WOYALE.
What's legal
Arkansas voters approved Amendment 100 in 2018, which authorized four casino licenses and sports wagering at them. The first legal retail bet was placed at Oaklawn in July 2019. Online betting began in March 2022 after the Racing Commission finalized its mobile rules.
Only casino licensees can run an online sportsbook, and the Commission's rules bar any arrangement where most of the online net receipts go to an outside vendor. That is why national brands must partner with a casino. You must be 21 or older to register a wagering account. Three casinos currently take sports bets: Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Southland in West Memphis and Saracen in Pine Bluff. Their licensed apps are the only legal route for mobile bets in the state.
Crypto and offshore sites
Check the payment page of any licensed app before you deposit; each sets its own methods. Offshore crypto sportsbooks hold no Arkansas license, and the Commission's rules allow only casino licensees to operate an online sports pool.
Arkansas's attorney general has taken a hard line on unlicensed betting. In an October 2025 opinion, Tim Griffin said prediction markets such as Kalshi that offer sports contracts without a state license are running illegal gambling. An opinion is advice, not a court ruling, but it shows how the state reads its law.
What's changing
In February 2026 the Racing Commission approved vendor licenses for FanDuel and DraftKings. FanDuel went live on March 20 through Oaklawn, replacing the Oaklawn Sports app, and DraftKings went live through Southland, succeeding the Betly brand. BetSaracen continues as Saracen's own platform.
The national brands have not changed the licensing rule: every online sportsbook still runs under a casino license, and the casino keeps a majority share of the receipts.
Tax
Arkansas taxes winnings as income. The top rate for 2026 is 3.7%, down from 3.9% under a law enacted in 2026, and federal tax applies too.
Common questions
Is online sports betting legal in Arkansas?
Yes, but only through the state's licensed casinos. Mobile betting began in March 2022, and FanDuel and DraftKings joined in March 2026 through casino partners.
Can I use crypto to bet in Arkansas?
Each licensed app sets its own payment methods, so check before depositing. Offshore crypto sportsbooks have no Arkansas license.
How old do I have to be to bet in Arkansas?
You must be 21 or older to register a betting account, and you must be in Arkansas when you place the bet.