Arkansas Sports Betting Overview
Arkansas legalized retail sports betting in 2018 and expanded to online betting in March 2022. Regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission, the market is small but stable, with just three casino-operated mobile sportsbooks: Betly, Oaklawn Sports, and Saracen Bet.
In 2024, Arkansas sportsbooks generated $115.68 million in gross gaming revenue. The state taxes net gaming receipts at 13% up to $150 million and 20% beyond, with funds directed to state, county, and racing programs.
While revenue has grown, the state’s limited-operator model may restrict future market expansion.
Annual Casino Gaming and Sports Betting Growth in Arkansas
Annual data is pulled from the Department of Finance and Administration in Arkansas which combines its casino and sports betting revenue.
Source:
RG
Monthly Casino Gaming and Sports Betting Growth in Arkansas
Monthly data is pulled from the Department of Finance and Administration in Arkansas which combines its casino and sports betting revenue.
Source:
RG
Arkansas Casino and Sports Betting Revenue Performance
To see how Arkansas compares, we looked at 2024 Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in states with similar populations. Arkansas generated $115.7M, or $37.45 per capita—well behind states like Kentucky, Iowa, and Kansas, all above $65 per capita.
Unlike its peers, Arkansas restricts online sports betting to three in-state operators. That limited access, more than the absence of pro teams, likely explains its lower betting activity.
Latest Updates in Arkansas' Sports Betting Sector
- February 2025: Arkansas Racing Commission projects the stat's betting handle will top $5 million for Super Bowl Sunday, clearing that threshold for the first time as betting volume increases. (4029TV, 2025)
- January 2025: Saracen Casino Resort lobbies the Arkansas Racing Commission for online casino gaming legalization in the state. (Arkansas Times, 2025)
- April 2024: Arkansas Racing Commission announces it expects Arkansas sports betting handle to top $500 million for the first time in 2024. (TVH11, 2024)
- February 2024: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration sends cease-and-desist to DFS operators Underdog and PrizePicks. (Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, 2024)
Snapshot
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 3.09 million residents as of 2024. (World Population Review, 2025) |
| Political Affiliation | Arkansas is a firmly Republican state that recently voted Republican in the presidential election. (270towin.com, 2025) |
| Year Sports Betting Legalized | Permitted with land-based in-person sportsbooks at casinos since 2018. Online and mobile wagering operations were legalized in February 2022. (JD Supra 2022) |
| Number of Sportsbooks Operating | There are only three online sportsbooks to choose from: Betly, Bet Saracen, and Oaklawn Sports. Each of these options is associated with one of the state's casinos. |
| Sports Betting Revenue Figures: Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) 2024 | $115,686,268.00 |
| Professional Sports Teams | Arkansas doesn't have any major professional sports teams. The Arkansas Razorbacks (college football) are the state's most well-known team. |
FAQs
General Questions
When did mobile wagering start in Arkansas?
Mobile wagering started in March 2022, expanding sports betting beyond casinos to online platforms.
What is the difference between land-based sports betting and mobile wagering in Arkansas?
Land-based sports betting has been legal since 2018 and requires in-person bets at casinos, while mobile wagering allows users to place bets online from anywhere in the state.
How much revenue did Arkansas sportsbooks generate in 2024?
Arkansas sportsbooks generated a Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of $115.68 million in 2024.
How does Arkansas’ sports betting revenue compare to other states?
Arkansas lags behind similar states in both total revenue and GGR per capita, likely due to its limited number of online sportsbook options.
How does football season impact Arkansas sports betting?
Football season, especially the Super Bowl, drives major betting activity. In 2025, the state projected over $5 million in wagers on Super Bowl Sunday.