Arkansas sports betting was legalized in November 2018 - 6 months after the federal restriction on sports wagering was lifted in the United States. After a number of failed efforts to bring mobile sports betting to the Land of Opportunity, Arkansans finally saw online sportsbooks show up in March 2022.

Here's a glimpse into Arkansas' sports betting journey:

March 20, 2026: After both FanDuel and DraftKings protected licenses in Arkansas last month, both books released in the Natural State March 20th.

Feb. 26, 2026: Arkansas regulators unanimously authorized FanDuel and DraftKings to release mobile sportsbooks through partnerships with Oaklawn and Southland gambling establishments.

Feb. 19, 2026: FanDuel and DraftKings could be running sports betting in Arkansas before the end of February.

April 1, 2025: An expense to legislate genuine cash online gambling establishment gaming platforms in Arkansas didn't advance out of a preliminary committee hearing, underscoring its stalled momentum in the legislature.

March 20, 2025: Arkansas legislators are taking a run at legalizing online gambling establishments and banning sweepstakes video gaming.

March 10, 2025: An Arkansas legislator is proposing constitutional changes to casino gaming which would allow online slots and table video games like blackjack and roulette to be played.

Feb. 16, 2024: Several states, including Arkansas, sent cease-and-desists letters to everyday dream sports (DFS) operators Underdog and PrizePicks for offering unlicensed sports betting.

Sept. 2, 2022: The Oaklawn Sports mobile app launches in Arkansas, becoming the state's 3rd legal online choice.

Aug. 23, 2022: Kambi extends its collaboration with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. The brand-new agreement consists of Oaklawn's retail sportsbook and an online sportsbook option for the upcoming launch of 'Oaklawn Sports.'

May 10, 2022: After months of hold-up, Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app formally goes live. It is just the second legal Arkansas sports betting platform to launch.

March 23, 2022: Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app has yet to launch. The operator had actually intended to go live for March Madness, mentioning issues with 'partners, vendors, and testing laboratories' as the cause of the delay.

March 5, 2022: Betly becomes the very first legal online sportsbook to go live in Arkansas.

March 4, 2022: Legal online Arkansas sports betting is formally permitted to start, but the state's three gambling establishments aren't yet all set to offer it. The casinos are still anticipated to release mobile sportsbooks before March Madness.

Feb. 22, 2022: Arkansas' mobile sports betting rules are formally approved by the state legislature's Joint Budget Committee. Online sports betting is on track to release in time for March Madness.

Feb. 17, 2022: Lawmakers approve changes to betting rules that would permit for legal online sports betting in Arkansas. The proposed guidelines advance to the state legislature's joint spending plan committee for a last vote.

Jan. 25, 2022: The Arkansas Racing Commission removes mobile sports wagering from the legal agenda, asking for the upgraded rule be talked about at a future meeting. The last-minute delay will avoid the state from launching mobile sports betting before Super Bowl 56.

Dec. 30, 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission authorizes changes to Arkansas' gambling establishment video gaming guidelines to enable mobile sports wagering. The proposed modifications would see online operators partner with and surrender 51% of revenues to local gambling establishments.

Jan. 28, 2020: Betly sportsbook launches a retail sportsbook in Southland Casino Racing.

Oct. 1, 2019: Saracen Casino resort opens Saracen Sportsbook, the second retail sportsbook in Arkansas.

July 1, 2019: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort takes Arkansas' very first legal sports bet as general supervisor Wayne Smith picks the Dallas Cowboys to beat the New york city Giants in the very first video game of the 2018-19 NFL season.

November 2018: State citizens approve a tally initiative to legalize gambling establishment video gaming. Retail sports wagering is included in the effort.