Arkansas Sports Betting: Best Arkansas Sportsbooks in December 2024

Arkansas introduced online sports betting in March 2022 and now has three online sportsbooks. Unlike other states, you won’t find leading US sportsbook operators in this state due to certain regulations, but you can explore other options. We’ve covered everything related to Arkansas sports betting on this page, from the legal stuff to the available sportsbooks.

How We Rated the Top Arkansas Sports Betting Sites

At WSN, our reviews are always based on direct engagement with a sportsbook. We invest time in experiencing a platform from the bettor's perspective to fully grasp its strengths and weaknesses. Through this hands-on approach, we pride ourselves on being authentic and reliable. 

Our writers are required to dedicate at least two hours each to exploring these six key areas:

1. User Experience: We thoroughly explore and test the platform from the perspective of a bettor. How easy is it to navigate? How pleasing is it to the eye? We test its performance on the desktop, mobile browser, and app to check if it provides a uniform experience.

2. Features: We like to see a wide array of sports and betting options, from the popular to the obscure. We also look to see if there are any standout features like cash-out, interesting live betting innovations, DFS sections, and picking services.

3. Promotions: It’s essential for bettors to feel valued, so we assess the range and worth of promotions, such as welcome bonuses, ongoing offers, and loyalty schemes. We actively opt-in to each promotion to evaluate it firsthand and understand the terms and conditions. 

4. Deposits and Withdrawals: We prefer sportsbooks that offer a broad selection of payment methods, including debit/credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies. We deposit and withdraw funds using each available method to evaluate its speed and ease of use.

5. Customer Support: We send emails, use live chat, and call the phone support number to see how helpful and responsive customer support is to our questions. We also review the FAQ section to see how detailed and informative it is.

6. Responsible Gambling: We have a lot of time for sportsbooks that promote responsible gambling, whether through informative guides, links to support organizations, and specific tools like bet/deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion.

We ensure our reviews remain accurate, as our post-publication editors commit five hours per month to updating them.

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, we strive to be your go-to guide for navigating sports betting by providing honest and authentic feedback. We achieve this through hands-on testing, relaying our experience and the opinions we’ve formed about each platform. 

Our team has developed and grown with the betting industry. Not only are we passionate bettors, but we know exactly how this world works. This level of expertise allows us to go beyond the surface in our reviews, digging deep into the nuances of each sportsbook. If we don’t like something about a sportsbook, we’ll let you know, in plain language. Equally, we want to share the good things we discover with our readers too. 

Ultimately, we aim to make your betting journey easier so that you can make informed decisions.

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbooks in Arkansas

1. Betly Sportsbook

Best for: All-round Platform

Betly provides a user-friendly and enjoyable experience from start to finish with a smooth and intuitive sportsbook. If you are looking for the best sportsbook in AR, our top choice is Betly. 

New bettors are welcomed to the sportsbook with a bonus of up to $100 if their first bet loses. Following this, you can find regularly updated offers, including future insurances, parlay power-ups, profit boosts, and odds boosts. These bonuses can be used to explore a decent variety of sports and betting markets. I appreciate the simplicity of Betly. Navigating the platform and placing bets is as straightforward as it gets, whether on the website or app.

• Sign up offer: $100 Second Chance Bet

• App rating: 2.1/5 (iOS); 3.3/5 (Android)

2. Oaklawn Sports 

Best for: Mobile App

Oaklawn Sports is the newest online sportsbook in Arkansas, entering the market in September 2022. If you are looking for a modern yet exclusive online sportsbook, it's the perfect choice.

After signing up, bettors can claim $100 back each day for ten days on their first bet, resulting in a possible bonus of $1,000. Oaklawn Sports has the most modern-looking and clean interface out of all AR sportsbooks. All of this can be enjoyed on the sportsbook’s mobile app, which I found to be the best sportsbook app in Arkansas. Like BetSaracen, it is exclusive to Arkansas and cannot be used in any other state. 

• Sign up offer: Up to $1,000 Second Chance Bet

• App rating: 3.3/5 (iOS); 2.8/5 (Android)

3. BetSaracen Sportsbook

Best for: Range of markets

Launched in May 2022, BetSaracen is only available in Arkansas, developed by Saracen Casino to offer online services. If you’re located in the state, you can take advantage of this sportsbook.

Currently, BetSaracen does not have a welcome bonus, but they have offered one in the past, so this may change. Nevertheless, the platform is very solid and easy to use, from exploring the markets to placing wagers. I was impressed by the selection of sports markets, covering mainstream options like football and basketball to more niche ones like curling and bull riding. 

• App rating: 2.8/5 (iOS); 2.7/5 (Android)

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Arkansas

The full list of 3 sportsbooks available in Arkansas:

• Betly

• BetSaracen

• Oaklawn Sports

Arkansas Online Sports Betting Sites

Arkansas Retail Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas?

Arkansas legalized retail sports betting in November 2018, and by July 2019, the state’s first sportsbook began accepting bets. At the moment, there are three sportsbook locations in the state: Southland Casino Racing, Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort, and Saracen Casino Resort. Online sports betting arrived in 2022 with the launch of Betly, BetSaracen, and Oaklawn Sports.

According to the regulations established by the Commission, online sportsbooks that form partnerships with retail casinos are required to give up 51% of their earnings to the casino. Typically, the mobile betting profit share for retail sportsbooks is between 5% and 15%, which is nowhere near as high. This is the reason why there are no big-name international or multi-state sportsbooks available in Arkansas like in other states, with the AR legal sports betting options instead focused on genuinely local options.

How to Get Started

It's very easy to start betting at an AR sportsbook. We’ve outlined the key steps below, which are pretty standard across platforms.

1. Choose a licensed sportsbook. To ensure the security of your personal and financial information, first choose a sportsbook that has received license and regulation from Arkansas' regulatory authority. All the sportsbooks mentioned on this page are totally legal for AR bettors.

2. Register for an account. After this, you can begin the registration process on the sportsbook. You will be asked for standard information like your name, email, SNN, and password.

3. Verify your identity. Many platforms require you to confirm your identity by uploading documentation such as your driver’s license, password, or proof of address. 

4. Claim your welcome offer. Next, you can claim your welcome bonus. Remember to check if you have to opt in or use a promo code. Common bonuses include bonus bets, second-chance bets, deposit match bonuses, and no-deposit bonuses. Don’t forget to thoroughly read the T&Cs before claiming any offer.

5. Deposit funds. Head to the cashier section and select your payment method. You must provide your financial details and the amount you want to deposit. The minimum deposit amount is usually $10, and you may require a qualifying deposit of a certain size to trigger your bonus.

6. Place your first bet. Explore the sports markets available before selecting your bet type, entering your stake amount, and adding it to your bet slip. Again, there may be a qualifying bet required for your welcome bonus, so make sure your first bet complies with the terms and conditions.

7. Withdraw your winnings. Finally, if you have successful bets, then you can get your hands on your winnings. The time that it takes for your funds to hit your account can vary depending on your pay-out method and the sportsbook itself.

Arkansas Sportsbook Promos

Arkansas sportsbooks offer a variety of welcome bonuses for new bettors to explore and test out their platforms. Below, we’ve explained a few of the most frequent kinds that you might come across:

Bonus Bet

Bonus bets are, essentially, betting vouchers that can only be used on the sportsbook. They cannot be exchanged for money or withdrawn but can solely be used to place bets. Often, bonus bets are awarded as a welcome bonus following an initial deposit and wager. This is ideal for bettors who aren’t looking to risk a huge amount up front, or just dip their toes in a new sportsbook.

If you win with a bonus bet, you only get to keep the winnings and not the initial value of the bet. There can be other restrictions too, like only using them at certain odds or a cap on the total amount you can win. 

Second Chance Bets

Here, the sportsbook will refund your first bet, up to a certain limit, if you lose. Think of it as a safety net, taking the pressure off your initial wager. If you’re looking to make a large bet right off the bat then it is the perfect offer, since the higher your first bet the higher the refund you would stand to receive. The refund is given as bonus bets or site credits, meaning it cannot be cashed out until it has been used to place bets. 

Deposit Match Bonuses

A deposit match bonus is when the sportsbook will match a percentage of your first deposit up to a limit. Therefore, the bigger your deposit, the more you can claim from this offer.

No-Deposit Bonuses

As the name suggests, this type of bonus requires no deposit or bet from you. Because of this, it is highly sought after but less commonly found. Typically, it will be in the form of a small bonus bet you get just for signing up, ranging between $10 and $20.

What Mobile Sportsbooks Are Available in Arkansas?

Each of the available sportsbooks in Arkansas has dedicated mobile apps. Mobile sportsbooks offer the convenience of placing bets directly from your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to place wagers anytime and anywhere. This flexibility has transformed how bettors engage with sports betting, making it even more accessible. 

While the apps in Arkansas might not be as highly rated as leading sportsbooks in other states, it is worth taking into account that they are newer platforms in the early stages of development. 

1. Oaklawn - 3.3/5 (iOS); 2.8/5 (Android)

2. Betly - 2.1/5 (iOS); 3.3/5 (Android)

3. BetSaracen - 2.8/5 (iOS); 2.7/5 (Android)

What Betting Markets Are Available in Arkansas?

On Arkansas sportsbooks, you can explore a wide variety of sports and betting markets. Understanding the different kinds of bets might seem confusing at first. Luckily, we’ve explained the most common betting markets below: 

Moneyline

A moneyline bet involves predicting which team or individual will win the game; it is as simple as that. Positive odds represent a lower chance of winning, while negative odds indicate the favorite. It can look like this example from the MLB:

• NY Mets (+130)

• STL Cardinals (-155)

In this example, the Cardinals are the favorite, meaning you would have to bet $155 to win $100 for a total payout of $255. For the Mets, you would need to bet $100 for a profit of $130, resulting in a total payout of $230. 

Point Spreads 

A point spread bet takes into account not just the winner, but the difference in points between both teams too. Basically, you are betting on the margin of victory. If you pick the favorite, they have to win by more than the spread for you to win your bet. However, if you opt for the underdog, they will either have to win or lose by fewer points than the spread. Here is an example from the NFL:

• Indiana Pacers +4.5 (-110)

• Memphis Grizzlies -4.5 (-110)

If you bet on the Indiana Pacers, they must win by a margin of at least 5 points. However, if you bet on the Memphis Grizzlies, they would have to win the match or avoid losing by 5 points. Usually, point spread bets have odds of around -110 for each side.

Totals

With this kind of bet, you wager on the total number of points that will be scored in the game. It is also known as an Over/Under bet, as you are betting on whether the total score of each side added together will be more or less than a set number. Take a look at this:

NY Mets vs. STL Cardinals 

• Over 7.5 (-118)

• Under 7.5 (-102)

Again, the odds with Totals bets tend to be set at around -110. In this example, the line has moved slightly, presumably due to people betting on the Over, with the sportsbook improving the odds on the Under to try to balance the betting action. 

Futures

Future bets involve placing wagers on events that are set to happen well in advance, often before the season has even begun. For instance, if you are confident that the Dallas Cowboys will win the Super Bowl, you can place a future bet before the season starts. You can place Futures at any point throughout the season however, with the odds getting worse on the favored teams the longer a competition goes on. 

Prop Bets

Here, you are betting on specific events in a game that don’t necessarily determine the final result. These bets can cover various scenarios, including player achievements, team statistics, or other in-game events. For instance, the number of touchdowns a quarterback will throw, three-pointers in a basketball game, or the total number of yellow cards in a soccer match. 

Parlays

Parlays combine multiple bets into one wager. All the selected bets have to win for the parlay to be successful. This kind of bet offers the chance for much larger rewards, though it does carry higher risk. Teaser bets allow you to adjust the point spreads or totals within a parlay to increase your likelihood of winning, but this does result in a lower payout.

Live Betting

Live betting allows you to wager on a game as it unfolds. Odds are continually adjusted in response to developments in the game. Therefore, you can change your betting strategy based on the action in real time. Betting using your mobile is ideal for live betting, since you have instant access to your sportsbook at all times. Even while watching a game live in the stadium. 

What Can’t You Bet On in Arkansas?

For sports betting in Arkansas, there are a few restrictions to be aware of:

• Bets cannot be placed on any political events.

• You cannot wager on awards or entertainment ceremonies.

• Betting on esports is not allowed.

Betting on College Sports in Arkansas

Betting on college sports is legal in Arkansas, including both  out-of-state and in-state college teams.

The full list of NCAA Division 1 College Programs:

• Arkansas Razorbacks

• Arkansas State Red Wolves

• UAPB Golden Lines

• Central Arkansas Bears & Sugar Bears

• Little Rock Trojans

Arkansas Sports Betting Facts

How Does Arkansas Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

Since online sports betting arrived in March 2022, Kansas has recorded a total handle of around $753 million. For context, it has around 3.1 million residents. It is one of the lowest states in terms of total handle of all the states that have legalized sports betting. This is mainly because it only has three online sportsbooks, and the 51% revenue-sharing rule has deterred major operators.

A good point of comparison would be Kansas, which legalized sports betting in September 2023 and has a similar population of 2.9 million. The big difference is that Kansas has six online sportsbooks, consisting of the leading operators in the industry. Thus, it has a much larger total handle of $3.1 billion, demonstrating the impact that the number of online sportsbooks and leading platforms can have on a state’s sports betting economy.

Arkansas has a flat tax rate of 13% for online and retail sportsbooks. This is pretty standard, sitting in the middle. It isn’t as high as Pennsylvania’s 36% tax rate or New York’s 51%, but it is not as low as states like Michigan, where it is 8%. 

Arkansas Sports Betting Updates

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA, it took Arkansas 6 months to legalize sports betting. After several unsuccessful attempts to introduce online sports betting in Arkansas, it wasn’t until March 2022 that the first online sportsbook launched. 

• March 4, 2024 - For the third month in a row, Arkansas bettors place wagers exceeding $50 million. 

• Oct. 31, 2023 - Arkansas generates over $44.9 million in monthly handle for October.

• Sep. 2, 2022 - Oaklawn Sports mobile app is the third online betting option to launch in the state.

• May 10, 2022 - The BetSaracen mobile app officially goes live in Arkansas.

• March 5, 2022 - The first online sportsbook, Betly, launches in the state. 

• Feb. 22, 2022 - Arkansas’ mobile betting regulation secured official approval from the state’s legislature’s Joint Budget Committee.

• Feb. 17, 2022 - Lawmakers endorse amendments to gambling regulations, allowing for the legalization of online sports betting in Arkansas. 

• Nov. 18, 2021 - The Arkansas Racing Commission decides to release the rules for online sports betting and creates 30 days for public feedback.

• Jan. 28, 2020 - Betly opens a retail sportsbook at Southland Casino Racing.

• Oct. 1, 2019 - The Saracen Sportsbook debuts at Saracen Casino Resort, becoming the second retail sportsbook in Arkansas.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Arkansas?

Yes, DFS is legal in Arkansas after Act 1075 was passed in 2017. FanDuel and DraftKings both offer fantastic DFS platforms in Arkansas. 

Sports Teams in Arkansas

Although Arkansas has no major league teams, you can find passionate fans for teams from neighboring states like Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Oklahoma. Arkansas is also home to a few NCAA Division 1 College Programs, which attract a significant following.

Arkansas Sportsbook Partnerships

As Arkansas has no major league teams, there are no partnerships between sportsbooks and local teams in the state.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Arkansas

The Arkansas Problem Gambling Council is the official affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling in Arkansas. It provides plenty of resources for those looking for help, such as informative articles, services, and programs. You can also contact them for assistance by calling the helpline at (800) 522-4700 or emailing [email protected]. 

On Arkansas sportsbooks, there are also specific tools that can help manage your betting activity:

• Deposit/wager limits - Sets a fixed amount so that you can control your spending.

• Time alerts - Alerts notify you how long you have been betting.

• Time-out/self-exclusion - Prevents you from accessing the platform for a specific timeframe or indefinitely.