Online Sports Betting in Arkansas
Published: | Updated:Though there are several brick-and-mortar sportsbooks operating in the state of Arkansas, online sports betting is currently found through only two brands. On the bright side, there have been ongoing discussions about potentially legalizing further online sports betting in the future. Arkansas, known as “The Natural State,” was the 25th named state in the United States of America.
The only US State that produces the valuable resource of diamonds, Arkansas is best described as located in the South Central part of the United States. Various celebrities were born in Arkansas, from iconic poet Maya Angelou to singer/songwriter Johnny Cash to former President Bill Clinton. Lastly, for those unfamiliar with the state, it is pronounced “Arkansaw” – and it’s actually against the law in-state to say the name incorrectly.
As of April 2023, online sports betting can only be found in Arkansas through Betly and BetSaracen. Online sports betting rules do allow for as many as eight total online sportsbooks to launch in the state.
While online sports betting regulations are difficult to understand in Arkansas, general sports betting is legal in the state. As mentioned above, there are four locations (retail) in Arkansas where residents can go to wager on sporting events.
Where to bet on sports in Arkansas:
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
- Southland Casino Racing
- Saracen Casino Resort
- River Valley Casino
Most popular sports to bet on in Arkansas:
Though the sports betting laws are relatively new, they don’t contain many restrictions. The only things the law clearly prohibits betting on are virtual sports and political elections. Football (NFL) remains the most popular sport to bet on in nearly every US state. Beyond that, other sports Arkansans can wager on include Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Boxing, Golf, Hockey, Lacrosse, MMA, Motor Sports, Olympics, Rodeo, Rugby, Soccer, and Tennis.
Without any professional sports teams based in Arkansas, fandom of professional sports (and whom to wager on) is limited to nearby states and teams. The most popular teams for betting are as follows:
- NFL: Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs
- NBA: Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies
- NHL: Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues
- MLB: Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and Texas Rangers
- NCAA: Arkansas Razorbacks, Arkansas State Red Wolves, and Central Arkansas Bears
Is horse betting legal in Arkansas?
It is legal to bet on horse races in Arkansas, both in live and online formats. In fact, one of the more prestigious races in the country (the Arkansas Derby) is located there. Every April, the race takes place at Oaklawn Park, featuring notable horses like American Pharaoh, Smarty Jones, and Afleet Alex.
Other things to know
- Age and Location Restrictions: You need to be at least 21 years old to participate and physically located within state lines to place bets.
- Licensed Operators: Only licensed operators are authorized to offer sports betting. The Arkansas Racing Commission is responsible for regulating the industry and issuing licenses to operators.
- Types of Bets: The types of bets available through online sports betting in Arkansas depend on the regulations put in place by the state. However, you could expect to see similar types of bets offered by other states with legal online sports betting, such as straight bets, parlays, teasers, and live in-play betting.
- Deposit and Withdrawal Options: The deposit and withdrawal options available through online sports betting in Arkansas depend on the operators offering the service. However, you could expect to see similar options to other states with legal online sports betting, such as credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
- Responsible Gambling: Licensed operators are required to provide tools and resources to help customers gamble responsibly. This includes options to set deposit and wagering limits, take a time-out from betting, or self-exclude from gambling activities.
- Taxes: Any winnings would be subject to federal and state taxes. It is important to keep accurate records of your winnings and losses to report them on your tax return.
Responsible gambling in AR
If you are based in Arkansas, and your gambling is out of control, you can call the National Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-800-522-4700. The call is anonymous, and the phone hotline is available 24/7/365. You can also text the number 1-800-522-4700 or enter the website chat here. Follow the Online Gamblers Academy to learn how to have fun responsibly!
Yes, sports betting is legal in Arkansas and has been since November 2018.
You can place bets on sports in Arkansas at any of the state’s licensed casinos, as well as through online sportsbook operators.
You can bet on various sports in Arkansas, including professional and college football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, golf, and more.
Yes, mobile sports betting is available in Arkansas through licensed online sportsbook operators.
The minimum age to place a sports bet in Arkansas is 21 years old.
