Arkansas sports betting has been legal for several years, thanks to a 2018 law. But what about online wagering? This article will clarify the Natural State’s laws on all types of sports gambling, both land-based and on the internet. We’ll also reveal other useful information on taxation and the history of gambling in AR, as well as the top sportsbooks.
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List of the Best Arkansas Sportsbooks
Before we get too deep into the heavy content, let’s share our thoughts on the best Arkansas sports betting sites. Our panel of expert researchers constantly assesses dozens of different criteria to come up with this list. The payment methods on offer, bonuses and promotions, customer support and the odds are just a few examples.
Here’s the verdict:
- BetOnline – The top Arkansas sports betting option
- Bovada – One of the biggest sites for sports betting in Arkansas
- MyBookie – A site dedicated to players with highly competitive odds
- B.C Game – Best bitcoin sportsbook for range of betting options
- Everygame – Get strong live betting options on this Arkansas sportsbook
- XBet – Excellent website focusing on the top events
- LuckyBlock – Overall best bitcoin sportsbook in 2023
- BetUS – An Arkansas sportsbook designed for beginners
- BetNow –Highly competitive odds available on this site
- BUSR – Get excellent in-play betting markets on this site
The Best Sites for Online Sports Betting in Arkansas Reviewed
It’s time to find out exactly why we rate these particular betting sites so highly. Check out the following reviews.
1. BetOnline – Our top site for online sports betting Arkansas
This terrific wagering site is definitely our favorite and we’re sure that Arkansas-based players will agree with us. Whatever sports you like to bet on, they’ve got you covered. And there’s also an extensive selection of convenient deposit and withdrawal options to pick from, including crypto tokens meaning it’s our best all round option for Arkansas online gambling.
Aside from being one of America’s best sportsbooks for NFL betting, you’ll find an array of other popular markets. There’s really something for everyone, with a compilation of international betting events, as well as domestic. But one of the biggest selling points is the range of promotions, the highlight of which is the welcome offer.
Sign up using the BetOnline promo code BOL1000 to net yourself a healthy 50% deposit bonus worth as much as $1,000. The turnover requirement on that is just 10x. If you have any questions about the offer, customer support is available 24/7.
Pros: Cons:
2. Bovada – One of the safest brands for online sports betting in Arkansas
Known throughout the world as a trustworthy name, Bovada is a great option for new sports bettors. Deposit and withdrawal limits are fair, they pay out quickly and their security practises are first-class. You’ll find many respected payment types available, including crypto betting tokens. There’s also a cash out betting feature for if you get nervous.
No matter your level of experience though, the selection of in-play betting opportunities at Bovada is extremely appealing. There’s competitive odds across a multitude of markets, bolstered by plenty of live streams, to make one of the best live betting sites around. In fact, for NHL betting, there are very few that can beat Bovada.
Check it out today, either on desktop or the intuitive and responsive mobile site. Make your first deposit with the Bovada promo code BTCSWB750 to snag a 75% match bonus of up to $350. In addition, the wagering requirement of just 5x is extremely punter-friendly.
Pros: Cons:
3. MyBookie – Trusted site for sports betting in Arkansas
This popular online sportsbook, which also boasts a top Arkansas online casino site with live dealer games, has carved out an excellent reputation. Known for strong on-site security measures, trusted payment methods and fast payouts, you can rest easy knowing that your money is in good hands.
Further, the variety of betting markets is broad, not to mention the generous odds. MyBookie has a noteworthy NFL product. But it’s just as strong when it comes to MLB and is arguably one of the best NBA betting sites in the country. Should you face any issues with bet placement, the support team is on hand 24/7 to assist.
Finally, a word on the bonuses at MyBookie. Both new and existing players are well looked after in this aspect, but the welcome offer is extremely good. First time depositors using the MyBookie bonus code will collect a 100% match bonus worth a possible $1,000 (10x wagering requirement).
Pros: Cons:
4. XBet – Among the best Arkansas sportsbooks for cryptocurrency users
There are over 20 different sports to enjoy at XBet. Naturally, the most common are covered in great depth, such as NFL, NBA and NHL. You’ll find a whole host of prop bets and lines, with some very competitive odds. But don’t overlook the rest of this sportsbook, since they offer some excellent boxing and UFC betting opportunities too. Not to mention soccer and golf.
Away from the betting product, there are several other great features at XBet. The site’s interface is simple but effective, with an intuitive layout. Additionally, it functions just as well on mobile and tablet, as it is compatible with any browser or operating system. You can even deposit and withdraw using multiple cryptocurrency tokens.
Join today and claim a welcome bonus worth up to $500 (7x wagering requirement). Simply use the XBet promo code XB100 when making your first deposit to cash in.
Pros: Cons:
5. BetUS – Beloved sportsbook across the nation
This sportsbook boasts of being the USA’s favorite for a quarter of a century. Well, we can certainly see why it’s so beloved. There’s an Aladdin’s Cave of betting opportunities, on dozens of the most popular sports from around the world. It’s not just US sports, but everything from soccer and horse racing, to cricket and golf.
Fans of Bitcoin betting can take advantage of a fantastic collection of bonuses tailored specifically to cryptocurrency users. But the other promotions on offer are plentiful and generous too, including a highly rewarding VIP program.
A noticeable example is the signup bonus. Make your initial deposit with Bitcoin and use the BetUS promo code JOIN200 to claim a 200% bonus. But if you don’t wish to use cryptocurrency, you can still claim a healthy 125% deposit match offer. Simply use the bonus code JOIN125.
Pros: Cons:
Best AR Sportsbooks Compared 2023
We already shared our opinion on the best options for sports betting in Arkansas. But to make your life even easier, he’s a comparison of their key features.
Sportsbook
Bonus
Promo Code
Available Markets
Live Streaming
BetOnline
50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on your first-ever deposit
BOL1000
Horse racing, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Boxing, Martial Arts, Hockey, Football, Tennis
No
Bovada
75% Bitcoin Match bonus of up to $750 to bet on sports
BTCSWB750
NHL, NBA, Golf, Soccer, UFC, MMA, Baseball, Hockey, F1, Prop Bets
Yes
MyBookie
$1,000 welcome bonus with a 50% deposit match
MYB50
NFL, NBA, MAA, NHL, Golf, NCAAB, Soccer, Boxing, F1, Tennis, MLB
Yes
Everygame
Sign-up bonus of 100% up to $50 Bonus
3XBOOST50
Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Golf, Aussie Rules, Baseball, UFC, Handball, Motorsports, Rugby, Snooker, Volleyball
No
XBet
100% Sports Sign-up Bonus up to $500
XB100
NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, College football, soccer, horse racing
No
BetUS
125% sign-up bonus
JOIN125
NHL, NBA, Golf, Tennis, Soccer, NASCAR, Horse Racing, Cricket, MotorSport, Cycling, Olympics, Entertainment
Yes
BetNow
Sign-up bonus of 100% up to $500. Rollover requirement of 15X
BN100
NFL, NCAA, Baseball, NBA, MMA, Boxing, NHL, Esports, Golf, Tennis
No
BUSR
100% Sports Free Play Bonus up to $1000 with 1st crypto deposit
100CRYPTO
NFL, CFP, NBA, NCAA, NHL, MMA, Horse Racing, Boxing, Soccer, Golf, MLB, Tennis, Cricket, MotorSports, Wrestling, Cycling
No
Who Can Bet on Sports From Arkansas?
If you are a resident aged 21 or above, you are eligible to get involved with land-based sports betting in Arkansas. Four retail sites are licensed to operate, which we’ll come to later in this guide.
However, since online sportsbooks are not yet permitted in the Natural State, the only way to wager online is with offshore betting sites. These companies are not based in the USA and therefore cannot be prevented from operating. So whilst not technically legal, these offshore sites are not illegal either.
Many such sites accept US players, including from within Arkansas, and there’s no record of a resident being punished for their use.
How to Bet on Sports Online From Arkansas
In this section, we’ll help you to get started setting up an online betting account from inside Arkansas. As we already explained, it will need to be an internationally-based company, since online sports wagering is not yet permitted in AR.
For illustrative purposes, we’ll take Betonline as our example.
Step 1: Pick your site
First, choose the site you like the best from our list of secure online sportsbooks. You’ll find that by scrolling further up the page. Click through the links to make sure you end up at the real site, instead of a spoof. Find the green “Join” button and click on it.
Step 2: Complete the form
After the registration form pops up, you’ll need to complete it. Make sure to carefully fill in your details as incorrect information will lead to delays in processing your payments.
Step 3: Verify your email
After completing the signup form, you’ll be asked to verify your email address. Open your inbox, check your junk folder if you can’t see it, and open the confirmation email. Follow the instructions within, which will usually involve clicking a validation URL.
Step 4: Make a deposit
Congratulations, you now have a fully validated betting account. However, you are not quite ready to wager just yet. First, you’ll need to add some funds via the cashier. Choose your ideal payment method from the list and read the simple instructions on the screen to complete the deposit.
Step 5: Place a bet
Okay, now we’re done! All that remains is to take a look at the many different lines and prop bets on offer and build your first bet. Best of luck and please remember to gamble responsibly.
Timeline of Arkansas Sports Betting Legislation
The Supreme Court did away with PASPA, the act which had kept states from legalizing sports betting, back in 2018. This was a key turning point in the history of gambling legislation in the Natural State. Let’s take a look at some other key events in recent years.
- May 2018 – The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act is repealed;
- November 2018 – Arkansas moves quickly to try and bring in sports betting, winning a vote to amend the state constitution;
- July 2019 – Legal sports bets are placed for the first time at the Oaklawn Racetrack and Casino;
- January 2021 – SB669 is introduced by Senator Will Bond, with the aim of legalizing online sportsbooks. However, the bill never makes it to voting;
- April 2021 – HB1942 is proposed for Arkansas allowing sports betting to be regulated by the local Racing Committee, but it fails;
- January 2022 – Lobbying efforts for online gambling in AR are stepped up;
- February 2022 – A meeting in Little Rock approves changes to gambling regulations which could see online betting legalized by March. As of yet, online betting remains illegal, but a breakthrough seems imminent;
Is Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas 2023?
As per the current Arkansas sports betting regulations, sports betting is only legal in a land-based setting. There are currently three sites in the state at which you can place bets, as long as you are of legal age:
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort: Hot Springs National Park
- Southland Casino: West Memphis
- Saracen Casino Resort: Pine Bluff
A fourth site has been issued a licence, but is yet to launch. This will be in Pope County if it goes ahead, but it is currently subject to local opposition.
So that’s the retail situation, but is online sports betting legal in Arkansas too? Sadly not at the time of writing, but that seems certain to change in the very near future. A meeting was held in mid-February 2022 which approved online sports betting.
Although the details still need to be confirmed, there is hope that legal sportsbooks on the internet could be ready in March.
Previous Arkansas Sports Betting Bills
Let’s take a closer look at the past sports betting bills in the Natural State, of which there have been two.
2019
- Senate Bill SB669
Floated with the intention of adding online betting to the existing laws, SB669 died in late April, less than a month after introduction. No agreement could be reached regarding the bill, which had been proposed by State Senator Will Bond. It was referred to an interim committee for further study.
2021
- House Bill HB1942
House Bill number 1942 was put forward by Representative Lee Johnson, with the aim of establishing a regulatory body for online betting. The bill also proposed the creation of up to eight sports betting licences, as well as a tax structure similar to that of New York. Although it made it to the committee, it eventually died after six months.
Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Arkansas
For operators, the Arkansas sports betting tax rate starts at 13% (up to $150 million net). Anything above is taxed at 20%.
Players must pay income tax to the federal government on all betting profits. Arkansas also levies a 3% tax on payouts of $1,200 and above.
Payment Methods Available at the Best Sites for Online Betting in Arkansas
When playing at an online sportsbook in Arkansas, you’ll see the same types of deposit and withdrawal method popping up. Let’s briefly run through the most common.
- Debit and Credit Cards. Trusted payment processing brands like Visa and Mastercard have been in business for almost 50 years. Fast, safe and convenient, it’s no surprise that the top AR sportsbooks offer such an option.
- E-wallets. These are a great way to manage a betting bankroll. Move money between various sportsbooks quickly and easily, whilst staying safe and secure. Popular examples include Neteller Skrill and PayPal.
- Cryptocurrency. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin; whatever token you prefer, cryptocurrency betting is very much in fashion at the moment. And why not, given how much quicker it makes the withdrawal process?
- Online Banking. Processors such as Interac are making online transfers faster and easier than ever before.
Live Betting With Arkansas Betting Sites
The growth of in-play betting has been huge in recent years. Naturally, a lot of that is down to the surge in popularity of mobile and tablet devices. More and more players are enjoying the convenience of betting on the go. So it’s to be expected that they end up betting while watching games in bars or at the stadium.
As a result, sportsbook operators have been forced to improve their live betting products. There are now a good number of high-quality Arkansas mobile sports betting apps and sites. But in our opinion, one of the best belongs to Bovada. They offer so many live streams, for if you are not able to watch the game in person. But above all, it’s the sheer number of betting lines available, coupled with the competitive pricing.
Betting Bonuses Available at the Top Arkansas Sportsbooks
The best sites for sports betting in Arkansas know that they need to look after their regular players. It’s a competitive industry and it’s no longer sufficient to just offer a good product. Experienced bettors are sensitive to the assortment of different bonuses and promotions out there. But what exactly are they looking for?
Matched Free Bets
These are some of the most common bonuses seen at sportsbooks, particularly in welcome packages. Make a real money deposit and the betting site will match the amount with bonus credits, allowing you to place bets. For instance, a 150% deposit match on a first deposit of $100 would mean a grand total of $250 hitting your new account.
Risk Free Bets
Sportsbooks usually hand out free bets to regular punters to thank them for their loyalty. But sometimes you’ll find them issued as part of a welcome offer, too. They come in different flavours. Risk-free bets allow you to bet with your own money, collecting a bonus as a consolation prize should you lose. Free bets, though, are placed with site credits, where you keep the profits if you win but not the stake.
Free Bets No Deposit
No deposit free bets are the Holy Grail of the sportsbook world. We all dream of getting something for nothing, so what could be better? Open a new account and there’s already a bonus awaiting you, with no need to register any payment devices.
Popular Sports Available for Online Sports Betting in Arkansas:
The good people of Arkansas like to bet on a mixture of different events. Let’s run through some of their favorites.
NFL – Try BetOnline for a complete football betting product
Football is the most popular sport in the USA and those living in the Natural State love the game just as much as anywhere else. There is no NFL team local to AR, though the University of Arkansas Razorbacks provide many players for the draft each year. One of the best sites for NFL sports betting in Arkansas is undoubtedly BetOnline.
NBA – Back your team with MyBookie
Basketball is another immensely popular sport in the state and punters enjoy placing a broad variety of different bets. Whether you’re a fan of totals, spreads or moneyline betting, you’ll find plenty of options at top NBA betting site MyBookie. Check out their regular player props.
MLB – Generous odds courtesy of XBet
There are several top-class MLB betting sites available to bettors in AR, such as XBet. Parlays are particularly common among baseball fans, due to their potential for big payouts. Although the state does not have an MLB franchise, both the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the Arkansas Travelers compete in the Minor Leagues.
NHL – Sample the many lines at BetUS
BetUS rates among the best ice hockey betting sites for Arkansas-based players. With a large choice of moneylines and spreads, not to mention futures markets, there’s truly something for all tastes.
NCAA Basketball – Let’s go Red Wolves
There are two particularly noteworthy college basketball sides in the state: Arkansas State Red Wolves and the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions. When it comes to wagering on college basketball, over/under betting is one of the most popular ways to win.
NCAA Football – The Razorbacks are the best in the business
The Arkansas Razorbacks are one of the most successful college football teams in history. But they’re not the only team in the state. Don’t forget about the Central Arkansas Bears. Sportsbetting.ag is a great site for betting on college sports, offering a mammoth selection of odds.
Golf – Great sport for value betting
This popular game offers some of the best value betting opportunities of any sport. Tournament winners frequently return at double figure odds, making each way betting an attractive proposition. Not to mention the countless other markets, such as player props and head to heads.
Horse Racing – Bet on the sport of kings at Oaklawn
Oaklawn is the Natural State’s only horse racing venue. First opened in 1905, visitors to this dirt track will witness a high standard of racing, with Kentucky Derby hopefuls regularly lining up. There are two Grade 1 races held annually: the Arkansas Derby and the Apple Blossom Stakes.
Daily Fantasy Sports – Get paid for your knowledge
In Arkansas, Daily Fantasy Sports has been around since 2017. The major operators are, of course, the two industry giants FanDuel and DraftKings. Above all, these types of wagering games are a fun way to prove your sporting knowledge to your friends.
Bets That Are Illegal in Arkansas
Although sports betting in AR is generally legal, there are some types of bets which are prohibited. For example, many international online betting sites offer virtual sports, like greyhound racing, soccer and basketball. None of these are allowed in Arkansas.
It is also forbidden to place bets on political events. All wagers must be on athletic events, or racing involving dogs and horses. Finally, if you wish to gamble on a non-sporting event such as TV show betting, it is only possible with approval from the regulator.
Arkansas Sports Betting Compared to Neighbouring States
Considering its location, the appetite for sports betting in Arkansas is surprisingly high. Many states in the area are quite conservative and are not traditionally big fans of gambling. For instance, there is no legal sports betting in Oklahoma at the time of writing. The native American tribes are pushing hard, but little progress has been made in recent years.
There is next to no chance of seeing any sportsbooks in Texas in the next few years either. Governor Dan Patrick stated that sports betting will not “see the light of day”, before cancelling discussion of the subject until at least 2023.
At the moment, Missouri sports betting is also prohibited. But a bill was signed early in 2022 that seeks to change this. Legislators first held conversations about opening up sportsbooks, with online and retail, back in 2018. Though things have moved slowly until now.
Sports betting in Louisiana was officially legalized in 2021, after the passage of a bill the year before. This applies to both land-based and internet betting. The state is one of the most progressive in the area when it comes to gambling laws.
Tennessee sportsbooks are online only, which is a fairly unique approach to sports betting in the USA. At the moment, lawmakers are not showing a great deal of interest in setting up legalized retail betting.
Casinos with Sports Betting in Arkansas
There are currently three casinos in the Natural State which offer sports betting.
Casino Name
Address
Opening Hours
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
11am – Midnight, 7 days
Saracen Casino Resort
1 Saracen Resort Dr., Pine Bluff, AR
24 hours, 7 days
Southland Casino
1547 Cadotte Ave, West Memphis, AR
24 hours, 7 days
The Best Arkansas Sportsbook 2023
We’ve covered all kinds of topics in this complete guide to Arkansas sports betting, including naming our top ten recommended sites. In the opinion of our esteemed panel of researchers, the best online betting site in the Natural State is BetOnline.
Join today using the BetOnline promo code BOL1000 and pick up a terrific welcome offer worth as much as $1,000. They’ll match your first deposit with a 50% bonus, allowing you to place your first bets completely free of risk.
