Arkansas sports betting got the nod of approval in 2018, giving avid sports fans access to online and in-person sports wagering. But, the range of sports betting options and lackluster promos left AR bettors wanting more, and who better to provide these features than top offshore wagering platforms.
We introduce you to the best Arkansas sportsbooks there are, those with hot offers, competitive odds, and unparalleled betting markets. You can also pick up all the latest news, tips, and details about sports betting in the Natural State, so let’s get started.
Top 10 Arkansas Sports Betting Sites
Check out our list below for the 10 best Arkansas online sportsbooks:
- BetWhale – No.1 Sports Betting Site in Arkansas with HD Live Streaming
- BetNow – Top Betting Site for Rebate Programs and Cash Back Offers
- BetOnline – Unlock the Highest Betting Limits and Exclusive Odds
- BUSR – Best for Betting on the Arkansas Derby and Other Racing Events
- BC.Game – Enjoy Unmatched Crypto Betting and Bet Building
- Bet105 – One of the Leading Sportsbooks for Reduced Juice
- Everygame – Use the Prop Builder to Compile High-Value Wagers
- MyBookie – Offers a Fantastic New Rewards Program with Top Perks
- XBet – Unmatched Coverage of AK College Football and Baseball
- BetUS – Catch the Latest Pro Picks on BetUS TV
Arkansas Sports Betting Facts
The Natural State has come a long way in providing sports betting to its residents, introducing in-person sports betting in 2018 and upping its offerings to include online wagering in 2022. You can find all the facts about sports betting in Arkansas using the table below, so you know exactly what is on the table:
| State Population | 3,088,354(2024) |
| Gambling Regulator | Arkansas Racing Commission |
| Minimum Betting Age | 21 years + |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes |
| Fantasy Sports | Yes |
| Retail Casinos | Yes |
| Horse Racing | Yes |
| Pari Mutuel Wagering | Yes |
| Online Casinos | No |
| Mobile Betting Apps | Yes |
Is Online Gambling Legal in Arkansas?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Arkansas. In November 2018, voters approved Arkansas Issue 4 allowing regulated sports betting in the form of in-person wagering at up to four locations in the state. The Arkansas Racing Commission was then appointed and now regulates Arkansas sports betting.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort was the first location to offer sports betting, with Wayne Smith, the establishment’s GM, placing a $5 bet on the Dallas Cowboys as the first official sports wager in the state in July 2019 at Betly Sportsbook.
In the following years, the Arkansas Racing Commission saw the need to implement an online sports betting market and, in December of 2021, introduced a set of regulations to oversee and manage online sports wagering in AR. These regulations gained legislative approval in February 2022, and online betting went live in April of that same year, with the state’s own online bookmaker, Bet Saracen, launching in May.
Besides in-person and online sports betting, there are several other forms of sports wagering legal in Arkansas. Horse racing betting and pari-mutuel wagering are legal in the Natural State, with bettors having access to in-person and online betting options.
In 2017, Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed HB2250, legalizing Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) wagering in the Natural State, giving AR bettors access to platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Arkansas Sports Betting Updates
- 2025 –House Bill 1861 is introduced, in an attempt to legalize online casino gambling in Arkansas.
- 2024 – Saracen Casino Resort looks to open discussions about legalizing online casino gambling in the state.
- 2022 – The ARC’s rules gain legislative approval and online sports betting gets the green light in February, with online wagering going live in April. Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff launches the state’s first home-based sports betting app, BetSaracen.
- 2021 – In December, the Arkansas Racing Commission passed a set of rules to expand Arkansas sports betting by introducing online sports betting in the state.
- 2020 – The Natural State’s third retail sportsbook, Southland Casino Racing, opens its doors in January.
- 2019 – Arkansas sports betting goes live, with the first bet taking place at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. The second sportsbook in the state opens in November, at the Saracen Casino Annex.
- 2018 – Following the repeal of the Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), Arkansas Issue 4 on the November ballot is approved by voters, bringing about legal in-person sports betting in the state.
- 2017 – Gov. Asa Hutchinson signs HB 2250 into law, providing legal Daily Fantasy Sports betting in the state.
Who Can Bet on Sports in Arkansas?
If you want to enjoy AR sports betting, you’ll need to meet several requirements. Firstly, betting in the state is only accessible to Arkansas residents who are 21 years or older, regardless of whether you want to bet online or in-person.
It is also worth noting that online sports betting in the state may only be conducted within state lines if you’re using regulated Arkansas betting apps, like Betly Sportsbook, Oaklawn Sports, and BetSaracen. However, to bet on mobile, you can quickly set up a betting profile online without needing to register at a land-based sportsbook.
Are Winnings in Arkansas Taxable?
Arkansas imposes a 5.9% state income tax, which applies to sports betting winnings. In addition, you’ll also need to pay a federal gambling tax of 24% on winnings over the value of $600.
Pros and Cons of Arkansas Betting Sites
The introduction of online betting in Arkansas provided a great boost to the state’s sports betting revenue and introduced far more exciting options for sports bettors in the state. While there really is nothing bad about online Arkansas sportsbooks, there are a few restrictions to betting in the state worth mentioning:
- Register to bet online
- Great coverage of major sports
- Online and retail sportsbooks
- No limits on bet size
- Accessible from anywhere in the state
- No prop betting on college sports
- Wagering on virtual sports and politics is prohibited
Is Using Offshore Betting Sites From Arkansas Illegal?
Sports bettors in the Natural State have access to regulated online sports betting sites, and while these sportsbooks are great, they are limited in several areas, making offshore sportsbooks a more popular pick.
Offshore sportsbooks are international betting sites based outside the US that hold gambling licenses from reputable international gaming authorities like Curaçao eGaming. Their unique licenses allow them to provide far more flexible betting options, higher betting limits, and much juicier bonuses.
But is offshore betting legal in Arkansas? The answer here isn’t strictly black and white. Offshore online sports betting sites aren’t based in the US, which means state and federal betting laws don’t apply to them. This means offshore online sportsbooks are neither prohibited nor officially authorized. In other words, Arkansas bettors can access these sites without breaking the law, provided these online sports betting operators are based outside the US.
5 Best Arkansas Betting Sites Reviewed
Now that we have all the must-know details about Arkansas sports betting, let’s take a closer look at our top betting sites and what they have to offer, so you can find the one that works best for you.
1. BetWhale – No.1 Sports Betting Site in Arkansas with HD Live Streaming
| Year Established | 2023 |
| Licensed With | The Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros |
| Welcome Bonus & Promo Code | 250% up to $2,500 |
| Fastest Payout | Up to 3 days |
| How Many Sports | 28+ |
| Payment Options | Cryptocurrency, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, E-Wallets, Flexepin |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live chat Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 855 470 0558 |
| Mobile Compatibility | Android, iOS |
| Rewards Program | No rewards program |
| Live Streaming | Yes |
Arkansas residents looking for the hottest in-play sports betting should head straight to BetWhale. The sportsbook stands out for providing some of the most competitive live betting odds on a host of thrilling betting markets. As one of the best live betting sites in the US, BetWhale transforms your in-play betting experience by allowing you to get in on the action through live sports streams.
BetWhale’s pre-game betting is just as impressive, giving you access to markets on major sports leagues and college sports teams like the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Red Wolves. While BetWhale’s pre-game odds could be a little more competitive, the overall offerings are fantastic.
Another key feature of this top sportsbook is that it provides a range of payment methods, including secure cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. While BetWhale’s withdrawal limits are low at $2,500 weekly, the deposit limits for crypto are uncapped, so you can easily get in those high-stakes bets.
BetWhale Pros:
- Catch live streams of matches in HD
- Competitive live betting odds
- Uncapped crypto deposits
- Great college sports coverage
BetWhale Cons:
- Caps withdrawals at $2,500 weekly
- Pre-game odds are less competitive
2. BetNow – Top Betting Site for Rebate Programs and Cash Back Offers
| Year Established | 2015 |
| Licensed With | Curacao eGaming |
| Welcome Bonus & Promo Code | 200% Welcome Bonus of up to $1,000 & CRYPTO200 |
| Fastest Payout | Instant |
| How Many Sports | 20+ |
| Payment Options | Credit/Debit Card, Cryptocurrency, Bank Transfer, P2P |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat Email: [email protected] |
| Mobile Compatibility | Android, iOS |
| Rewards Program | Rebate program |
| Live Streaming | No |
BetNow is one of the leading Arkansas sports betting sites on our list for a number of reasons. Firstly, the site provides unparalleled sports betting bonuses and offers. You have over three welcome offers to pick from, and once you’re done with those, you can move on to the bookmaker’s range of rebate offers that pay back a percentage of your losses on sports and horses.
While the range of sports covered by BetNow is smaller than that at BetWhale, you can find markets on professional sports teams and on collegiate sports. Besides straight-up sports betting, you can wager on live matches and participate in thrilling sports contests that unlock exciting prize pools and competitive betting.
Banking at BetNow is also easy, with the bookmaker accepting several traditional payment methods and six cryptocurrencies. While the deposit limits on Visa and Mastercard are low, you can deposit up to $100,000 using Ethereum and other crypto tokens. Best of all, there are no transaction fees applied.
BetNow Pros:
- Offers rebates for sports and racing
- Choose from three welcome offers
- Deposit up to $100,000 using crypto
- No transaction fees applied
BetNow Cons:
- Could offer more sports to bet on
- Low deposit limits for Visa and Mastercard
3. BetOnline – Unlock the Highest Betting Limits and Exclusive Odds
| Year Established | 1991 |
| Licensed With | Panama |
| Welcome Bonus & Promo Code | $250 free bets & FREE250 |
| Fastest Payout | Instant |
| How Many Sports | 30+ |
| Payment Options | Cryptocurrency, Credit Card, Money Order, Wire Transfer |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat Email: [email protected] Phone number: 1-888-426-3661 |
| Mobile Compatibility | Android, iOS |
| Rewards Program | 7-Tier Loyalty Program |
| Live Streaming | Yes (Esports) |
BetOnline is one of the most established sportsbooks on our list, but while it isn’t one of the new sports betting sites, don’t be fooled, the features here are next level. Of all our Arkansas online sportsbooks, BetOnline releases its lines on over 35 sports the earliest, giving you access to the most competitive odds there are.
You can also find other top betting features, like a re-bet function, which allows you to set automatic bets on a particular market as soon as the lines shift. BetOnline also provides some of the highest betting limits, making it easy to get more for your money, and even makes placing more accurate wagers possible by offering top picks through Bet TV.
Casino gaming and online poker are also offered by BetOnline, along with an outstanding number of thrilling promos, like bet insurance, rebates, free bets, odds boosts, and parlay boosts. Same game parlays provide exciting betting lines on professional and college sports, and varied payment options make funding your account convenient and secure.
BetOnline Pros:
- Provides exciting same game parlays
- Delivers the highest betting limits in AR
- Releases lines early for competitive odds
- Features a re-bet function for quick wagers
BetOnline Cons:
- No live sports streaming available
- Unexciting welcome bonus offer
4. BUSR – Best for Betting on the Arkansas Derby and Other Racing Events
| Year Established | 2017 |
| Licensed With | Curaçao eGaming |
| Welcome Bonus & Promo Code | 100% Welcome Bonus up to $2,500 |
| Fastest Payout | Up to 3 days |
| How Many Sports | 30+ |
| Payment Options | Cryptocurrency, Visa, MasterCard, E-Wallets, Person2Person |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live chat Phone: +1 844 444 2877 |
| Mobile Compatibility | Android, iOS |
| Rewards Program | No rewards program |
| Live Streaming | Yes (Esports) |
BUSR first launched as a horse racing platform, and today is one of the best sites for horse racing betting. Featuring a dedicated racing page, the sportsbook offers markets on daily races at Oaklawn Park and on top racing events like the Arkansas Derby, the Kentucky Derby, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. BUSR also provides top predictions and tips on horse racing and a detailed guide on how to wager on horses if you’re new to the game.
Besides a top-class racebook, BUSR also offers a newly revamped sportsbook that offers pre-game and live odds with cash out betting on a range of sports from football and baseball to Esports and soccer. While the sports betting site doesn’t offer live streams of sports other than Esports, its in-play wagering markets are competitive.
Welcome bonuses on sports and horse racing make it easy to get started with a boosted bankroll, while hot rebate offers and ongoing promos allow you to continue betting on your favorite sports. While regulated AR sportsbooks don’t offer betting on politics, you can find top markets at BUSR, including on senate primary polls and US presidential elections.
BUSR Pros:
- Provides markets on Esports and politics
- Offers tips and picks for horse racing betting
- Features a racing welcome bonus
- Newly revamped sports betting site
BUSR Cons:
- Could offer more ongoing promos
- No live streams of horse races
5. BC.Game – Enjoy Unmatched Crypto Betting and Bet Building
| Year Established | 2017 |
| Licensed With | Curacao eGaming |
| Welcome Bonus & Promo Code | 150% up to $1,600 & no code |
| Fastest Payout | Instant |
| How Many Sports | 35+ |
| Payment Options | Cryptocurrency |
| Customer Support | 24-hour live chat Helpdesk |
| Mobile Compatibility | Android, iOS |
| Rewards Program | VIP Club |
| Live Streaming | No |
If you’re looking for the best crypto sports betting sites, start with BC.Game. The platform launched in 2017 and has grown to become a top pick among Arkansas bettors. Featuring over 150 cryptocurrencies to choose from, BC.Game not only provides safe online transactions, it also ensures instant payouts of winnings, a quick registration process, and unmatched crypto bonuses.
Adding to the diversity provided by the site is a collection of over 35 sports to bet on. The range of betting markets for each of these is fantastic and you can often find over 250 markets on a single game. BC.Game’s event and tournament coverage for these sports is also next level.
Betting features not to be missed on this sportsbook include the high betting limits and the bet builder function. Using the bet builder, you can quickly and easily compile exciting same game parlays on your most anticipated matches. Player props and game props are also accessible, even when you’re college sports betting, something you won’t find at regulated AR online sportsbooks.
BC.Game Pros:
- Features a bet builder for top same-game parlays
- Instant and anonymous registration
- Transact using over 150 cryptocurrencies
- Provides extensive props on college sports
BC.Game Cons:
- Doesn’t accept traditional payment methods
- Fees apply to some crypto payouts
How We Rank the Best Sites for Sports Betting in Arkansas
Finding top sportsbooks requires a careful look at several features these sites provide. Below, we introduce you to how we rate betting sites when looking for the best Arkansas sports betting sites:
- Safety – To claim a spot as one of the safest betting sites in Arkansas, a bookmaker must offer safety in the form of SSL encryption, safe payment methods, and a license from a reputable gaming authority.
- Deposit & Payout Methods – The fastest payout betting sites will always provide payment methods you’re familiar with, like credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
- Range of Sports – We like to make sure that our chosen sites for online sports betting in Arkansas offer a top range of sports, featuring between 20 and 50 options. These sports must also include all the top leagues and events.
- Depth of Markets – The selection of markets on a specific sport or match should be diverse and offer you many ways to bet. Besides typical moneylines, spreads, and totals, top bookies will offer parlays, same game parlays, props, and futures.
- Quality of Sports Betting Odds – The best AR sportsbooks set their odds according to sharps betting and unique algorithms instead of relying on those set by other bookies, ensuring you get the most competitive prices.
Popular Bonuses at Arkansas Sportsbooks
One of the appealing features of offshore betting sites is their fantastic selection of generous promotions and bonuses. Some of the top offers to look for at sportsbooks in Arkansas include:
- Deposit Matches – Arkansas sports bettors can pick up these offers, which agree to match their deposits up to a specific rate, often doubling their bankrolls.
- Cashbacks or Rebates – Some sportsbooks offer to pay back a percentage of your losses over a set period when you bet in specific sports.
- Free Bets – These risk-free offers allow you to place a specific wager of a set value, and if you win, you keep the payout minus the original bet value.
- Odds Boosts – Top bookies sometimes boost their odds on particular games, allowing you to get payouts at higher prices.
- Bet Insurance – By taking betting insurance, you’ll receive a portion of your original bet back if your team loses but meets specific requirements.
Home Team Advantage: Arkansas Sports Teams
Arkansas may not be home to any pro sports teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or the Dallas Cowboys, but it does have several Division One college sports teams worth keeping an eye on:
Arkansas Razorbacks
If you’re looking for a hot college football team to follow, the Arkansas Razorbacks from the University of Arkansas are a top pick. Participating in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Hogs as they’re often referred to present a challenge for other top teams.
Arkansas Red Wolves
The Red Wolves hail from Arkansas State University and compete in the Sun Belt Conference as a D1 basketball team. The team trails behind the Razorbacks, who have secured six NCAA Final Four appearances, although none in recent years.
Popular Payment Methods at Arkansas Online Sportsbooks
The best Arkansas sports betting sites provide a range of secure online payment methods that you won’t always find at AR regulated sportsbooks, including:
- Cryptocurrencies – Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Tether are just some of the cryptos you can find at offshore Arkansas betting sites. They provide instant transactions with no fees, are highly secure, and ensure higher deposit and withdrawal limits.
- Credit/Debit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are top contenders here, and while their deposits are instant, withdrawals can take up to five days.
- Bank Transfers – These options allow you to withdraw funds directly into your bank account, but they come with high transaction fees and can take over two weeks to reach you.
- eWallets – Neteller, Skrill, and Neosurf are top eWallets that offer quick transactions with minimal fees. Keep in mind, though, that these options rarely qualify for bonuses.
How to Get Started with Arkansas Sports Betting Sites
Joining an Arkansas sports betting site is fairly simple. Here’s what to do:
Select a sportsbook
Browse our list of sites for sports betting in Arkansas and launch the website of the one that you most prefer.
Register online
Select the “Sign Up” button and complete the registration form. Then, confirm your new profile by clicking “Create Account.”
Claim a bonus
You can claim an online sports betting bonus by adding your unique bonus code to the box provided on the registration page or on the banking page.
Deposit funds
Next, open the sports betting site’s “Banking” page and choose your payment method. Fill in your deposit amount and any additional details needed. Confirm your deposit.
Choose your bet types
Browse the Arkansas sports betting options on the sportsbook page and click the match you want to back to see the markets and odds.
Start betting
Click the team odds on the market you want to bet on to populate your bet slip. Add your bet value to the slip and click the “Place Bet” button.
Retail Sportsbooks in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to three legal sports betting establishments, with a fourth casino and sportsbook currently under construction:
| Sportsbook | Venue | Establishment Address | Contact Number | Odds Provider |
| Oaklawn Sports | Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR | +1 800-625-5296 | Kambi |
| Betly Sportsbook | Southland Casino Racing | 1550 Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, AR | +1 800-467-6182 | Betly |
| BetSaracen | Saracen Casino Resort | 1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR | +1 870-686-9001 | BetSaracen |
| Legends Casino | Legends Resort & Casino | 314 W B St, Russellville, AR | N/A | TBD |
Other Gambling Available in Arkansas
Besides Arkansas sports betting, the state is home to several other exciting retail and online gambling options. So, let’s look at what Arkansas residents have available:
Casino
Arkansas is home to four retail casinos (one is currently under construction), all of which offer slots, blackjack, roulette, and other table games. Currently, online Arkansas casinos are not regulated, but there is a bill in the pipeline.
Poker
Currently, poker is only available in person at poker rooms at the state’s two racinos. Online poker is prohibited in Arkansas.
Horse racing
Betting on horse racing has been available in the Natural State for years. Online and retail sports betting platforms in AR offer wagering on horses and pari-mutuel betting is also on offer.
Daily fantasy sports
In AR, sports bettors can easily enjoy Daily Fantasy Sports betting, since Governor Asa Hutchinson signed legal sports betting on DFS into law in 2017.
Predictive sports trading
Arkansas sports betting fans have the option to bet on sports in the state using predictive sports trading since sports betting is legal in the state.
Responsible Gaming in Arkansas
Legal sports betting in AR has seen an uptick in wagering, particularly online, making it essential for Arkansas sports betting platforms to provide responsible gambling tools. These sites offer several measures to encourage responsible gambling, including betting and budget limits, self-exclusion programs, and access to external gambling support resources such as:
Conclusion: Our Top Arkansas Betting Site
We have thoroughly researched all of the top bookies, and found that BetWhale is the best online site for Arkansas sports betting. Providing action-packed live wagering and streaming, competitive odds, and coverage of over 28 sports, the site ensures top online betting and exciting promos to boot.
| Top Pros | ✅Bet on over 25+ sports ✅Stream sports matches live in HD ✅Competitive betting odds ✅Unlimited crypto deposits ✅Mobile sports betting through an optimized site |












