Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?
Yes. Sports betting was legalized in Arkansas in 2018, but it remains illegal online. Betting can be done at four physical locations, two of which are racetracks and the other two are proposed casinos.
Arkansas legalized sports betting through a statewide ballot measure November 2018 and it officially launched July 2019. However, as of 2020, online wagering had yet to be addressed by the state and that status won't be known until the Arkansas Racing Commission issues regulations on sports betting. That could change at any point, but there is no timeline for when online sports betting will be allowed.
Otherwise, online betting is allowed for Daily Fantasy Sports, horse racing and greyhound racing. Fantasy sports were formally legalized in 2017 when the Governor signed a bill into law.
Physical Sportsbooks
Oaklawn Racing Casino, Hot Springs
The Race & Sports Book at Oaklawn is provided by SB Tech, a world-wide bookmaker. In addition to tellers, the Sports Book has six betting kiosks and Silks Bar and Grill has four more kiosks.
Betting Windows
Monday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saracen Casino, Pine Bluff
The Saracen Casino Annex currently takes sports bets, but the official Casino is set to open in the second half of 2020. The Annex (open 24/7) is adjacent to Saracen Q Store and features a sports betting kiosk and full-service sports bar.
Southland Casino, West Memphis
Betly Sportsbook at Southland is in partnership with International Game Technology, who provide 24/7 kiosks and betting equipment. Betting can be done at the Sports Bar & Grill.
Betting Windows
Monday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Coming soon...
The fourth betting option in Arkansas has yet to be built as legal battles are ongoing for rights to a casino in Russellville. This option seems a long way away and is unlikely to happen until 2021 or 2022.