps.

• Deposit funds: Open the deposit window on your chosen sportsbook app and select your preferred payment method from the available sportsbook payment methods. The payment account used to deposit must be in your name. Enter your payment details and amount—the minimum payment amount is typically $5 or more—and confirm the transaction.

• Browse markets and place a bet: Head back to the homescreen to view popular and upcoming events, or check out the betting guides for advice on getting started. Review your selections in your bet slip and ensure you’ve met any bonus requirements, then place your first bet.

AR Sports Betting Updates 

Arkansas legalized sports betting in 2018 after a landmark SCOTUS ruling overturned the federal ban. Today, the activity is a major piece of the map for legal online sports betting in the USA. Online and retail sports betting in Arkansas is overseen and regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission, which also handles in-person casino gaming and wagering on racing.

This is the timeline of key events and regulatory changes in the Natural State:

• March 2026 - FanDuel and DraftKings launch sports betting apps in Arkansas. FanDuel replaces the Oaklawn Sports app, and DraftKings replaces Betly in association with Southland Casino.

• September 2022 - Oaklawn is the third and final brick-and-mortar casino to launch its online sportsbook and sports betting app.

• April 2022 - Saracen Casino launches the Arkansas-based BetSaracen sportsbook app.

• March 2022 - Southland Casino launches Betly, the first online sportsbook in Arkansas. The Betly website is shortly followed by iOS and Android app versions.

• Feb. 17, 2022 - Mobile betting rules are approved by the Arkansas Legislative Council. This mandates that third-party platforms must pay a 51% revenue share to their partnered in-state casino.

• Dec. 30, 2021 - The Arkansas Racing Commission votes to expand sports betting to include online and mobile betting, although the regulatory framework must be reviewed and approved by the state’s Legislative Council.

• October 2020 - The grand opening of Saracen Casino Resort sees Arkansas’s first purpose-built casino, sportsbook, and poker room launch in full.

• Jan. 28, 2020 - Sports betting launches at Southland Casino ahead of Super Bowl LIV.

• October 2019 - The Quapaw Tribe opens a temporary Saracen Casino Annex while development continues on the full Saracen Casino Resort complex, on ancestral Quapaw land.

• Jul. 1, 2019 - Oaklawn becomes the first legal sportsbook in Arkansas. General Manager Wayne Smith places the state’s first legal sports wager: $5 on the Dallas Cowboys to beat the New York Giants in their NFL season opener.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Arkansas. After a change in federal regulations, Arkansas voted to legalize sports betting on the 2018 election ballot.

AR Sports Betting Law

Prior to 2018, sports betting was effectively banned under a federal act, except for states like Nevada, which had pre-existing gambling legislation. Various lawsuits and appeals challenged the federal ban, and in May 2018, the Supreme Court overturned PASPA. The legal challenge was mainly led by New Jersey officials, and Arkansas wasn’t involved in the federal lawsuit.

Sports betting made it onto the November 2018 ballot as an initiated constitutional amendment and was approved with a 54.1% “Yes” vote. All legal forms of gambling in Arkansas are overseen by the Arkansas Racing Commission, which sets the rules and recommendations for licensees in the state.

What You Can and Cannot Bet On in AR

Arkansas sports betting rules are fairly broad and allow betting on most professional, amateur, or collegiate sporting events. However, there are a few restricted markets that you cannot bet on in Arkansas:

• Political events

• Non-sporting events like entertainment or award ceremonies

• E-sports or other virtual events

• Amateur sports below collegiate level

AR Sport Betting Handle 

Arkansas has seen significant and steady increases in sports betting handle since legalization and the addition of mobile betting. For the current fiscal year, July 2025–May 2026, the combined casino gaming and sports betting handle is already $104,302,648. Here’s a breakdown of Arkansas sports betting handle since legalization:

How We Rated the Top Arkansas Sports Betting Sites

When reviewing sports betting sites, we evaluate key criteria using our objective rating methodology. We allocate a minimum of two hours for each section, testing the platform first-hand over a full week. This gives an accurate and unbiased experience of the site and allows for a fair comparison against the market's best online sports betting sites. Here’s how we break down each week-long review:

• User Experience: Modern sports bettors use a range of devices to access sportsbook platforms, so our reviews reflect that. We test the platform on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices including installing the app version. The best sportsbooks combine attractive design with intuitive navigation, without overloading the interface with processing-heavy features.

• Features: We explore all the features the sportsbook has to offer, looking at sports, bet types, live options, tips and stats, and any other notable features. For players still looking up how to bet on sports, these tools should be simple to use and add clear value to the betting experience.

• Promotions: As part of registering for each platform we review, we test out the welcome bonus and other new-player incentives. We look for regular promotions like bet boosts, bet protect, profit boosts, and loyalty programs. We don’t just skim the T&Cs of an offer, we claim it first-hand to assess the claim process and value ourselves.

• Deposits and Withdrawals: Claiming promotions and placing bets requires a playable balance, so we deposit funds through multiple payment methods. This allows us to judge transaction times and efficiency. We test withdrawals too, considering the range of options available, payout speed, limits, and fees.

• Customer Support: We contact all customer support channels the platform has with real-player queries about payment methods, promotions, odds and more. We’re testing response times and helpfulness from live or ticketed support, as well as evaluating any FAQ sections and exploring the responsible gambling support on offer.

Why Trust Us?

Backed by years of industry experience, we stand as a trusted, accurate, and expert authority in the sports betting space. Our mission is to support readers to make informed gaming decisions based on our comprehensive, unbiased sportsbook evaluations. Our first-hand testing and personal gambling experiences mean we know exactly what sets a premier betting platform apart.

By stepping directly into the player's shoes, we maintain a user-centric approach to our reviews and help you identify the safest online betting sites. Furthermore, we consistently update our insights to reflect real-time market shifts and regulatory updates, keeping our finger firmly on the pulse of US betting.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Arkansas

The Arkansas Racing Commission advocates for responsible gambling and enshrines player protection measures in its licensing rules. It requires operators to promote responsible gambling, provide responsible gambling tools, offer self-exclusion, and maintain a register of self-excluded individuals. ARC-mandated tools include:

• Deposit limits

• Time limits

• Time-based exclusion or “cooling off” period

Additionally, the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council provides a range of resources to inform and support players. There’s a risk-screening survey, mental health training, downloadable blocker software and support apps, and helpful blogs on topics like stress, stigma, and addiction.

If you need immediate support, call the national helpline on 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET.

WSN Responsible Gambling Center

WSN is committed to upholding responsible gambling and supporting players to make informed decisions. We created a dedicated Responsible Gambling Center in collaboration with health and communications experts Daniel Umfleet and Pat Eichner to collate information, advice, and support.

Learn the signs of problem gambling, and consider our self-assessment questionnaire if you’re struggling with your gambling habits. You’ll find valuable information on responsible online sports betting, plus information on addiction and mental health. There’s support for players in Arkansas, as well as national organizations like Gamblers Anonymous and the National Council for Problem Gambling.