DraftKings and FanDuel reshape Arkansas betting market
Arkansas bettors now have two national sportsbook brands after regulators approved DraftKings and FanDuel partnerships with state casinos.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
DraftKings and FanDuel are now live in Arkansas, giving the state’s online sports betting market two national brands after years of limited app options, according to CBS Sports betting writer Owen OBrien.
The Arkansas Racing Commission unanimously approved sports wagering vendor licenses for both companies on Feb. 26, 2026, OBrien reported. DraftKings partnered with Southland Casino Hotel, while FanDuel partnered with Oaklawn Casino. Both launched sports betting operations in the state on March 20, 2026.
Sports betting has been legal in Arkansas since 2019, with online wagering arriving in 2022, according to the CBS Sports report. The first legal bet in the state was placed July 1, 2019, at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort: a $5 wager on the Dallas Cowboys.
Why the market took time to grow
Arkansas had a major catch for outside sportsbook operators: a revenue-sharing rule that sends 51% of third-party operator revenue to the in-state casino partner, leaving 49% for the outside operator, according to OBrien. The Arkansas Racing Commission approved that rule on Dec. 30, 2021, and the Arkansas Legislative Council finalized it on Feb. 22, 2022.
That split helped slow the arrival of national operators, CBS Sports reported. DraftKings and FanDuel have now accepted the arrangement through their casino partnerships.
Oaklawn’s prior mobile betting app will no longer operate on its own and will instead use FanDuel, branded as powered by Oaklawn Sports, according to OBrien. DraftKings is operating under Southland Casino Hotel’s license, which had previously been used for Betly. Saracen Casino Resort has not partnered with a national sportsbook and continues to run BETSaracen.
Arkansas’ three commercial casinos, Southland Casino Hotel, Oaklawn Casino and Saracen Casino Resort, can each operate two sportsbook apps, according to the report.
What bettors can use
According to CBS Sports, FanDuel and DraftKings apps are available on both Apple and Android devices in Arkansas. The report says FanDuel offers spreads, money lines, totals and props across professional and college sports, while DraftKings includes features tied to its daily fantasy sports background, including player data and same-game parlays.
Arkansas bettors do not have to be state residents, CBS Sports reported, but they must be physically located in Arkansas to place legal bets. Bettors must be 21 or older.
The report says Arkansas allows betting on professional and college sports, including in-state and out-of-state college teams, and permits collegiate player props. The state does not allow eSports wagering, according to CBS Sports.
Taxes, regulator and help lines
The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates racing, casino betting and sports betting in the state, both online and in person, according to the report. The commission is part of Arkansas state government.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 55% of tax revenue paid by Arkansas sportsbooks goes to the state general fund, 27.5% goes to the city and county where the casino is located, and 17.5% goes to the commission for its Purse and Awards Fund.
Arkansas sportsbooks pay a 13% tax rate on the first $150 million in gaming revenue and 20% on revenue above that mark, according to CBS Sports. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reported $7.229 million in sports betting tax revenue from January through October 2025.
Arkansas problem gambling resources include the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET and the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council at 501-403-2321, according to CBS Sports.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.