Arkansas sports betting 2026: top legal sportsbooks and apps in the state

Arkansas sports betting moved into a new phase on February 26, 2026, when the Arkansas Racing Commission approved FanDuel and DraftKings as official sportsbooks in the state. This opens the door for residents to access two of the largest national sports betting operators through partnerships with the state’s commercial casinos.

Sports betting has been legal in Arkansas since 2019, but until now, options for residents were limited. Online sports betting launched in 2022, yet growth was slowed by a revenue-sharing model that requires third-party operators to give more than half their revenue to their in-state casino partners. Despite this, FanDuel agreed to partner with Oaklawn Casino, and DraftKings teamed up with Southland Casino Hotel. Both companies have accepted the 51%-49% revenue split that favors the Arkansas casinos.

Following the commission’s decision, FanDuel’s Arkansas app now operates as “FanDuel powered by Oaklawn Sports,” replacing Oaklawn Sports’ previous standalone app. DraftKings uses Southland Casino Hotel’s license, which formerly belonged to Betly. Both sportsbooks can immediately launch promotions and betting sites for Arkansas users.

New users can claim significant welcome bonuses. FanDuel offers up to $200 in bonus bets after placing $5 bets over four days. DraftKings provides a similar $200 bonus alongside three months of NBA League Pass when users bet $5. These promotions are typical for major sportsbooks entering new state markets.

Arkansas has three commercial casinos, Oaklawn, Southland, and Saracen Casino Resort, each allowed to operate two sportsbook apps. Saracen Casino Resort has not partnered with a national sportsbook and continues to run its BETSaracen app independently.

Besides traditional sportsbooks, Arkansas residents can also access prediction markets, which operate under federal regulation rather than state gambling laws. Kalshi and Polymarket offer these markets legally in Arkansas. Kalshi provides $55 in bonus trading credit after new users trade $25 or more, though sports contracts are unavailable in Michigan, Nevada, and Washington. Polymarket gives $25 in trading credits after a $10 deposit. Unlike sportsbooks, these platforms allow users to trade contracts on sports outcomes rather than place bets.

The Arkansas Racing Commission oversees all sports betting, casino, and racing activities in the state. It is an appointed body under the Arkansas state government and publishes information and services on its website. The commission’s regulatory framework includes a 13% tax rate on sportsbook revenue up to $150 million and 20% on revenue above that threshold. Of the tax revenue collected, 55% goes to the state general fund, 27.5% to the city and county where the casino operates, and 17.5% to the commission’s Purse and Awards Fund. Arkansas collected $7.229 million in sports betting taxes from January through October 2025.

Arkansas sports betting users must be at least 21 years old and physically located in the state to place bets. Residency is not required. The state imposes no restrictions on betting markets for professional or college sports, including player props for college athletes. This openness allows bets on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, college basketball, and more. However, Arkansas does not permit wagering on eSports or prediction markets through sportsbooks.

The three casinos’ partnerships with FanDuel and DraftKings do not change the revenue split mandates. Both companies had to accept giving the majority of revenue to their in-state partners, a sticking point that previously limited Arkansas sportsbook options.

Arkansas offers several problem gambling helplines, including the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET and the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council at 501-403-2321.

The commission’s approval on February 26 has expanded Arkansas’ sports betting landscape by welcoming two major operators who bring nationally recognized apps and promotions to the state. The move follows several years of cautious growth for Arkansas sports betting and opens fresh opportunities for bettors.

According to CBS.