Arkansas took a major step in sports betting expansion on February 26, 2026, when the Arkansas Racing Commission unanimously approved licenses for FanDuel and DraftKings to operate as online sportsbooks in the state. Sports betting has been legal in Arkansas since 2019 following a voter-approved constitutional amendment, with online wagering launching in 2022. Until now, the market was limited to apps operated by the state's three commercial casinos under a revenue-sharing model that requires third-party operators to give 51% of revenue to their in-state casino partner.
New Partnerships and Launch
DraftKings partnered with Southland Casino Hotel, while FanDuel partnered with Oaklawn Casino. Both operators can launch immediately, with a formal launch date set for March 20, 2026. The existing Oaklawn Sports app will be replaced by a FanDuel app "powered by Oaklawn Sports," and DraftKings will operate under Southland's license previously used by the Betly app. Saracen Casino Resort did not partner with a national brand and will continue its BETSaracen app. Each casino may operate up to two sportsbook apps under the unchanged 51%-49% revenue split.
Promotional Offers
FanDuel offers new Arkansas users up to $150 in bonus bets after placing a $5 bet on each of the first three days following signup. DraftKings provides $200 in bonus bets plus three months of NBA League Pass after a $5 wager. Both apps are available on iOS and Android, with multiple deposit and withdrawal options including PayPal, debit card, online banking, and mailed checks.
Prediction Markets
In addition to traditional sportsbooks, federally regulated prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket are legal in Arkansas. Kalshi offers $55 in bonus trading credits after a $25 trade (promo code CBSSPORTS55), while Polymarket offers a $25 trading bonus on a $10 deposit (promo code CBSSPORTS). Sports contracts on Kalshi are currently unavailable in Michigan, Nevada, and Washington.
Regulatory Framework and Tax Revenue
The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates all racing, casino, and sports betting in the state. Sportsbooks pay a 13% tax on the first $150 million in gaming revenue and 20% on revenue above that threshold. Tax revenue is distributed with 55% to the state general fund, 27.5% to the city and county hosting the casino, and 17.5% to the commission's Purse and Awards Fund. The state collected $7.229 million in sports betting tax revenue between January and October 2025.
Responsible Gambling
Arkansas provides multiple problem gambling resources, including the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET and the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council at 501-403-2321.
Key Details for Bettors
Bettors must be 21 or older and physically located in Arkansas, but residency is not required. Wagering is permitted on professional and college sports, including in-state collegiate events and player props, but not on esports. Available markets include spreads, moneylines, futures, props, and awards such as MVP and Coach of the Year. The February 26 approval applies only to sports betting; prediction markets operate separately under federal regulation.
