Legal sports betting in Arkansas has been live since July 1, 2019, when the state’s first sportsbook at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort accepted Arkansas’ initial legal sports wager. A few months later, Southland Casino Racing and Saracen Casino Resort followed suit, giving those in The Bear State a trio of sports betting options. At first, online sports betting wasn’t allowed, but that changed in 2022 and Arkansas residents have enjoyed betting from their cell phones ever since.
Choosing where to place your sports bets can be overwhelming, so I will provide you with more information on the three online sportsbook options in Arkansas and how to get started sports betting. I’ll also share details on the state’s fast but bumpy path toward legal sports betting, which Arkansas teams to wager on, and responsible gambling resources.
Is it legal to bet in Arkansas?
Yes, sports betting was officially legalized in Arkansas on November 6, 2018 after voters in the state approved Ballot Issue 4, a constitutional amendment, with a 54% vote. At first, bettors could only place wager’s in the state’s casinos, but that changed in February of 2022 when the Arkansas Racing Commission approved new rules to allow for online gambling, which launched the following month in March. Betly was the first app to launch in the state, which now has three online sports betting providers (Betly, BetSaracen, and Oaklawn Sports).
Unlike other states that have legalized sports betting, Arkansas bettors are allowed to wager on the NFL Draft and in-state college teams like the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Arkansas Quick Facts
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Timeline of Betting Legislation & Latest News
Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), Arkansas acted quickly and legalized sports betting in November of 2018. Thanks to nearly 100,000 signatures and 54% of voters approving a constitutional amendment, sports betting is alive and well in Arkansas.
May 14, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paving the way for each state to legalize sports betting.
July 6, 2018
Over 96,000 signatures were submitted to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office for a constitutional amendment to be put on the ballot in November. This ballot question would come to be known as “Issue 4.”
July 23, 2018
Secretary of State’s office confirms signatures collected earlier in the month, which officially put Issue 4 on the November ballot.
Oct. 11, 2018
The Arkansas Supreme Court rules that Ballot Issue 4 votes should be counted after legal opposition claimed the wording on the ballot was misleading. The Court disagreed with the challenge.
Nov. 6, 2018
Sports betting is legalized after the passage of Ballot Issue 4 which won by a vote of 54%, but online gambling wasn’t included in the bill.
July 1, 2019
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort accepts the state’s first sports betting wager.
Feb. 22, 2022
The Arkansas Racing Commission approved rules to permit online betting.
March 5, 2022
Online sports betting officially launches as Betly is the first app to launch.
July 31, 2024
Secretary of State’s office announces that enough signatures have been collected for a new ballot measure that would hinder the state’s plan for a new casino to be built in Pope County. The ballot measure would require local voter approval in a countywide special election.
Nov. 5, 2024
This is the date voters will decide on the Pope County casino issue referenced above.
How to start betting in arkansas
Sports betting in Arkansas is easy thanks to remote registration which allows bettors to register for a sportsbook and deposit money into their account from anywhere in the state. If you’re over 21-years-old and in Arkansas, you can download your favorite sports betting app on a smartphone, deposit money, verify your identity, and begin betting instantly. Those who prefer to bet in person can visit one the state’s three casinos (Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Southland Casino Racing, and Saracen Casino Resort).
Select a sportsbook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
create account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices
place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
Arkansas is Razorbacks country. In the southern region of the United States where college sports often reign supreme, Arkansas is no exception. Residents of The Natural State also throw their passionate support behind neighboring professional teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the St. Louis Cardinals.
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USA Betting News
The Arkansas Problem Gambling Council (APGC) offers a helpline (1-800-522-4700), an email address (info@arpgcouncil.org), and links to a 24/7 chat. The APGC website also features tips to prevent problem gambling and a short survey to measure your risk for problem gambling. Cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, Ft. Smith, and Siloam Springs host Gamblers Anonymous meetings for anyone in need. Individual casinos in Arkansas also offer self exclusion for people who want to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activity.
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