Arkansas Sports Betting 2026: Top Sportsbooks

Arkansas sports betting has evolved significantly since its legalization in 2019. The Arkansas Racing Commission unanimously approved sports wagering vendor licenses for FanDuel and DraftKings on February 26, 2026, marking a new chapter for sports wagering in the state. Online sports betting in Arkansas initiated in 2022, and has gained traction since then.

Initially, national sportsbooks were hesitant to enter the Arkansas market due to a revenue-sharing rule that required third-party operators to share over half their earnings with in-state partners. However, with an acceptance of this split, DraftKings partnered with Southland Casino Hotel, and FanDuel partnered with Oaklawn Casino, enabling them to operate their sportsbooks within Arkansas.

Upcoming events include the NBA Playoffs in May 2026, where Arkansas sports betting apps will be actively promoting betting options.

The history of sports betting in Arkansas began when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in May 2018, allowing states to legalize sports betting. On November 6, 2018, Arkansas voters passed Issue 4 (Amendment 100), which authorized casino gaming along with legal sports betting at licensed casinos. The first legal sports bet in the state occurred on July 1, 2019, a $5 wager on the Dallas Cowboys at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.

In April 2021, the Arkansas legislature passed House Bill 1942 to create a framework for online sports betting. Subsequently, on December 30, 2021, the Arkansas Racing Commission approved a 51% revenue-sharing rule, mandating that 51% of the revenues from third-party operators must be shared with their in-state partner. This rule was finalized by the Arkansas Legislative Council on February 22, 2022.

As of March 20, 2026, the new Arkansas sportsbooks, DraftKings and FanDuel, are set to launch their operations. New users will be able to access promotions such as the Arkansas FanDuel promo code, offering $150 in bonus bets if their first $5 bet wins. With a user-friendly interface and various sports betting options, FanDuel has established itself as a top choice among bettors in Arkansas, along with DraftKings, which has a strong presence in sports betting nationally.