FanDuel And DraftKings Finally Launch In Arkansas Sports Betting Market
Arkansas sports bettors have something new to talk about this week as 2 of the most recognized sportsbooks in the country — FanDuel and DraftKings — are now officially live in the state. These powerhouses add major national platforms to a market that had previously been dominated by casino-branded apps.
For many bettors who are new to these platforms, the biggest appeal of these apps is simple. Promos. Both FanDuel and DraftKings are known for running some of the best bonus offers that reward new users and regular players. New bettors get their hands on welcome bonuses when they create an account and place their first bets, whereas regular players benefit from ongoing promotions such as odds boosts, profit boosts, and special game-day offers.
These promos have helped the 2 companies build massive audiences across the US, and now Arkansas bettors can finally access the same style of promotions that have become common in other states.
While the launch may feel sudden to some fans, sports betting itself is not new in Arkansas. The state has actually allowed legal sports wagering for several years, but what actually changed in 2026 is simply that the 2 biggest names in the industry have finally joined the market.
Arkansas Sports Betting Has Been Legal Since 2018
Arkansas voters first approved sports betting back in 2018 and it was in that year that residents passed Amendment 100, a ballot measure that expanded casino gaming in the state. The amendment defined casino gaming broadly and included language allowing casinos to accept wagers on sporting events.
This decision by the state’s voters paved the way for legal sportsbooks at the state’s licensed casinos, and retail betting began the following year. The first legal sports bet in Arkansas was placed at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort on July 1, 2019. From that moment forward, in-person sports betting became part of the sports culture in the Natural State.
Mobile betting came a little later as regulators and lawmakers worked through rules and approvals. Like most states, these processes take a bit of time. By early 2022, Arkansas finalized regulations allowing online sports betting tied to the state’s casinos.
Once mobile betting was approved and the regulations set in place, several locally connected sportsbook platforms launched. Apps tied to casinos quickly became the only way for residents to place bets.
Sure, bettors can pull out their phones and load up bet slips, but one thing was missing — the two largest sportsbooks in the US had not yet joined the market.
Why FanDuel And DraftKings Stayed Away For Years
FanDuel and DraftKings have expanded across dozens of states since the Supreme Court struck down the federal sports betting ban back in 2018 and their apps now dominate many regulated markets. Arkansas, however, had a tiny specific rule that made entry less appealing.
Under the state’s mobile sports betting structure, national operators must partner with a local casino. Of course, that arrangement is common in many states, but the unusual part in Arkansas was the revenue split requirement. The rules require at least 51% of net sports betting revenue to remain with the in-state casino partner. That’s a big ask for any sports betting site and actually scared off many of the most prominent operators.
Because of that, Arkansas moved forward for several years without the 2 major brands. Local casino platforms handled most of the activity while the national operators focused on other states with more favorable business terms. It’s simply a business decision.
Still, Arkansas sports betting continued to grow and over time, the market matured and became more established. That steady growth likely helped change the equation. Now with a handle of around $620 million, the opportunity looks more attractive even under the existing rules.
FanDuel And DraftKings Go Live In March 2026
FanDuel and DraftKings officially launched Arkansas sportsbook operations this Friday, March 20, 2026.
The rollout is also changing the branding of some existing casino betting platforms. Oaklawn’s previous online sportsbook presence is transitioning to a FanDuel-powered product tied to the casino. Meanwhile, Southland’s mobile sportsbook now runs through DraftKings. This makes sense for these smaller platforms as they won’t be able to keep pace with the giants in the industry.
Saracen Casino Resort remains active with its own sportsbook platform, meaning Arkansas bettors now have a mix of both national and locally connected betting options.
We know what you’re thinking — the timing of the launch appears intentional. March is one of the busiest months of the year for sports betting because of the college basketball tournament, NBA, NHL, and MLB all in full swing and with the Arkansas Razorbacks making it deep in the playoffs, this could end up being lucrative.
For sports bettors who have traveled or lived in other states, the apps will likely feel familiar. Both platforms offer similar features across markets, including live betting, same-game parlays, and a wide range of sports leagues. There’s no shortage of action on either FanDuel or DraftKings.
A New Chapter For Arkansas Sports Betting
The arrival of FanDuel and DraftKings represents the biggest shift in Arkansas sports betting since mobile sports betting began in 2022.
For years, the market operated with a smaller set of locally tied apps, and to their credit, those platforms built the state’s early betting ecosystem, but the absence of the 2 largest national brands always stood out. Bettors always asked why — but not anymore.
Now the landscape looks much different. Arkansas bettors can access the same major sportsbook apps that dominate markets like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.
Sure, there is still some debate around how these partnerships fit within the original vision of Amendment 100. Some members of Arkansas’s casino industry argued that sportsbooks were meant to be operated more directly by the casinos themselves rather than by outside brands, but the regulators ultimately approved the partnerships anyway. Their decision reflects a belief that bringing major operators into the state will help expand the market and increase overall participation. This means more revenue for the state.
From a bettor’s perspective, the immediate impact is clear — more competition usually leads to better promos and bonuses, improved technology, and more betting options.
That brings this story back to where many bettors start in the first place — the bonuses. FanDuel and DraftKings have built their reputations partly through promotional offers that reward new players and keep existing users engaged. From welcome incentives to odds boosts and even special event promos, those features are now part of the total Arkansas betting experience.
After years of waiting for the big boys, Arkansas has officially joined the growing list of states where the 2 largest sportsbooks in the country compete side by side. For fans who enjoy sports betting, the market just became much bigger — and much more interesting.
Matt Brown
Head of Sports Betting and DFS
Matt’s love for sports betting and daily fantasy sports, coupled with a deep understanding of football, hockey, and baseball, shapes his innovative thoughts on Hello Rookie. He has a B.S. in Aeronautical Computer Science and a M.S. in Project Management.
