Legal Arkansas Sportsbooks 2026: AR Sports Betting & Legislation Updates

Quick Summary of Online Sports Betting in Arkansas

Arkansas Online Sports Betting Updates

Although it's rare for new betting sites to launch, Arkansas’ sports betting market has been steadily active, with regular handle updates and discussions about expanding into other forms of online gambling. Here’s what’s been happening recently in the Natural State:

• September 1, 2025 – Through Jan–Jul 2025, Arkansas sportsbooks generated $70.9M in GGR and $9.4M in taxes; July GGR $11.5M.

• August 22, 2025 – Casinos reported $29.4M in July sports-betting handle, up 16% year over year.

• August 5, 2025 – The Attorney General joined a multi-state push targeting illegal offshore gambling; an online-casino bill from the 2025 session was noted as pulled.

• March 27, 2025 – Local outlets projected a record March for Arkansas sportsbooks, boosted by the Razorbacks’ NCAA Tournament run.

• March 21, 2025 – Lawmakers filed SB 524 / HB 1861 to legalize online casino gaming and criminalize unlicensed interactive gambling, with regulation by the Arkansas Racing Commission.

• March 9, 2025 – State officials said March Madness could push monthly wagers to ~$70M, which would be a new high.

• February 5, 2025 – Officials expected $5M+ to be wagered on the Super Bowl in Arkansas.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Arkansas

While Arkansas doesn’t have any professional sports franchises in the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL, sports betting in the Natural State thrives thanks to passionate support for college athletics and regional pro teams. From SEC football Saturdays to Memphis Grizzlies basketball, local fans have no shortage of wagering opportunities on Arkansas' three trusted sportsbooks.

College Football

The University of Arkansas Razorbacks are the heartbeat of football betting in Arkansas. Competing in the SEC, the Razorbacks attract strong betting interest throughout the season, especially in rivalry matchups like the Battle Line Rivalry against Missouri. Popular markets include point spreads, totals, and player props, particularly during conference play.

College Basketball

Basketball betting heats up each winter as the Razorbacks men’s basketball team, a perennial SEC contender, takes the court. With multiple NCAA Tournament appearances in recent years, the team draws heavy action in futures markets and March Madness betting. Local fans also follow women’s college basketball, especially during postseason runs.

NFL

Even without an in-state NFL team, Arkansas bettors frequently back regional favorites such as the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and New Orleans Saints. NFL betting peaks on Sundays in the fall, with moneylines, spreads, and Same Game Parlays among the most popular formats.

NBA

The Memphis Grizzlies, based just across the eastern border in Tennessee, are the most popular NBA team among Arkansas fans. Betting interest spikes during the playoffs and around marquee matchups, with player prop bets and live in-game wagering driving much of the action.

Baseball

Major League Baseball doesn’t have an Arkansas-based franchise, but nearby teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, and Texas Rangers have sizable fan bases. Baseball betting in Arkansas often centers on moneylines, run lines, and totals during the long summer season.

AR Sports Betting Legislation

Arkansas legalized sports betting in 2018 through voter approval of Issue 4, which allowed for the expansion of casino gaming and sports wagering at four licensed venues. Retail sports betting launched first, followed by mobile betting in March 2022, making Arkansas one of the few southern states to allow both forms of wagering.

The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates the market, overseeing licensing and compliance for both retail and online operators. Under current rules, casinos may partner with third-party sportsbook brands, but they must keep at least 51% of the revenue from online betting within the state. Bettors must be physically located in Arkansas and at least 21 years old to place a wager. Here's some of the Arkanas sports betting news:

Key legislative and market milestones:

• November 2018 - Arkansas voters approve Issue 4, legalizing casino gaming and sports betting at four designated locations.
• July 1, 2019 - Retail sports betting officially launches at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
• March 2022 - Mobile sports betting goes live statewide, with Betly, BetSaracen, and Oaklawn Sports among the first operators.
• February 15, 2024 - Arkansas regulators send cease-and-desist letters to PrizePicks and Underdog, targeting unregulated DFS-style sports betting.
• May 7, 2024 - Saracen Casino Resort signals interest in pushing for legalized online casino gaming.

Other State Betting Options

While sports betting is legal and growing in Arkansas, it’s not the only way residents can place wagers. The state also offers other regulated gambling opportunities, ranging from the lottery to casino gaming. These alternatives provide different experiences for players who want to try something beyond sports betting.

Arkansas Lottery

The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery began in 2009 and offers draw games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, and Natural State Jackpot, along with instant scratch-off tickets. Lottery proceeds fund scholarships and education programs across the state. Tickets can be purchased at licensed retailers, and players can check results or enter second-chance drawings through the official lottery website and app.

Casino Gaming

Arkansas is home to three operating casinos: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs), Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff), and Southland Casino Hotel (West Memphis). These venues offer slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and on-site sportsbooks. A fourth casino license is designated for Pope County but has faced ongoing legal disputes.

Horse Racing and Greyhound Racing

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is one of the premier horse racing tracks in the country, hosting live thoroughbred racing from December through May, including the prestigious Arkansas Derby. Greyhound racing, once held at Southland, ended in December 2022, though simulcast wagering on both horses and dogs remains available.

Charitable Gaming

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas can offer bingo and raffles as part of charitable fundraising efforts. These games are regulated by the state to ensure fairness and compliance, and proceeds must go toward approved charitable purposes.

Retail Betting Locations in Arkansas

In addition to mobile wagering, Arkansas offers several in-person sportsbooks located at its licensed casinos. These venues provide a legal and regulated environment for placing bets on a variety of sports, often with large video walls, comfortable seating, and on-site dining.

Here are the current retail sports betting locations in Arkansas:

• Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort - 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Features a full-service sportsbook alongside live horse racing, casino games, and multiple dining options.
• Saracen Casino Resort - 1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. Home to the BetSaracen Sportsbook with betting kiosks, live teller windows, and big-screen TVs for major events.
• Southland Casino Hotel - 1550 Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, AR 72301. Offers a large sportsbook area with numerous betting kiosks and a wide range of wagering markets.

Social Sports Betting Sites in Arkansas

If you’re looking for a free, legal way to make sports picks in Arkansas, social sportsbooks offer a unique alternative. These platforms use virtual currency and sweepstakes systems, letting you play without spending real money, but still giving you a shot at winning real prizes.

Thrillzz - Fast, Social-Friendly Sportsbook Available in AR

Thrillzz: Pros & Cons

• High-Value Welcome Bonus
• Social Sports Betting Available
• Leaderboards and Pick Sharing Features

• No Live Chat
• Slow Redemptions

Visit Thrillzz

Thrillzz is available in Arkansas and offers a quick, casual way to make sports picks across NFL, NBA, NCAA, and more. You’ll play using free Coins and Sweeps, and can join “Squads” to make picks with friends. It’s an experience that's both fast-paced and social, built for mobile users.

New Arkansas users get 3,000 Coins and 3 Sweeps just for signing up - no code or purchase needed.

Legendz - Full Sportsbook Coverage for Arkansas Users

Legendz: Pros & Cons

• Legendz Originals Games
• Top Providers Present
• Available in 40+ States

• Low GC Value for Welcome Bonus
• Bonuses Could be Expanded

Visit Legendz Casino

Legendz is a full-featured social sportsbook available in Arkansas. It covers all major sports - from spreads to futures - and includes a social casino for added variety. You’ll use Gold Coins for fun play and Sweepstakes Coins for prize redemption.

Sign up from Arkansas and receive 500 GC and 3 SC for free - no purchase necessary.

Onyx Odds - Simple and Free Social Betting in AR

Onyx: Pros & Cons

• VIP perks
• User-friendly interface
• Covers all US major leagues
• Various ways to unlock free Onyx Coins

• Onyx Cash is not part of the no deposit welcome bonus

Visit Onyx Odds

Onyx Odds gives Arkansas players an easy way to make free picks on spreads, totals, and moneylines. You’ll use Onyx Coins for casual play, and can claim 5 Onyx Cash via mail-in if you want to pursue real prize redemption.

Arkansas users get 1,000 Onyx Coins just for signing up. It's quick, simple, and zero risk.

Fliff - Bonuses and Full Coverage for Arkansas Bettors

Fliff: Pros & Cons

• Huge new customer offer
• Responsive support team
• Impressive mobile accessibility
• Range of ongoing perks

• Limited payment methods

Visit Fliff

Fliff is one of the most established social sportsbooks and is fully available in Arkansas. It offers full coverage of U.S. sports and lets you play using Fliff Coins or Fliff Cash - the latter redeemable for prizes under sweepstakes rules.

Sign up from Arkansas to start playing with free Coins and bonus Cash. No deposit required.

Kickr - College Sports Picks for Arkansas Fans

Kickr: Pros & Cons

• Sports Betting + Casino Games
• Great Gift Card Variety
• Ongoing Tournaments

• Invite-Only VIP Program
• No Live Dealers

Visit Kickr

Kickr lets Arkansas users make picks on college basketball, football, and more, using virtual Bucks and Bits. It supports all standard bet types like props, totals, and parlays. The Kickr experience is fully free and built around a casual pick’em model.

Arkansas players get four Bucks and 150,000 Bits when they join, ready to use right away!

Prophet X - Peer-To-Peer Social Sportsbook Available in AR

Pros & Cons of Prophet X

• Competitive lines
• Ability to set own odds
• 20% better odds than sportsbooks
• No limit on winners

• No parlays

Visit Prophet X

Prophet X is a peer-to-peer social sports exchange available in Arkansas. Instead of betting against a house, you make picks against other users and can even set your own odds. It uses a sweepstakes model with Prophet Points for fun and Prophet Cash for potential prize redemptions.

New Arkansas users can receive up to 200 Prophet Cash during their first 30 days, depending on play and activity.

PlayBracco - Secure Social Sportsbook with Crypto Redemptions

PlayBracco: Pros and Cons

• Welcome package available with 10,000 Bracco Coins
• User-friendly site with an unique interface
• Good customer support

• No dedicated PlayBracco app

Visit PlayBracco

PlayBracco is open to Arkansas players and offers a sleek social sportsbook with Bracco Coins and Bracco Cash. It covers NFL, UFC, college sports, and more. Redemptions - often via crypto - require ID verification, but the overall process is fast and user-friendly.

Arkansas users get 10,000 Bracco Coins and 5 Bracco Cash when they sign up.

PICKEM - Fun Social Game Modes for Arkansas Users

PICKEM: Pros and Cons

• Above-average welcome offers
• Native app
• Decent customer support

• Prize redemption requirements

Visit Pickem

PICKEM offers an interactive, game-like way to make picks in Arkansas. You’ll climb ranks, enter challenges, and get virtual currency by playing. It’s simple and accessible, with contests across NFL, NBA, college football, and more.

Sign up from Arkansas and get 50,000 GC and 1 SC for free - no purchase needed.

Wanna Parlay - Free Pick’em Contests for Arkansas Players

Wanna Parlay: Pros and Cons

• Awesome range of sports contests including NBA, European soccer, and the MLB.
• Regular contests with real money prizes.
• Stylish and easy-to-use mobile app.
• Available in all 50 US states.

• Mobile-only - no desktop version of the lobby.

Wanna Parlay is available to Arkansas users and focuses on free contests with real prize potential. Make over/under picks on stats from NBA, NFL, MLB, and others - and compete on leaderboards without paying to play.

It’s app-only but works well on both Android and iOS. There’s no welcome bonus, but contests are 100% free to enter.

DFS Sites in Arkansas

Daily Fantasy Sports are fully available in Arkansas, giving players a legal way to enter pick’em contests, drafts, and leaderboard‑style competitions. Whether you prefer simple over/under entries or full roster‑building, Arkansas DFS apps offer a wide range of options across major sports.

Underdog

Underdog: Pros & Cons

• Daily and weekly contests
• Exclusive welcome bonus
• Impeccable usability on mobile
• Social community available
• Fair bonus terms

• Few deposit options
• No phone support

Visit Underdog

Underdog is live and legal in Arkansas, offering Best Ball drafts, snake drafts, and pick’em contests across dozens of leagues. Its Best Ball format is especially popular - draft once and let the app automatically start your top performers each week. Arkansas users can also enter pick’em contests on NFL, NBA, MLB, and esports with simple higher/lower predictions.

ParlayPlay

ParlayPlay: Pros & Cons

• Two-part generous welcome offer
• Wide range of DFS contests
• Downloadable mobile app

• No live chat support

Visit ParlayPlay

ParlayPlay gives Arkansas players an easy way to make DFS pick’em entries, including standard over/unders, stat ranges, and insured picks. The platform also offers Free2Play contests with real prize potential several times a week. With coverage of top leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, it’s a strong option for quick, flexible gameplay.

DraftKings Fantasy

DraftKings: Pros & Cons

• Multiple daily contests available
• 24/7 customer support
• Straightforward welcome bonus

• High playthrough requirement

Visit DraftKings Fantasy

DraftKings Fantasy is fully accessible in Arkansas, offering one of the deepest DFS selections in the country. Enter beginner contests, big‑field GPPs, Showdown slates, or season‑long fantasy drafts. Arkansas players who deposit $5 get a $3 DFS ticket, and the platform covers all major sports - from NFL and NBA to PGA, MMA, and esports.

OwnersBox

OwnersBox: Pros & Cons

• Easy-to-use website.
• Great welcome bonus
• Weekly fantasy contests are consistent
• Multiple game options, like Lightning Lineups

• No eSports

Visit OwnersBox

OwnersBox brings unique DFS formats to Arkansas, including SuperFlex contests that let you use an extra quarterback or flex play - a big advantage during football season! Lightning Lineups gives you preset lineups you can “spin” through until you find one you like. OwnersBox is app‑friendly, intuitive, and provides 24/7 support for Arkansas users.

Sleeper Fantasy

• Many bonuses on deck
• Great collection of fantasy sports
• Draft new teams every day/week
• The help center offers a wealth of information

• Some fantasy sports are only available in mobile apps

Sleeper Fantasy is available in Arkansas and offers a mix of season‑long leagues, daily drafts, and pick’em contests. DFS players can try Picks, PicksVS, Dilemma Mode, or enter beginner‑friendly daily drafts starting at low entry fees. New Arkansas users can claim a 100% deposit match up to $100 using the Sleeper promo code, plus a $25 referral bonus if a friend joins.

PrizePicks

Pro and Con

PrizePicks is a top DFS pick’em operator in Arkansas, offering simple 2-5 player predictions across major leagues. Instead of building rosters, you only choose over/unders on stat lines - quick and beginner‑friendly. Arkansas players can play $5 and get $50 instantly, making it one of the best-value intros to DFS in the state.

DraftKings Pick 6

Fantasy Sports Betting - Simplified & Accessible

• Simplified Gameplay: Easy-to-understand mechanics make it accessible for all skill levels
• Flexible Entry Fees: Low minimum entry fees make it affordable for everyone
• Real-Time Tracking: Players can monitor their picks and potential winnings as games unfold
• Competitive Bonuses: Attractive sign-up bonuses and referral incentives add extra value
• Wide Availability: Accessible in numerous U.S. states

• No Editing After Submission: Once picks are submitted, they cannot be changed
• Limited to Single-Sport Picks: Pick Sets must be made within the same sport and pick group
• No Player Re-selection: Players cannot be selected more than once within the same Pick Set
• Stat Corrections May Not Affect Results: Post-game stat corrections won't change finalized contest outcomes
• Contest Prizes are shared and may fluctuate depending on a few factors

DraftKings Pick 6 is available in Arkansas and gives players a streamlined DFS format: select 2-6 athletes from one sport and predict whether they’ll go over or under their projections. Entries start low, with real‑time tracking and large prize pools. New Arkansas players who spend $5 on their first entry get $50 in Pick6 Credits instantly.

Wanna Parlay

Wanna Parlay: Pros and Cons

• Generous welcome bonus
• Unique DFS game mode
• Excellent mobile usability
• Diverse & secure payment methods

• Mobile users only

Wanna Parlay brings a unique DFS contest style to Arkansas - instead of lineups, you build parlays of player props and compete against others on a leaderboard. Choose from NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more, with instant scoring updates. Arkansas users can claim a 100% deposit match up to $250 when joining through the mobile app.

Bleacher Nation Fantasy

Bleacher Nation Fantasy: Pros & Cons

• Innovative DFS Product
• User-friendly mobile apps
• Helpful welcome offer
• Legal in 30+ states

• Limited sports featured

Bleacher Nation Fantasy is live in Arkansas and offers Rivals and Head‑to‑Head DFS contests across NFL, NBA, and MLB. It’s built for simplicity, making it a great entry point for new DFS users. Arkansas players can claim a 50% deposit match bonus up to $100 when they download the app and create an account.

Betr

Betr Pros and Cons

• Generous bonuses and promotions
• Variety of sports leagues
• Easy to use

• No web platform

Betr Picks is available in Arkansas and specializes in clean, simple pick’em contests with up to 8 selections per entry - and payouts up to 100x. All lines end in .5, meaning no pushes, just win or lose. It covers NFL, NBA, MLB, college sports, and emerging leagues, making it a great option for fast mobile play.

Arkansas Sports Betting FAQ

Gamble Responsibly

Playing at online sportsbooks, real money casinos, and sweepstakes sites should always be safe and enjoyable. Keep control of your activity by following responsible gambling guidelines such as:

Set a Budget:

Decide on a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Once it’s gone, stop playing.

Don’t Chase Losses:

Trying to recover losses often leads to overspending.

Play with a Clear Head:

Avoid playing under the influence, or when angry, stressed, or tired.

Set Time Limits:

Take breaks and ensure gambling doesn’t cut into time with family or friends.

Know Your Stuff:

Learn the rules, bet types, odds, and payouts before playing to avoid mistakes.

Use Responsible Gambling Tools:

Make use of features like budget limits and self-exclusion.

If you or someone you know is struggling to gamble responsibly, these free, confidential resources can help:

Gamblers Anonymous

National Council on Problem Gambling

Gaming Addicts Anonymous

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Damien Souness as part of our fact-checking process.