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Arkansas sports betting 2026: Best AR sportsbooks

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On Thursday, Feb. 26, the Arkansas Racing Commission unanimously approved FanDuel and DraftKings for sports wagering vendor licenses for Arkansas sports betting. Arkansas sports betting has been legal since 2019, with Arkansas online sports betting launching in 2022.

National sportsbooks initially stayed away from Arkansas, largely due to apprehension about a revenue split that forces third-party operators to give more than half their revenue to its in-state partner. However, DraftKings and FanDuel have accepted that split, as DraftKings partners with Oaklawn Casino, while FanDuel partners with Southland Casino Hotel to take over their Arkansas sports betting apps. Click here to create your DraftKings Arkansas account:

Arkansas Sports Betting (March 2026 Updates) 

New Arkansas sports betting apps launch date March 20, 2026
New Arkansas sportsbooks DraftKings, FanDuel
Arkansas sports betting regulator Arkansas Racing Commission
Last updated: March 30, 2026

History of Arkansas sports betting and latest news

  • May 2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, allowing states to legalize sports betting.
  • November 6, 2018: Arkansas voters pass Issue 4 (Amendment 100), which authorized casino gaming and legal sports betting at licensed casinos.
  • July 1, 2019: The first legal sports bet is placed in Arkansas, a $5 wager on the Dallas Cowboys at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Read more on this here.
  • April 2021: House Bill 1942 is passed, setting the framework for online sports betting. 
  • December 30, 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission approves the 51% revenue-sharing rule, meaning 51% of revenues from third-party operators, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, goes to the in-state partner, with the other 49% going to the third-party operator. 
  • February 22, 2022: Arkansas Legislative Council accepts and finalizes the 51% revenue-sharing rule. Read more on this here.
  • March 5, 2022: Southland Casino launches Betly for Arkansas online sports betting.
  • May 10, 2022: Saracen Casino’s BETSaracen app launches.
  • August 2022: Oaklawn Sports mobile app goes live.
  • Sept 24, 2024: Arkansas sportsbooks clear $1 billion in total handle
  • February 26, 2026: DraftKings and FanDuel are granted sports wagering vendor licenses from the Arkansas Racing Commission. Read more on this here.
  • March 20, 2026: FanDuel and DraftKings launch sports betting operations in Arkansas.

New users can claim the Arkansas FanDuel promo code here, which gives new users $300 in bonus bets if their first $5 bet wins:

Arkansas sports betting apps and promos

FanDuel

  • FanDuel is one of the nation’s most popular and highly rated sportsbooks. It offers thousands of spreads, money lines, totals, props, and more for professional sports, both domestically and internationally, as well as college sports. FanDuel is known for its easy-to-use, aesthetically pleasing blue-and-white interface, competitive odds and wide market options. 
  • The Arkansas FanDuel promo code offers new users $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.
  • Alternatively, higher stakes players in Arkansas can get a VIP offer of a Bet Reset of up to $5,000 with a minimum deposit of $2,000.
  • The FanDuel Sportsbook app can be downloaded on both Apple and Android systems.
  • FanDuel offers a variety of ways to deposit and withdraw, with most withdrawal methods paying out in less than a day. Users who withdraw via debit card, PayPal and Venmo are paid out within 24 hours. Online banking may take up to five days. Mailed checks arrive within 10 business days of being mailed.

Sign up with the Arkansas FanDuel promo code, which offers new users $300 in bonus bets if your first wager of $5 or more wins:

DraftKings

  • DraftKings got its start as a daily fantasy sports platform before evolving into one of the most recognized sportsbooks in the country. That DFS DNA shows in its interface, as DraftKings leans into stats, player data, and same-game parlays in a way that appeals to more engaged, research-driven bettors.
  • New users in Arkansas can take advantage of the DraftKings promo code, which delivers $300 instantly in bonus bets after placing a first bet of just $5.
  • The DraftKings Sportsbook app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.
  • DraftKings supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, with payout timelines varying depending on the option selected. Common withdrawal methods include PayPal, debit card, online banking, and mailed checks.

Sign up with the Arkansas DraftKings promo code, which offers new users $300 in bonus bets instantly with a $5 bet:

When will Arkansas online sports betting expand?

On Feb. 26, the Arkansas Racing Commission approved Oaklawn Casino’s partnership with FanDuel and Southland Casino Hotel’s partnership with DraftKings. FanDuel and DraftKings can launch sportsbook promos and betting sites immediately. 

Oaklawn Sports, an Arkansas betting app that operated under Oaklawn Casino’s license, will no longer be operational and will instead use the FanDuel app “powered by Oaklawn Sports.”

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DraftKings operates under Southland Casino Hotel’s license, which was previously used by Betly, for Arkansas online sports betting.

Saracen Casino Resort did not enter a licensing partnership with a national sportsbook and continues with its BETSaracen app.

Southland Casino Hotel, Oaklawn Casino and Saracen Casino Resort, Arkansas’ three commercial casinos, can each operate two sportsbook apps. All Arkansas betting apps must operate under a 51%-49% revenue split, which favors in-state casinos, and that’s unchanged by the FanDuel and DraftKings partnerships. 

These Arkansas betting apps can launch immediately. These new partnerships do not include prediction markets, only online sports betting.

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Click here to create your FanDuel Arkansas account:

Who regulates Arkansas sports betting?

The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates racing, casino betting and sports betting, both in-person and online, in Arkansas. It operates under the authority of the Arkansas state government and is made up of appointed members. The Arkansas Racing Commission offers online services at its website (www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/racing-commission), as well as correspondence in person, on the phone, or through email.

Address 1515 W. 7th Street Ste. 505, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone 501-682-1467
Email racing.@dfa.arkansas.gov

Where does Arkansas sports betting tax revenue go?

According to the National Conference of State Legislators, 55% of the tax Arkansas sportsbooks pay 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 Arkansas Racing Commission for deposit into its Purse and Awards Fund. Arkansas sportsbooks pay a 13% tax rate on the first $150 million in gaming revenue, then 20% on all revenue above $150 million. According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, the state collected $7.229 million in tax revenue from sports betting between January and October 2025. 

Responsible gambling in Arkansas  

Arkansas has multiple problem gambling helplines, including the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET and the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council at 501-403-2321. 

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FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Arkansas?

Yes, Arkansas sports betting has been legal since 2019, with online sports betting launching in 2022.

Will new Arkansas sportsbooks have promo codes?

Historically, FanDuel, DraftKings and many major sportsbooks have offered promo codes when launching in new states. Both FanDuel and DraftKings are offering lucrative welcome promos to new users in Arkansas.

Is DraftKings legal in Arkansas?

Yes, after the Feb. 26 decision by the Arkansas Racing Commission, DraftKings Sportsbook is legal through Southland Casino Hotel’s license. 

Is FanDuel in Arkansas yet?

Yes, after the Feb. 26 decision by the Arkansas Racing Commission, FanDuel Sportsbook is legal and is “powered by” Oaklawn Sports.

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Can I use Caesars Sportsbook in Arkansas?

No, and there’s no current momentum for that to change soon. However, there are available Arkansas sports betting licenses if Caesars or other sports betting apps become interested. 

Do I need to be a resident in order to bet in Arkansas?

No, you do not need to be an Arkansas resident to use Arkansas sports betting apps. However, you do need to be physically located in the state when Arkansas sports betting.

Which sports can I bet on in Arkansas?

Arkansas has no restrictions on traditional professional sports or college sports, in-state or out-of-state, for Arkansas online sports betting. This allows Arkansas sports bettors to wager on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, college basketball and more. However, you can not wager on eSports or prediction markets.

What is the legal age for sports betting in Arkansas?

Users must be 21 to participate in Arkansas sports betting.

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How many online sportsbooks are in Arkansas?

Three — FanDuel (Oaklawn), DraftKings (Southland) and BETSaracen (Saracen Casino). All three casinos can partner with a second sportsbook, though.

What betting markets are available in Arkansas?

Arkansas online sports betting allows spreads, money lines, futures, props, and more for professional and college sports. You can also wager on awards, such as the MLB MVP or NFL Coach of the Year, which isn’t allowed in every state with online sports betting. 

Will DraftKings and FanDuel be able to bring prediction markets to Arkansas?

No, the February 26th decision only allowed FanDuel and DraftKings to operate in a sports betting capacity in Arkansas.

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NC State hiring Justin Gainey: Ex-Wolfpack guard returning to lead alma mater

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NC State is hiring Tennessee assistant and former Wolfpack guard Justin Gainey as its next coach, sources confirmed to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander. Gainey, 49, has spent the last five seasons on Rick Barnes’ staff with the Vols and has held the title of associate head coach since 2022.

Gainey, a Greensboro, North Carolina, native, led the Wolfpack to NCAA postseason appearances all four seasons of his playing career at NC State and ranks inside the program’s top 10 all-time in several statistical categories, including starts, steals and assists.

“I hope he gets the job,” Barnes said of Gainey prior to Tennessee’s Elite Eight NCAA Tournament loss over the weekend. “I don’t think there’s anybody in the country that loves NC State more than Justin Gainey. He’s a North Carolina native. He went to NC State, played four years there, started four years. Helped win an ACC Tournament.

“He has just incredible pride in his university. A terrific basketball coach. I mean, if you come to our walk-throughs, like today or the other day, he scouted the last game. I don’t say a whole lot because those guys have it.”

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NC State’s move comes after first-year coach Will Wade left for LSU last week. Prior to NC State’s loss to Texas in the NCAA Tournament’s First Four earlier this month, Wade dismissed rumors attaching his name to the Tigers.

NC State’s power brass made a quick move to interview Gainey and others in the aftermath of Wade’s departure. He wanted the job in Raleigh the last time it was open, and this time around, he was one of the early frontrunners, per 247Sports.

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“Justin has an incredible feel for the game, really understands players,” Barnes said. “He works at it. Terrific recruiter. Understands the NIL era today. If NC State knew what I knew, they would be begging him to be their next head coach. Because he’s ready not just for NC State, he’s ready to be the head coach of the University of Tennessee or any school in the country. He’s that good.”

Wolfpack eyed two coaching targets

247Sports reported former NC State players voiced their support for Gainey, who was one of two “top targets” for the vacancy along with Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz.

Schertz, who propelled Saint Louis to a 29-6 record this season as a NCAA Tournament qualifier, withdrew his name from consideration on Sunday, citing in a social media post that he “turned down significantly more money this spring” to remain with the program.

“Interest from other programs in our players and staff is a byproduct of team success, so as uncomfortable as it may be, let’s hope that never changes,” Schertz wrote.

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Gainey’s first mission at NC State will be assembling his staff, along with determining roster moves with college basketball’s transfer portal opening in April. Gainey began his coaching career as an administrative coordinator and director of operations with NC State under Sidney Lowe, later landing assistant positions at Elon, Appalachian State and Santa Clara prior to earning his major stripes at Arizona. 

He was an associate head coach for the first time during his next stop at Marquette, where he spent one season before joining Barnes’ staff with the Vols. Gainey was the brains behind Tennessee’s defensive improvements in recent years and will bring an on-ball pressure scheme to the Wolfpack.

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Adam Gemili: Former European champion sprinter retires

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Former European champion Adam Gemili has retired from athletics at the age of 32.

Gemili was a youth footballer at Chelsea and on the books at then League Two Dagenham & Redbridge before committing to sprinting, and made the Team GB squad for the Olympics in his home city at London 2012.

He reached the semi-finals of the 100m in London and went on to win relay medals at three World Championships.

He was the 2014 European Champion over 200m and took silver in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow that summer.

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Posting on his Instagram page, he said:, external “It’s hard to put into words what an incredible journey it’s been.

“Thank you for all the support, love, and belief you’ve shown me throughout my career.

“From a baby-faced Adam at London 2012 to a slightly more grey-haired version in 2025. I hope I’ve made you proud.”

Gemili narrowly missed out on more medals, finishing fourth in the 200m at the Rio 2016 Olympics, just 0.003 seconds shy of bronze, before another fourth place at the Doha 2019 World Athletics Championships.

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Alongside Zharnel Hughes and Linford Christie, he is one of just three British male sprinters to have run under 10 seconds in the 100m and 20 seconds in the 200m, with personal bests of 9.97 seconds and 19.97 seconds respectively.

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49ers GM sacks electrical substation theory

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San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch did his best to shut down the buzz around the theory that an electrical substation near Levi’s Stadium could be the catalyst for the spate of injuries the team has suffered over the last few years.

The theory popped up on social media during the 2025 season, though the 49ers have played at Levi’s Stadium since 2014 and used the practice facility that is also near the substation since 1989.

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John Lynch at the NFL Scouting Combine

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on Feb. 24, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

Niners star George Kittle said in February he didn’t believe the rumors were true, but also wanted a definitive answer.

Lynch provided one Sunday as NFL owners began to meet in Phoenix, Arizona. He said the organization had a scientist come to the facility to see if there was anything awry.

“It basically was a big nothing burger,” Lynch told reporters, via ESPN. “We’re in a safe place of work…. It’s a normal place of work. It’s a normal gym. We are safe, we’re healthy, and we feel really good about that.

George Kittle carted off the field

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is carted off the field after an injury during the NFC wild-card game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 11, 2026. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

CAM NEWTON VIEWS ADDING 18TH REGULAR-SEASON GAME AS ‘GOOD BUSINESS,’ QUESTIONS HOW PRESEASON GAMES WILL WORK

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“That was important to us, not just to turn a blind eye, but to look into it because it’s our players’ wellness. It’s not only our players’ wellness, it’s coaches, it’s staff, all that. And it’s encouraging.”

According to the 49ers, the scientist learned that players and staff were being exposed to an electromagnetic environment similar to that of a gym or average workplace.

Still, the injury bug is something the 49ers have to figure out as the seasons go on.

John Lynch at Georgia's pro day

John Lynch watches players work out during NFL Pro Day, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Athens, Georgia. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

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San Francisco was 12-5 in 2025, but players like Kittle, Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall and Mykel Williams each missed several games with injuries.

For now, it appears the substation theory has been shut down.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Women’s singles predictions ft. Donna Vekic vs Ajla Tomljanovic, Alycia Parks vs Mary Stoiana

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The 2026 Charleston Open is set to get underway today as the main draw action begins at the LTP-Daniel Island Tennis Center. While notable names like Emma Navarro, Amanda Anisimova, Beatriz Haddad Maia and Maya Joint have withdrawn, the tournament still features a strong lineup.

Day 1 will be headlined by players such as Donna Vekic, Eva Lys, Sloane Stephens, McCartney Kessler and Jennifer Brady. They will be joined by the likes of Alycia Parks, Ajla Tomljanovic, Katie Volynets, Yulia Putintseva and Dayana Yastremska, among others.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the predictions for some of the key matches scheduled on Day 1 of the 2026 Charleston Open.


Charleston Open 2026 Day 1 singles predictions

Donna Vekic vs Ajla Tomljanovic

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Vekic pictured at the 2026 Miami Open | Image Source: GettyVekic pictured at the 2026 Miami Open | Image Source: Getty
Vekic pictured at the 2026 Miami Open | Image Source: Getty

Donna Vekic booked her spot in the main draw of the Charleston Open with commanding wins over Sachia Vickery (6-2, 6-2) and Ekaterine Gorgodze (6-2, 6-3) in the qualifying rounds. Meanwhile, Ajla Tomljanovic received direct entry into the main draw and arrived following a second-round exit at the Miami Open.

Vekic and Tomljanovic have faced each other twice before, with the Croatian winning both encounters in Wuhan (2014) and Istanbul (2018), giving her a 2-0 head-to-head advantage.

Predicted winner: Vekic in three sets.


Alycia Parks vs Mary Stoiana

Parks pictured at the 2026 Miami Open | Image Source: GettyParks pictured at the 2026 Miami Open | Image Source: Getty
Parks pictured at the 2026 Miami Open | Image Source: Getty

Alycia Parks enters the matchup on the back of a third-round loss to Coco Gauff in Miami. Her opponent, Mary Stoiana, had to come through qualifying, beating Kristina Mladenovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 and Darja Vidmanova 6-2, 7-6(2) to set up a first-ever clash with Parks.

Parks brings power and a big serve, looking to take control quickly, while Stoiana relies more on consistency and rally tolerance. If Parks finds her range, she can dominate, but Stoiana could benefit if the match becomes more extended.

Predicted winner: Alycia Parks in straight sets.

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McCartney Kessler vs Elvina Kalieve

Their head-to-head record stands at 0-0.

Predicted winner: McCartney Kessler in straight sets.


Eva Lys vs Katie Volynets

Lys and Volynets have met once before, in the qualifying rounds of Lausanne in 2022, with the German coming out on top.

Predicted winner: Volynets in straight sets.

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Yulia Putintseva vs Lulu Sun

They have never met before.

Predicted winner: Yulia Putintseva in straight sets.


Dayana Yastremska vs Anastasia Zakharova

Yastremska holds a 1-0 head-to-head lead over Zakharova going into their first-round encounter at the Charleston Open.

Predicted winner: Dayana Yastremska in straight sets.

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Sloane Stephens vs Renata Zarazua

Zarazua has defeated Stephens in both of their previous meetings, in Acapulco in 2020 and Auckland earlier this year.

Predicted winner: Renata Zarazua in straight sets.


Jennifer Brady vs Viktoriya Tomova

Tomova holds a 1-0 head-to-head lead over Brady going into their first-round encounter at the Charleston Open.

Predicted winner: Jennifer Brady in three sets.

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Akasha Urhobo vs Solana Sierra

Their head-to-head record stands at 0-0.

Predicted winner: Akasha Urhobo in straight sets.


Anna Bondar vs Darja Vidmanova

Their head-to-head record stands at 0-0 in Bondar’s favor.

Predicted winner: Anna Bondar in straight sets.

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