- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Arkansas Welcomes FanDuel and DraftKings for Sports Betting
New sportsbook apps launch in the state after regulatory approval
Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:48am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Arkansas sports betting has expanded with the launch of FanDuel and DraftKings sportsbook apps in the state. The Arkansas Racing Commission approved licenses for the two national operators to partner with local casinos and offer online sports betting to Arkansas residents and visitors.
Why it matters
The addition of FanDuel and DraftKings provides Arkansas sports bettors with more options and competition in the market, which can lead to better odds, promotions, and overall user experience. It also signals continued growth and maturation of the state's sports betting industry.
The details
FanDuel is partnering with Oaklawn Casino, while DraftKings is partnering with Southland Casino Hotel to offer their respective sportsbook apps in Arkansas. The new apps replace the previous Oaklawn Sports and Betly apps. Arkansas sports betting has been legal since 2019, with online betting launching in 2022, but the market was previously limited to in-state operators. The state's revenue-sharing model, which requires third-party operators to give 51% of revenue to the casino partner, had deterred some national brands from entering the market initially.
- On February 26, 2026, the Arkansas Racing Commission approved FanDuel and DraftKings for sports wagering vendor licenses.
- FanDuel and DraftKings launched their Arkansas sports betting operations on March 20, 2026.
The players
FanDuel
One of the nation's most popular and highly rated sportsbooks, offering a wide variety of betting options across professional and college sports.
DraftKings
A leading sportsbook that evolved from a daily fantasy sports platform, appealing to more engaged, research-driven bettors.
Arkansas Racing Commission
The state regulatory body that oversees racing, casino betting, and sports betting in Arkansas.
Oaklawn Casino
One of Arkansas' three commercial casinos, partnering with FanDuel for sports betting.
Southland Casino Hotel
One of Arkansas' three commercial casinos, partnering with DraftKings for sports betting.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The Arkansas Racing Commission will continue to monitor the performance and compliance of the new FanDuel and DraftKings sportsbook apps in the state.
The takeaway
The arrival of FanDuel and DraftKings in Arkansas represents a significant milestone for the state's sports betting industry, providing residents and visitors with more options and a more competitive market. This development is expected to drive innovation, improve the overall user experience, and further cement Arkansas as a destination for legal sports wagering.
