Arkansas may be known for barbecue and college football, but its sports betting scene has picked up real steam since going legal. While the Natural State doesn’t have dozens of national apps like New Jersey or Colorado, it does have three solid, fully regulated options. If you are not in Arkansas feel free to check our best betting sites in the United States guide.
Between Betly, Oaklawn Sports, and Bet Saracen, Arkansans can bet on everything from the Razorbacks to the Cowboys, right from their phones or at a local casino. We’ll break down how each one stacks up, from welcome offers to payout speed, so you can bet confidently, right here in Arkansas.
Top Arkansas Sportsbooks at a Glance
Sportsbook
Welcome Bonus
Average Withdrawal Time
Bet Saracen
Up to $500 in bonus bets
1–3 business days
Betly
Bet $5, get $250 in bonus bets
2–4 business days
Oaklawn Sports
Bet $10, get $100 in bonus bets
2–3 business days
Bet Saracen Sportsbook Arkansas
Welcome Bonus: Up to $500 in bonus bets Best For: Arkansas-focused promos and local sports flavor
Bet Saracen is the top dog among Arkansas sportsbooks, and for good reason. It’s tied directly to the Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, giving it a strong in-state connection. Unlike the big national brands, Bet Saracen is built specifically for Arkansas bettors, with promos and odds boosts that often focus on local favorites like the Razorbacks.
The app feels polished for a state-run brand. It supports live betting, same-game parlays, and covers all the major leagues you’d expect. Bet Saracen even runs competitive odds on college sports, so you can follow the SEC action closely.
Withdrawals typically take 1–3 business days, and their customer support is based locally, which means faster help if you run into issues. The only downside is the interface is a bit more basic than giants like DraftKings, but for Arkansas bettors, it’s a solid, trustworthy choice.
Pros:
Arkansas-owned and operated
Local promos tied to Razorbacks and SEC games
Reliable payout speed and customer service
Cons:
Smaller market selection compared to national apps
App design feels a bit plain
Betly Sportsbook Arkansas
Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, get $250 in bonus bets Best For: Simplicity and in-person tie-ins
Betly is the official online sportsbook partner of Southland Casino in West Memphis. It was one of the first platforms to roll out mobile sports betting after state regulations allowed online wagering. Betly doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, its app is straightforward, easy to navigate, and covers the basics well.
The sportsbook includes traditional bet types plus live betting and some parlay options. Betly is also solid for retail crossover; you can deposit or cash out at Southland Casino if you prefer dealing in person. That makes it a nice bridge between in-person and mobile betting.
Payouts average 2–4 business days, which is about standard for Arkansas betting sites. Betly won’t wow you with flashy promos every week, but it’s consistent and locally supported.
Pros:
Easy to use, beginner-friendly
Cashout and deposits available at Southland Casino
Covers all major sports and leagues
Cons:
Limited promotions after the welcome bonus
Fewer prop markets than some rivals
Oaklawn Sports Arkansas
Welcome Bonus: Bet $10, get $100 in bonus bets Best For: Oaklawn Casino regulars and horse racing fans
Oaklawn Sports operates under the well-known Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, giving it a huge brand boost among Arkansas sports fans. If you’re already familiar with Oaklawn’s horse racing history, you’ll feel right at home with their integrated sportsbook platform.
The Oaklawn Sports app focuses on the main leagues, NFL, NBA, MLB, and college football, and supports parlays and live betting. While the design isn’t as advanced as what you’d find in New York or New Jersey, it’s perfectly serviceable and easy to pick up for new bettors.
Withdrawals generally take 2–3 business days. Oaklawn is a solid pick if you already spend time at the resort, since you can fund or cash out directly at the casino cage.
Pros:
Integrated with Oaklawn Casino
Trusted brand with long local history
Smooth enough app with fair odds
Cons:
Limited international sports coverage
Smaller bonuses after the initial offer
Retail and Mobile Sportsbooks in Arkansas
Arkansas might have a smaller sports betting market than states like New Jersey, but it offers both retail and mobile options that work well for local bettors.
Retail Sportsbooks in Arkansas
There are three main casino-based retail sportsbooks operating legally:
Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff (Bet Saracen)
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs (Oaklawn Sports)
Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis (Betly)
Each location offers in-person betting windows, kiosks, comfortable lounges, and food options. If you enjoy the social side of placing a bet, or you are heading to the casino anyway, retail sportsbooks give you that classic experience with ticket windows and live odds boards.
Mobile Sports Betting in Arkansas
While retail is popular, mobile betting has been growing fast. All three licensed brands offer their own apps, which allow you to place bets from anywhere in the state once you verify your location. Mobile betting is more convenient, especially for live wagering and quickly line-shopping for the best odds.
Personally, if I lived in Arkansas, I would use mobile betting for everyday wagers and only go to a retail sportsbook on game day for the energy and social buzz. The apps are easy to download, user-friendly, and get the job done without needing to drive across the state.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Arkansas. The state first allowed retail sports betting at casino locations starting in July 2019, with online sports betting launching later in March 2022. All betting is regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission, which oversees both casino-based sportsbooks and their online partners.
You must be at least 21 years old and physically located inside state lines to place a legal sports bet on any of the licensed apps or at any of the three retail casinos. Offshore or unlicensed websites are not legal for Arkansas players.
A Quick History of Arkansas Sports Betting
Arkansas voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2018 to expand casino gaming, which included sports betting. In July 2019, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort became the first in the state to accept legal wagers, followed by Southland and Saracen.
For a while, only retail sports betting was allowed. In early 2022, the Racing Commission finalized rules for statewide mobile betting, officially giving the green light to online sportsbooks tied to local casinos. Mobile bets began in March 2022, with Betly, Bet Saracen, and Oaklawn Sports each launching their apps that same year.
Today, Arkansas offers a solid mix of retail and mobile betting, fully licensed and regulated. Players can confidently place wagers on professional sports, college sports, and most major global events, as long as they stick to approved apps and casino partners.
What You Can and Can’t Bet On in Arkansas
Arkansas sportsbooks offer a pretty wide range of markets. Here’s what’s allowed:
You Can Bet On:
NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and other professional leagues
College sports, including in-state programs like the Razorbacks
Soccer, tennis, golf, boxing, MMA, motorsports
Parlays, spreads, totals, moneylines, futures, props, live betting
International competitions such as the World Cup or Olympics
You Cannot Bet On:
High school sports
Non-sporting events like elections or award shows
Any unlicensed offshore betting sites
As long as you are using a legal, licensed Arkansas sportsbook, you can bet on nearly every mainstream sports event.
Top Arkansas Teams to Bet On
Arkansas fans are passionate, and these teams pull the most betting interest in the state:
Arkansas Razorbacks Without a doubt, the biggest team in the state. Whether it is SEC football, baseball, or basketball, the Razorbacks draw huge betting handle every season.
Dallas Cowboys Many Arkansas NFL fans back the Cowboys, so sportsbooks regularly offer odds boosts and promos on Dallas games.
Kansas City Chiefs With their recent Super Bowl success, the Chiefs have plenty of fans in Arkansas. Same-game parlays and live bets are especially popular during Chiefs games.
Memphis Grizzlies For NBA action, Arkansas bettors often look to the Grizzlies thanks to Memphis being so close.
Bonus Tips for Arkansas Bettors
Use more than one sportsbook. Comparing odds and promos across Bet Saracen, Betly, and Oaklawn can save you money in the long run.
Watch promo expiration dates. Some Arkansas sportsbook bonuses only last a week.
Consider live betting. All three apps offer solid in-play options, which are great if you follow games closely.
Set a budget. Decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to it. Betting should stay fun, not stressful.
Use casino cash cages if needed. Since all three operators have physical casino ties, you can deposit or cash out in person for added peace of mind.
How We Rate Arkansas Sportsbooks
When we review the best Arkansas sportsbooks, we put each one through a consistent testing process. Here’s what we look for:
Full legal licensing through the Arkansas Racing Commission
User-friendly app design and betting interface
Competitive odds and fair bonus offers
Market depth, including college and local teams
Fast, hassle-free withdrawals
Responsive customer support
Consistent updates and security features
If a sportsbook doesn’t meet these standards, we leave it off our recommendations.
Why Trust The Playoffs
Our reviews are based on actual testing. We open accounts, place bets, cash out, and talk to support so we know exactly what you can expect as a bettor in Arkansas.
We don’t rank sportsbooks by who pays the most. Instead, we focus on fair evaluations that help you bet legally and confidently in your state. Our goal is simple: give you a realistic picture of how each Arkansas sportsbook works, before you risk your own money.
Gamble Responsibly in Arkansas
Sports betting should stay fun. If you find yourself betting more than you planned or chasing losses, there are resources that can help.
Arkansas Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
You can also set deposit limits, time-outs, or self-exclusion through any legal Arkansas sportsbook
Only wager what you can afford to lose, and never treat sports betting as a guaranteed income source.
Wrapping Up Arkansas Sportsbooks
Arkansas might not have the same roster of national sportsbooks as larger states, but its locally operated apps deliver a safe and convenient way to bet. Whether you stick with Bet Saracen for Razorbacks odds, test out Betly for its straightforward app, or prefer Oaklawn’s deep local ties, you have solid, legal options in the Natural State.
As long as you stay within licensed sportsbooks and manage your bankroll wisely, you can enjoy a betting experience that’s fair, regulated, and tailored to Arkansas fans.
FAQs – Arkansas Sportsbooks
Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?
Yes. Sports betting has been legal since 2019 at retail casinos, and since 2022 on licensed mobile apps.
How old do I have to be to bet in Arkansas?
You must be at least 21 years old to place a legal sports wager, either in person or online.
What are the best Arkansas sportsbooks?
Bet Saracen is the most popular, followed by Betly and Oaklawn Sports. All three are fully licensed through the Arkansas Racing Commission.
Can I bet on Razorbacks games?
Yes, you can legally bet on Arkansas college teams, including the Razorbacks, as long as you use a licensed sportsbook.
Which sports can I bet on in Arkansas?
You can bet on professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, plus college sports, soccer, MMA, golf, and more. High school sports and non-sporting events are not permitted.
Do Arkansas sportsbooks offer bonuses?
Yes. Most offer a welcome bonus, such as risk-free bets or bet credits. Always check the terms and expiration dates.
Since graduating with an English and Media degree back in Dublin, I took a leap and landed in sunny Barcelona—where I’ve been working as a copywriter ever since, with over 3 years of experience in iGaming, sports betting, sweepstakes casinos, and everything in between. As an avid sports bettor and a recreational casino goer (yes, I’ve chased my fair share of bonus rounds), writing about this industry quickly became my niche.
Working with platforms like WSN, Casinomeister, Online Casino Canada/UK/Ireland, I’ve written about pretty much anything you can bet on and would consider myself a bit of an expert!
These days, I’m still working out of Barcelona—a city that lives and breathes sport. You’ll regularly find me at their matches, losing my head over a dodgy VAR decision.
Favourite part of the job? Testing the platforms, games, and bonuses—all in the name of research, of course. 😉 There’s nothing better than rolling up your sleeves, trying out the latest offers, and sharing what’s actually worth your time and money.
My message to you: Play smart, have fun, and don’t chase losses – the house always wins. And hey, if a sportsbook’s promo looks too good to be true… read the terms and conditions (trust me). 😄
