Arkansas Sports Betting: The Casino-Partner-Only Market

How Arkansas Sports Betting Works

Arkansas legalized sports betting through Issue 4, a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November 2018. The amendment authorized "casino gaming" at four locations — two existing horse tracks (Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Southland in West Memphis) and two new casino licenses (one awarded to Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff; one license remains unawarded).

What makes Arkansas unique is its casino-partner-only model: sports betting is only authorized through partnerships with these four licensed casino properties. There are no standalone online-only sports betting licenses. Every mobile sportsbook operating in Arkansas must be tethered to one of the casino-resorts.

Licensed Sportsbook Operators

Why Arkansas Is Different

Most legal sports betting states allow 10-20+ online sportsbook licenses, creating a competitive market with FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and other national brands. Arkansas took a fundamentally different approach:

1. Constitutional Amendment: Sports betting is authorized by the state constitution, not just a statute. This makes it harder to modify.
2. Casino-Tethered: Each sportsbook license is tied to a physical casino property. No standalone online operators are permitted.
3. Limited Competition: With only 3-4 casino partners, the market has far fewer operators than states like Illinois, Massachusetts, or Virginia.
4. Higher Margins for Operators: Less competition means operators don't need to offer as aggressive welcome bonuses or promotional odds.

Market Impact for Arkansas Bettors

The casino-partner model affects Arkansas bettors in several ways:

Fewer Choices

While states like Illinois have 7+ sportsbook apps and New York has 9+, Arkansas bettors have access to BetSaracen and limited alternatives through the licensed casino partners. The national sportsbook brands (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM) are not independently licensed in Arkansas.

Less Competitive Odds

With fewer operators, there is less market pressure to offer sharp odds. Arkansas bettors don't have the same line-shopping opportunities as bettors in more competitive markets.

Fewer Promotions

The promotional environment in Arkansas is less aggressive than markets with 10+ competing sportsbooks. Welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions tend to be less generous.

Retail Access

On the positive side, Arkansas bettors have direct access to retail sportsbooks at three casino-resorts, including the amenities and entertainment options these properties provide.

The Fourth Casino License: Pope County

The fourth casino license — authorized for Pope County — has been the subject of prolonged legal and political dispute. The license was awarded to Legends Resort & Casino but has faced challenges from local opposition and regulatory delays. The status remains pending as of April 2026.

If the fourth license activates, it could introduce another mobile sportsbook partnership, though the incremental competitive impact would be modest given the small total number of licenses.

Comparison With Other States

The Sweepstakes Connection

The limited sports betting market in Arkansas is one reason sweepstakes casinos have found a receptive audience in the state. With fewer online gambling options than most states, Arkansas residents looking for online casino-style entertainment have turned to sweepstakes platforms as an alternative.

Responsible Betting in Arkansas

Sports betting should be entertainment, not a financial strategy. Arkansas has implemented several responsible gambling protections:

• Self-Exclusion Programs: All licensed sportsbooks offer voluntary self-exclusion. Once enrolled, you are banned from placing bets for a set period (typically 1-5 years). Attempting to circumvent self-exclusion can result in forfeiture of winnings.
• Deposit Limits: Every app allows you to set daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits. These limits take effect immediately (for reductions) and after a cooling-off period (for increases).
• Time-Out Features: You can temporarily suspend your account for 24 hours, 72 hours, or one week without going through full self-exclusion.
• Reality Checks: Apps will periodically notify you how long you have been in a session and your net win/loss for the day.

Payment Methods Available

For the fastest withdrawals, PayPal and Venmo consistently process within 24 hours across all major Arkansas sportsbooks. Bank transfers are the most widely accepted but the slowest for withdrawals.

Types of Bets Available

Understanding the bet types available to Arkansas bettors:

• Moneyline: Pick the outright winner. Simplest bet type. Odds are expressed as positive (underdog) or negative (favorite) numbers.
• Point Spread: Bet on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by more than the spread; the underdog must lose by less than the spread (or win outright).
• Totals (Over/Under): Bet on whether the combined score of both teams will go over or under a set number.
• Parlays: Combine multiple bets into one. All legs must win for the parlay to pay. Higher risk, higher reward.
• Same-Game Parlays (SGPs): Combine multiple bets from the same game. Popular for NFL and NBA. FanDuel and DraftKings lead in SGP offerings.
• Prop Bets: Bet on specific player or game outcomes (e.g., "Patrick Mahomes over 2.5 passing TDs"). Available for most major sports.
• Futures: Bet on season-long outcomes (e.g., "Who will win the Super Bowl?"). Odds change throughout the season.
• Live/In-Game Betting: Place bets during the game as odds update in real-time. Requires fast app performance.

Tax Implications for Arkansas Bettors

Sports betting winnings are taxable income. Key points for Arkansas residents:

• Federal Tax: All gambling winnings are subject to federal income tax. Sportsbooks issue W-2G forms for winnings over $600 at odds of 300:1 or greater, but all winnings are reportable regardless of whether a W-2G is issued.
• State Tax: Arkansas state income tax applies to gambling winnings. The rate depends on your total taxable income and filing status.
• Record Keeping: Maintain records of all bets placed, including wins and losses. Gambling losses can be deducted up to the amount of gambling winnings if you itemize deductions.
• Withholding: Sportsbooks may withhold 24% for federal taxes on certain large payouts. State withholding varies.

Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation. Many bettors underestimate their tax obligations.

Line Shopping: Why Multiple Apps Matter

One of the biggest advantages of Arkansas's competitive sportsbook market is the ability to line-shop. Here's why it matters:

Imagine you want to bet on an NFL game. FanDuel has the underdog at +7.5 (-110), while DraftKings has the same team at +7 (-105). That half-point difference and the better juice at DraftKings could be the difference between a win and a push — and over hundreds of bets, these margins compound significantly.

Professional bettors maintain accounts at every available sportsbook specifically for line-shopping. Even recreational bettors should have at least 2-3 apps to compare odds before placing any significant wager.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sports betting legal in Arkansas? Yes. Sports betting was authorized by Issue 4 (2018 constitutional amendment) and is available through mobile apps and retail sportsbooks at licensed casino-resorts.

Why can't I use FanDuel or DraftKings in Arkansas? Arkansas requires sportsbook operators to partner with one of the state's four licensed casino-resorts. FanDuel, DraftKings, and other national brands are not independently licensed in Arkansas.

How many sportsbook apps are available in Arkansas? BetSaracen is the primary mobile sportsbook, operating through partnerships with the three active casino-resorts. The selection is far more limited than in most legal sports betting states.

What is the minimum age for sports betting in Arkansas? 21 years old, same as the casino gambling age.

Can I bet on Razorbacks games? Yes. You can bet on Arkansas college sports, though prop bets on individual college athletes may be restricted.

Will Arkansas get more sportsbook apps? Not under the current constitutional amendment. Expanding the number of licenses would likely require another constitutional amendment or a creative reinterpretation of the existing law.