Arkansas Online Sports Betting Guide 2024
Online sports betting is legal and live in Arkansas, providing a vibrant playground for both new and experienced bettors. In this article, we will walk you through all the essential aspects of online sports betting in Arkansas, including its laws, popular sportsbooks, and vital tips for maximizing your sports betting experience in the state.
Dive in to discover the exciting opportunities the Natural State has to offer!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover the top sportsbooks in Arkansas.
- Learn about popular college teams for betting.
- Get insights into legalization and recent sports betting news in Arkansas.
Sports Betting Apps in Arkansas
Arkansas offers three top-tier legal sportsbooks: Betly, Oaklawn Sports, and BetSaracen. Each one of these sports betting apps also features attractive bonuses and promotions you don’t want to miss out on. Here’s a quick overview to help you choose the best one for you.
Southland Casino Racing (Betly)
| Welcome offer | 100% up to $250 match bonus |
| Rating | 4.8/5 |
| Recommended bet markets | Football, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, boxing |
Betly’s app, offered by Southland Casino Racing, has a clean and intuitive interface, making mobile betting enjoyable. New users get a 100% match bonus up to $250 upon registration and deposit. Betly also offers a wide variety of payment options, including Venmo and PayPal.
Oaklawn Sports
| Welcome offer | $1,000 bonus bets |
| Rating | 4.3/5 |
| Recommended bet markets | Football, basketball, baseball, golf |
Oaklawn Sports stands out with a large sportsbook covering 18 sports and competitive odds. Their generous welcome bonus offers up to $1,000 in bonus bets. The Oaklawn Rewards system is another highlight, providing additional bonuses and exclusive perks as you advance.
BetSaracen
| Welcome offer | 100% up to $250 match bonus |
| Rating | 4.6/5 |
| Recommended bet markets | Soccer, basketball, boxing, cricket, darts, football, hockey |
BetSaracen excels with features like live data feeds and live betting, allowing wagers during games. It covers popular sports and offers various exotic bets. New users benefit from a 10% Parlay Boost on winning parlays with three or more legs, adding extra excitement to your bets.
Quick Facts About Arkansas Sports Betting
| Arkansas Online Sports Betting Legality | Legal, since March 2022 |
| Number of Legal AR Sportsbooks | 3 |
| Legal Age | 21 |
| State Regulator | Arkansas Racing Commission |
| College Sports Betting | ✅ |
| Retail Sports Betting | ✅ |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | ✅ |
| eSports Betting | ❌ |
| Gambling Help Line | 1-800-522-4700 |
Most Recent Updates Around Arkansas Sports Betting
Stay informed with the latest developments in Arkansas’s sports betting industry. Here’s what’s been happening:
- November 2, 2024: The Arkansas Razorbacks football team lost 63-31 to Ole Miss Rebels
- October 9, 2024: Arkansas sports betting handle reached $32.3 million in August, marking a 21% increase from July.
- July 24, 2024: May’s handle was $38.8 million, with June seeing $31.4 million, a 38.3% year-over-year increase.
- May 7, 2024: Saracen Casino Resort advocates for the legalization of online casino gaming in Arkansas to reduce unregulated gambling providers.
- February 15, 2024: Arkansas regulators issued cease-and-desist letters to PrizePicks and Underdog, stopping their DFS operations in the state.
Popular Sports and Teams to Bet on in Arkansas
Arkansas offers a rich sports culture and exciting teams to follow. Here are some local favorites worth betting on:
- Arkansas Razorbacks: A staple in the SEC, popular for football and basketball.
- Arkansas State Red Wolves: Compete fiercely in the Sun Belt Conference.
- Arkansas Travelers: Draws attention in minor league baseball.
- Horse Racing: Place bets on thrilling events at Oaklawn Park.
Arkansas Sports Betting Taxes
Understanding the tax implications of sports betting is crucial for Arkansas bettors. Winnings are subject to a 24% federal tax, alongside a 3% state tax on all gambling income.
For operators, there’s a 51% tax on sports betting revenue, which supports state programs and initiatives. The rate goes down significantly for DFS sites at a flat 8% tax to the state.
Understanding these taxes helps bettors manage their finances and ensures compliance with regulations.
History of Sports Betting Legalization in Arkansas
Arkansas’ journey with sports betting has unfolded gradually, starting with a pivotal voter-approved amendment in November 2018, which marked the beginning of legalized sports betting in the state. Here’s a closer look at the key developments:
- 2022: Online sports betting officially launched, with Southland’s Betly debuting in April, followed by Bet Saracen in May. Oaklawn announced plans for its online launch with Kambi.
- 2021: In December, the Arkansas Racing Commission approved rules for online sports betting, setting the stage for the introduction of mobile platforms in early 2022.
- 2020: Southland Casino Racing launched its retail sportsbook but faced temporary closure due to the pandemic. Legislative action was limited this year.
- 2019: Arkansas launched its retail sports betting market, allowing residents to wager on in-state teams at licensed physical casinos and racetracks.
- 2018: Arkansas voters passed Issue 4, permitting in-person sports betting at two existing casinos and paving the way for two new casinos in Jefferson and Pope counties.
Are There More Gambling Options in Arkansas?
For those interested in more than just sports betting, Arkansas offers diverse gambling options:
Casino Gambling: You can play games for real money in person at the three land-based casinos in the state, including Oaklawn, Saracen, and Southland. Their titles range from slots to table games and poker. Keep in mind that online casinos are not yet legal in the state!
Horse Racing: Fans of horse racing betting can bet on thoroughbred horse races at Oaklawn Park. The venue hosts popular meetings like the Arkansas Derby, the Oaklawn Handicap, and the Apple Blossom Handicap.
Daily Fantasy Sports: Top DFS operators, including FanDuel and DraftKings, offer contests across various sports like NFL, NBA, and MLB in Arkansas. These sites have the “free rolls” version of these contests, which you can play without risking your cash.
So, Will You Bet from Arkansas Tonight?
With online sports betting legal in Arkansas, you have access to reliable, albeit slightly limited, options through the state’s three licensed sportsbooks: Oaklawn, Betly, and BetSaracen. Each offers unique features and promotions, catering to different bettor preferences within the Natural State’s growing sports betting landscape.
As you explore these platforms, remember to bet responsibly and stay updated on the latest developments. For a broader perspective, check out our state-by-state guide to sports betting legality. Understanding the variety of regulations and opportunities across the US can help you make informed decisions wherever you place your bets.
References
- “Arkansas Issue 4”. Ballotpedia. Retrieved Nov 13, 2024.
- Arkansas Problem Gambling Council. Retrieved Nov 13, 2024.
- “SB 669”. Arkansas State Legislature. Retrieved Nov 13, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arkansas offers several top legal online sportsbooks, including Oaklawn Sports, Southland Casino Racing (Betly), and BetSaracen. These sportsbooks provide a range of features, from generous welcome bonuses to user-friendly interfaces, catering to the needs of Arkansas bettors.
Yes, Arkansas online sportsbooks allow you to bet on college sports. You can place legal sports wagers on various college sports events, adding excitement to your favorite college games.
Online sports betting officially launched in Arkansas in 2022. Arkansas voters approved the measure, leading to the establishment of the first legal sports betting location and the introduction of various mobile sportsbooks in the state.
