Is sports betting legal in Arkansas? Yes, online sports betting was officially legalized in The Natural State on Feb. 22, 2022, with bets being placed shortly after in March of the same year. As of Feb. 25, 2026, Arkansas sports betting has been limited to in-state apps such as BetSaracen, Oaklawn Sports, and Betly.
However, state law does allow up to eight mobile licenses, which could come into play in the coming weeks. We break down everything you need to know about online sports betting in Arkansas, including regulations and rules, age requirements, college sports-specific rules, and upcoming sporting events in Arkansas.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas?
The short answer is yes, both in-person and mobile sports betting are legal in Arkansas. Since Arkansas legalized sports betting in 2022, BetSaracen (partnered with Saracen Casino Resort), Oaklawn Sports (partnered with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort), and Betly (partnered with Southland Casino Hotel) have offered it.
This is because of a state law that requires a national sportsbook operator to share 51% of net revenue with a local casino partner, which has kept bigger names from operating in the state for years. However, that could change in the coming weeks.
Arkansas Sports Betting Online: Regulations and Laws to Know
Luckily, Arkansas sports betting laws are fairly hands-off and allow you to wager on many of your favorite sports. One clear law to know is you cannot bet on political elections or virtual sports. Other than that, you will find a nearly unrestricted full menu of sports, including college athletics.
Another key piece of info is all betting, both retail and online, is overseen by the Arkansas Racing Commission. To protect in-state operators and keep revenue within the state, Arkansas passed a law requiring national operators to partner with an in-state casino and share 51% of net revenue with that organization, such as Saracen Casino Resort, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, or Southland Casino Hotel. This is partly why the state has limited the number of betting operators up to this point.
However, there are signs more sports betting sites could come to the state within the year.
What Age Can You Bet Online in Arkansas?
To bet online in Arkansas, you must be 21 or older. Each sportsbook verifies your age and location during sign-up and may require you to submit a photo of a valid ID, provide your address, and enable location services to confirm you are physically located in Arkansas.
While you have to provide a lot of personal information to the sportsbook app, it is absolutely necessary to verify you are 21 years of age or older before submitting your first wager.
Can You Bet on College Sports in Arkansas?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Arkansas. The key advantage of betting on college sports in Arkansas is that there are no restrictions on player props or betting on in-state teams like the Arkansas Razorbacks, unlike in many other states.
When you sign up for the sportsbook app of your choice, you have access to a full menu of college spreads, moneylines, totals, and player props for whatever event is available on the sportsbook platform.
Upcoming Arkansas Sporting Events Schedule
Here is the upcoming schedule in 2026 for sporting events featuring teams from the Natural State:
Men's College Basketball
- Arkansas vs. Florida (Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN)
- Texas vs. Arkansas (Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET)
- Arkansas vs. Missouri (Saturday, Mar. 7, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN)
- SEC Tournament (March 11-15)
College Baseball
- UT Arlington vs. Arkansas (Friday, Feb. 27-Sunday, Mar. 1 on SEC Network+)
- Oral Roberts vs. Arkansas (Tuesday, Mar. 3 at 4 p.m. ET on SEC Network+)
- Stetson vs. Arkansas (Friday, March 6-Monday, Mar. 9 on SEC Network+)
Horse Racing
- 2026 Arkansas Derby (Saturday, Mar. 28, 2026 at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Hot Springs, AR)
Conclusion
If you've ever wondered is sports betting legal in Arkansas, the answer is yes; however, the state currently limits it to three apps. There is room for up to eight mobile licenses, so stay tuned for more information about potential national operators coming to the state this year.
