DraftKings is available for legal sports betting in Arkansas — but only through a model unlike any other state. Under Arkansas Amendment 100 (2018), every mobile sportsbook must partner with a licensed in-state casino. DraftKings operates as DraftKings at Southland, tethered to Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis — a different platform than DraftKings in Ohio or Colorado.

Last verified: April 2026

Arkansas Sports Betting: The Unique Framework You Need to Know

Arkansas is one of the most architecturally unusual sports betting markets in the United States. Most states license mobile sportsbooks directly. Arkansas does not.

Amendment 100 (2018) authorized four casino licenses in specific counties. Every legal mobile sports wagering app in Arkansas flows through one of those casino licensees. The result: Arkansas has exactly three legal mobile sportsbooks as of April 2026.

Casino Partner Mobile Sportsbook Location
Southland Casino Hotel DraftKings at Southland West Memphis (Crittenden County)
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort FanDuel at Oaklawn Hot Springs (Garland County)
Saracen Casino Resort BETSaracen Pine Bluff (Jefferson County)

No other national operator — not BetMGM, not Caesars, not ESPN BET — can launch in Arkansas independently. That's not a gap in the market; it's a structural ceiling built into state law. A fourth license was awarded to Cherokee Nation Entertainment in Pope County, but that casino has not opened as of April 2026.

The Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) oversees sports betting regulation and licensing, with casinos submitting for ARC approval before launching any sports wagering product.

Revenue split: Arkansas mandates a 51/49 revenue split — 51% going to the in-state casino partner, 49% to the technology provider (DraftKings, FanDuel). This is the most casino-favorable split in the United States, per ARC documentation (verified April 2026). It means DraftKings has significantly less revenue to pour into promotions and bonuses in Arkansas compared to states where they keep the full margin.

What Makes DraftKings at Southland Different

The "at Southland" branding is more than cosmetic. The partnership affects several aspects of the product:

  1. Regulatory accountability is joint: Both DraftKings and Southland Casino are responsible for compliance. This means better accountability, but also means changes require casino-level approval from the ARC.

  2. Revenue sharing changes the bonus math: Because DraftKings gives up 51% to Southland, the welcome offers and ongoing promotions in Arkansas are typically smaller than in states where DraftKings operates independently. Don't expect the same promotional volume you'd see in Illinois or Pennsylvania.

  3. The app is the DraftKings infrastructure: The technology, interface, and markets are DraftKings' platform. You'll see the same bet types, same SGP builder, and same prop structure. The difference is in the deal structure behind the scenes, not the user experience.

  4. Retail integration: DraftKings at Southland ties into the physical Southland Casino property. You can fund your account at the casino cage, withdraw at the casino, and access customer service through the property.

DraftKings at Southland: Features and App Review

Platform: DraftKings' industry-standard interface — one of the best mobile betting apps available. The Sportsbook, SGP builder, and live betting panels are identical to the national product.

Sports markets covered:

  • NFL, college football (including Arkansas Razorbacks)
  • NBA, college basketball
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Soccer (MLS, EPL, Champions League)
  • Tennis, golf, UFC/MMA
  • NASCAR, international markets

Same-game parlays: Full SGP builder available. One of DraftKings' signature features.

Live betting: Real-time odds with responsive cash-out options.

Player props: DraftKings' prop depth is its strongest competitive trait — typically 50+ props per major NFL game, including receiving yards, rushing yards, passing touchdowns, and first-to-score markets.

Welcome Offer and Promotions

Last verified: April 2026

DraftKings at Southland's welcome offer at the time of writing: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets. This is the same headline offer DraftKings runs nationally, though the ongoing promotional cadence in Arkansas is lighter than in larger, unpartnered states.

Regular promotions include:

  • Profit boosts — percentage odds boosts on specific markets
  • SGP insurance — partial refund if one leg fails
  • Stepped-up same-game parlays — pre-built SGPs with enhanced odds
  • Referral bonuses — for signing up friends who purchase

Reload bonuses and free-bet promotions do appear, but less frequently than in major markets like Illinois or New Jersey. The 51/49 split is the underlying reason.

How to Sign Up: Step-by-Step

  1. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app (iOS or Android) — search "DraftKings Sportsbook" in the App Store/Play Store
  2. At signup, select Arkansas as your state
  3. Verify your identity (DraftKings uses automated identity verification — driver's license or state ID required)
  4. Make your first deposit
  5. Accept the welcome offer before placing your first bet
  6. The app will use geolocation to confirm you're physically in Arkansas before accepting wagers

21+ only. Arkansas follows the federal 21+ minimum for sports betting.

Banking: Deposits and Withdrawals

Deposit methods:

  • Visa/Mastercard (instant)
  • PayPal (instant)
  • Online banking/ACH
  • Cash at the Southland Casino cage (unique to the AR casino-partner model)
  • Play+ prepaid card

Withdrawal options:

  • PayPal (fastest — 24-48 hours typical)
  • ACH bank transfer (3-5 business days)
  • Online banking
  • Cash at the Southland Casino cage

Minimum deposit: $5. No fees on PayPal.

Responsible Gambling in Arkansas

The Arkansas Racing Commission requires all licensees to offer responsible gambling tools. Within DraftKings at Southland:

  • Purchase limits (daily/weekly/monthly)
  • Loss limits
  • Session time reminders
  • Self-exclusion (state-level registry through ARC)

Editorial Perspective: Is the Southland Partnership Good for Bettors?

Here's the honest analysis that most affiliate reviews won't give you: the 51/49 casino-partner model is not designed for bettors' benefit. It exists to protect Arkansas's established casino operators and ensure Amendment 100 revenue stays in-state. That's legitimate policy — but it has real costs. DraftKings in Arkansas cannot offer the same promotional depth as DraftKings in Illinois, because the economics don't allow it.

For casual bettors, this matters less than it sounds. The app works identically, the markets are the same, and the core experience is solid. But if you're migrating from a state where you had full DraftKings access, expect a leaner promotional calendar in Arkansas.

The structural ceiling also means competition won't improve this situation. FanDuel and BETSaracen are the only alternatives, and neither is incentivized to dramatically undercut the others on promotions when they all face the same 51/49 constraint. The Arkansas sports betting market is, by design, a controlled oligopoly.

DraftKings at Southland vs. FanDuel at Oaklawn: Quick Comparison

Feature DraftKings at Southland FanDuel at Oaklawn
Casino partner Southland (West Memphis) Oaklawn (Hot Springs)
App quality Excellent Excellent
Prop depth Deeper (DraftKings strength) Good
SGP Full builder Full builder
Promotions Similar cadence Similar cadence
Retail integration Yes (West Memphis) Yes (Hot Springs)
Loyalty program DK Rewards FanDuel Rewards

Both are solid. The choice often comes down to brand preference and which casino is closer to you geographically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DraftKings legal in Arkansas?

Yes — as DraftKings at Southland, licensed by the Arkansas Racing Commission under Amendment 100. It is available for players 21+ physically located in Arkansas.

Why is it called "DraftKings at Southland" and not just "DraftKings"?

Arkansas law requires every mobile sportsbook to be operated under a licensed in-state casino's umbrella. Southland Casino Hotel is the casino licensee; DraftKings provides the technology platform. The partnership gives both the legal standing to operate.

Can I bet on Arkansas Razorbacks games?

Yes. Arkansas law does not prohibit betting on in-state college teams. You can wager on Arkansas Razorbacks football, basketball, and other sports.

Are DraftKings bonuses the same in Arkansas as other states?

Generally no. The 51/49 revenue split (favoring Southland) means DraftKings operates on thinner margins in Arkansas, which results in a lighter promotional calendar compared to states where DraftKings has full revenue control.

Can I purchase cash in Arkansas?

Yes — one unique benefit of the casino-partner model. You can fund your DraftKings at Southland account in cash at the Southland Casino cage in West Memphis.

What happens if I'm outside Arkansas when I try to bet?

The app will detect via geolocation that you're outside Arkansas and decline the wager. You must be physically present in Arkansas to place a bet. Account management (purchases, withdrawals, account settings) can typically be accessed from anywhere.

Final Verdict

DraftKings at Southland is the best mobile sportsbook in Arkansas — primarily because DraftKings' underlying platform is exceptional, even when constrained by the state's unusual casino-partner structure. The prop depth, SGP builder, and app experience are first-rate. The promotional volume is the trade-off you accept. If you're serious about sports betting in Arkansas, this is your primary app. Create a BETSaracen account as a backup for line-shopping, and you'll be well-positioned for the full season.

Gambling involves financial risk. 21+ only. Bet responsibly. DraftKings at Southland is licensed by the Arkansas Racing Commission.