Arkansas Sports Betting 2025: Legal Status & AR Sportsbooks
LEGAL
Arkansas sports betting is legal both online and in-person, with new apps and growing interest continuing to shape the state’s market.
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Last Updated: 11 August, 2025
Online and retail sports betting in Arkansas is fully legal.
The state approved it in 2018, with online apps launching in 2022.
Only Arkansas-based sportsbooks are allowed to operate.
Key facts of Arkansas betting
How do I gamble in Arkansas?
Online sports betting in Arkansas is legal, but only through locally licensed sportsbook apps.
The state restricts access to three legal platforms, and all bets must be placed within state lines.
DFS, retail sportsbooks, and a few other gambling options are also allowed under Arkansas law.
Online sports betting in Arkansas
You can legally bet online using one of three Arkansas sports betting apps: BetSaracen, Betly, and Oaklawn Sportsbook.
These platforms are run by local casinos and available to anyone 21 or older inside state lines.
Each app offers a full menu of bets, from moneylines and spreads to parlays and live betting.
National brands like FanDuel or DraftKings are not available due to state revenue-sharing rules.
Daily fantasy sports in Arkansas
DFS is legal under a 2017 state law.
You can play on apps like DraftKings and FanDuel, which have been in the market for years.
However, the state sent cease-and-desist letters to PrizePicks and Underdog in 2024, limiting your choices.
DFS contests must avoid college sports under state rules.
Retail sports betting in Arkansas
Retail betting is offered at three casinos: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Saracen Casino Resort, and Southland Casino.
Each has a full-service sportsbook with teller windows and kiosks.
You must place bets in person, and age restrictions apply (21+).
A fourth retail book is expected at the future Legends Resort & Casino.
Other legal gambling options
Arkansas also allows charitable bingo and raffles, regulated under state law.
Online horse race betting is legal through platforms like FanDuel Racing and DK Horse.
Social sportsbooks such as Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillz are legal and open to players 18+, using virtual coins and sweepstakes models.
You must be 21 or older to use any legal Arkansas sports betting app or place retail sports bets at casinos.
For daily fantasy sports, online horse racing, and social sportsbooks, the minimum age is 18.
Always check the age requirement for each platform before signing up.
Can I bet on sports in another state?
Yes, you can legally bet on sports in another state, as long as you're physically there when placing your bets.
All legal sportsbooks use geolocation to verify your location.
Crossing state lines to place bets is legal, and nearby states like Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi offer legal options.
Tennessee and Louisiana both allow mobile sports betting, so you can bet from your phone once you're inside those states.
Mississippi allows sports betting at casinos, but mobile bets are only allowed while you're on those casino properties.
Just remember, you can't place bets from Arkansas using out-of-state apps.
Once you leave a legal state, those apps will stop working until you're back inside its borders.
Betting sites to avoid
Some websites claim to offer legal sports betting in Arkansas, but many of them operate offshore without any US oversight.
These sites are not licensed, and they don’t follow Arkansas gambling laws or offer protection for your money.
They may look legit, but using them puts your personal and financial information at risk.
You also won’t have access to any legal support if something goes wrong.
⚠️ Avoid these offshore sites. They are not legal or safe for Arkansas bettors. ⚠️
Pros and cons of sports betting in Arkansas
Pros
- ✅ Legal Arkansas sportsbooks are safe and state regulated
- ✅ Mobile betting is available from anywhere in Arkansas
Cons
- ❌ Only three sportsbook apps limit player choice
- ❌ No access to national sportsbook brands like FanDuel
Latest sports betting updates in Arkansas
The future of sports betting in Arkansas
Arkansas has a legal sports betting market, but growth may be limited by its current structure.
The state favors local operators, and national sportsbook brands are still shut out due to revenue-sharing rules.
Efforts to expand the market have surfaced, including talks about allowing more sportsbook partnerships or even legalizing online casino games.
However, the 51% revenue rule remains a major hurdle.
Some national brands have shown interest but are unlikely to enter under the current terms.
We expect Arkansas to remain a locally controlled market in the near future.
Unless lawmakers ease restrictions or renegotiate how revenue is split, most new sportsbook apps won’t launch.
Still, interest in mobile betting is strong, and pressure for more options may lead to changes in the coming years.
Other types of legal betting in Arkansas
While sports betting isn’t the only option in Arkansas, the state allows a few other types of gambling under specific rules.
Some of these can be done online, while others require in-person play. Here’s what else is legal.
Horse racing
Arkansas is home to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, one of the top thoroughbred tracks in the country.
You can bet on races in person or online through licensed sites like FanDuel Racing and DK Horse.
The Arkansas Derby, held every April, is a major event with national attention.
Online horse race betting is fully legal statewide.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports are legal under a 2017 state law.
DraftKings and FanDuel are still available in Arkansas, but newer apps like PrizePicks and Underdog were told to leave the market in 2024.
DFS contests can’t include college sports.
While legal, the state does not actively regulate DFS platforms.
Pari-mutuel wagering
Pari-mutuel betting is allowed on horse races and used at tracks like Oaklawn.
Wagers are pooled, and payouts depend on the size of the pot and the number of winning tickets.
Online pari-mutuel betting is available through platforms that follow state law.
Charitable bingo and raffles
Nonprofits like churches and veterans’ groups can run bingo games and raffles.
These events must follow state rules on frequency, prizes, and who can host them.
Charitable gambling is common in local communities and is fully legal with registration.
Yes, social sportsbooks are legal in Arkansas and open to players 18 and older.
These apps, like Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillz, use virtual coins instead of cash and offer sweepstakes-style payouts.
Because no real-money bets are placed, they’re not considered gambling under state law.
Players can pick games, climb leaderboards, and win real prizes.
Social sportsbooks are popular for those looking for a legal, low-risk betting experience.
How to start betting in Arkansas
Some guides may suggest you can use any sportsbook in Arkansas, but that’s not true.
We’ll only show you legal, verified ways to gamble in the state and they may not all involve traditional sports betting.
Online sports betting
Arkansas sports betting apps are legal and available statewide to users 21 or older.
The only approved options are BetSaracen, Betly, and Oaklawn Sportsbook.
These platforms are tied to in-state casinos and regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission.
Each app offers full betting menus, secure payments, and Arkansas sports betting promos for new users.
National sportsbook brands like DraftKings and FanDuel are not available in Arkansas.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports are legal in Arkansas under a 2017 law.
You can sign up for platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, which offer pick’em contests, salary-cap games, and more.
DFS sites are open to players 18 and older, but contests involving college sports are not allowed.
Some newer platforms like PrizePicks and Underdog are no longer operating in Arkansas following enforcement actions in 2024.
Online horse race betting
Arkansas residents can legally bet on horse racing through sites like FanDuel Racing, DK Horse, and TwinSpires.
These platforms offer races from Oaklawn and other tracks across the country.
You can sign up online, fund your account, and place bets from your phone or computer.
Winnings can be withdrawn through bank transfers or other secure methods.
Charitable gambling
Charitable bingo and raffles are allowed statewide, as long as they’re run by eligible nonprofits.
Local churches, schools, and veterans' groups often host these events.
There are limits on prize amounts and how often games can be held.
Check with your county or city to confirm specific rules before participating.
Social sportsbooks
Apps like Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillz offer a legal alternative to real-money betting.
They use virtual currency, and prizes are awarded through sweepstakes systems.
These apps are available to Arkansas players 18 or older.
You can make picks, join contests, and win cash or merchandise, all without placing a traditional bet.
Crossing state lines to bet legally
If you're near Tennessee, Louisiana, or Mississippi, you can access more sportsbook apps by crossing the border.
Tennessee and Louisiana allow full mobile betting, so you can place bets from your phone once you're inside those states.
Mississippi requires you to be at a casino to place any bets, even when using an app.
Just make sure geolocation services confirm your location before wagering.
Legal Arkansas sports betting sites
Three legal Arkansas sports betting apps are currently available: BetSaracen, Betly, and Oaklawn Sportsbook.
These platforms are fully licensed and open to anyone 21 or older inside state lines.
1. BetSaracen
BetSaracen is the most popular Arkansas sports betting app and is operated by Saracen Casino Resort.
It launched in 2022 and is available on iOS, Android, and desktop.
The platform offers competitive odds, live betting, and frequent promotions tied to Arkansas teams.
BetSaracen is known for its Razorbacks-focused boosts and secure banking options.
It’s a strong option for local players who want a trusted, in-state platform.
Top features
Arkansas Razorbacks promos and odds boosts
Full slate of major U.S. and international sports
Live betting with real-time odds updates
Multiple payment options, including PayPal and Venmo
User-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Tailored experience for Arkansas bettors
- ✅ Frequent local and event-specific promos
Cons
- ❌ Not available outside Arkansas
- ❌ Limited same-game parlay options
2. Betly
Betly is operated by Southland Casino and was the first online sportsbook to launch in Arkansas.
The app offers a streamlined interface and is ideal for casual players looking to bet on popular markets.
Betly connects well with its retail sportsbook and is easy to use, but lacks some advanced features.
It’s available on both Android and iOS devices.
Customer support is solid, and banking is straightforward.
Top features
Easy navigation for beginners
Integration with Southland Casino retail sportsbook
Supports major sports leagues and bet types
Secure deposits and fast withdrawals
Reliable customer service via chat and email
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Simple, clean app layout
- ✅ Strong link between online and retail betting
Cons
- ❌ Fewer advanced features than competitors
- ❌ Slower to update odds during live games
3. Oaklawn Sportsbook
Oaklawn Sportsbook is tied to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and offers a unique mix of sports betting and horse racing.
The app includes betting markets for pro and college sports as well as Oaklawn’s own races.
It’s great for bettors who want access to both sports and racing from one account.
Oaklawn’s platform is functional but could benefit from more frequent updates.
Still, it's a reliable option for Arkansas bettors.
Top features
Combined sports and horse racing platform
Strong brand recognition across the state
Betting is available across all major sports
In-app connection to Oaklawn racing events
Local customer support and account help
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Best for horse racing fans
- ✅ Backed by a well-established Arkansas brand
Cons
- ❌ Less modern design and slower performance
- ❌ Fewer live betting options
Types of bets in Arkansas
Arkansas sports betting apps offer a full range of bet types, from simple picks to multi-leg wagers.
Here are the most common options you’ll see on platforms like BetSaracen, Betly, and Oaklawn Sportsbook.
Moneyline: A straight bet on which team or player will win. The odds determine how much you can win based on your stake.
Point spread: This levels the playing field by giving or taking away points. You win if your team covers the spread, not just wins the game.
Over/under: Also known as totals, this bet is on whether the combined score will go over or under a set number. You don’t need to pick a winner.
Futures: Futures bets are long-term picks on outcomes like championships or season awards. These bets often offer higher payouts but require patience.
Parlays: A parlay combines two or more bets into one ticket. All legs must win for the parlay to pay out.
Prop bets: These are bets on individual events or stats within a game. Common props include player touchdowns, passing yards, or the first score.
Live betting: Also called in-play betting, this lets you wager as the game unfolds. Odds shift in real time based on game action.
Frequently asked questions
Responsible gambling in Arkansas
Gambling should be fun, not something that causes stress or financial problems.
If you're finding it hard to control your betting or feel pressure to chase losses, it's important to get support.
Arkansas offers local resources to help, and national groups provide 24/7 assistance.
Help is free, confidential, and available to anyone who needs it.
Arkansas-specific resources:
Arkansas Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Department of Human Services – Behavioral Health Services: www.humanservices.arkansas.gov
Saracen Casino Responsible Gambling Program: Available at Saracen’s onsite help desk and online
National support organizations:
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
Warning signs of problem gambling include hiding your activity, betting with money you can't afford to lose, or feeling anxious when you’re not betting.
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, reach out for help right away.
Read our guide to responsible betting here.
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