Top Sportsbooks for Betting in Arkansas, USA

Top 5 Best Arkansas Betting Sites in 2025

Arkansas bettors can find more options in the offshore sportsbook market beyond state-licensed platforms. These sites offer competitive odds, big bonuses, and special features that sports enthusiasts love. Here are the top five Arkansas betting sites that offer exceptional betting experiences in 2025.

1. XBet.ag – Best for casual bettors

Since its launch in 2014, XBet.ag has quickly become the top destination for casual sports bettors in Arkansas. The platform's clean, user-friendly design makes it easy for new bettors to place wagers.

XBet stands out with its customized welcome offers. New users can choose between a 50% sportsbook match up to $200 with promo code "XB200" or a 200% casino match up to $500 on their first deposit. The platform also offers a 25% reload bonus up to $250 for existing players, which adds value beyond the sign-up.

The mobile experience at XBet deserves praise. Without a dedicated app, their mobile-optimized site works perfectly on all devices. Arkansas bettors can use all betting markets, banking options and account features without any additional software.

XBet takes financial security seriously with 256-bit encryption and SSL certification. Users can choose from 12 deposit methods that are instantly processed, although withdrawal options are limited to just two.

Review sites rank XBet's low rollover requirements among the best in the industry. This approach helps recreational bettors with smaller bankrolls access bonus funds more easily.

2. Bovada – Best for local experience

Bovada excels at providing Arkansas bettors with a local experience that matches the priorities of the Natural State. The 14-year-old platform has built its reputation on reliability and excellent customer service.

Arkansas sports fans love Bovada's in-depth coverage of college sports. They offer complete Razorbacks odds and betting lines that appeal to the state's passionate college football fans. Bovada also covers all major professional leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB and international competition.

Bovada offers great value with a $750 crypto welcome bonus for bitcoin or cryptocurrency deposits (promo code BTCSWB750). This is one of the best sportsbook offers available in Arkansas.

The platform's strong loyalty program allows members to earn points through casino play and sports betting. Members can redeem these points for cash rewards and additional bonuses in the Rewards Store. This ongoing value keeps Arkansas bettors coming back for more.

Bovada combines a clean mobile interface with powerful live betting features. Bettors of all skill levels appreciate the fast payouts and responsive customer service.

3. BetOnline.ag – The perfect platform for horse racing fans

BetOnline.ag is the premier platform for Arkansas horse racing fans, offering excellent coverage that goes far beyond the average thoroughbred race. The site's full racebook covers tracks throughout North America as well as international locations in Europe, South Africa, Japan and Australia.

What really sets BetOnline apart is its industry-best rebate program - giving back up to 4% on flat bets and a staggering 9% on exotics. At other sites, these figures are percentages of volume bets for loss, not actual loss, which is a massive long-term value for high-volume bettors.

For fixed odds betting on major races like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes, BetOnline posts odds weeks before the events, making futures betting favorable. Their odds are consistently among the most bettor friendly in the industry.

New Racebook customers can earn a $25 risk-free bet in their welcome offer, which means you can experience the site with no monetary risk. BetOnline offers a lifetime reload bonus with the code LIFEBONUS that will match 25% of all future deposits up to $250.

The diverse wagering options on the platform extend beyond horse racing to include a substantial sportsbook, online slots, casino table games and a busy poker room. The complete gambling platform makes BetOnline a wonderful one-stop shop for Arkansas gamblers with diverse interests.

4. SportsBetting.ag – Ideal for fantasy integration

SportsBetting.ag has been one of the most respected online sportsbooks since 2003, providing Arkansas bettors with a robust platform that elegantly combines fantasy sports features with traditional wagering experiences. The site excels at offering extensive player performance props for all top-level sports, making it a great destination for fantasy players who like to dive deep into statistics.

The site boasts a huge selection of sports and leagues from around the world. Beyond the high-profile options, SportsBetting.ag offers novelty betting, political betting, and a growing e-sports section. With this kind of variety, there is always something for Arkansas bettors to get involved in, no matter what the sports calendar has to offer.

Fantasy-based bettors especially like the numerous player props that allow them to bet on a player's personal statistical production in many different categories. These bets are a logical extension for individuals who already analyze player statistics for fantasy games.

Promotionally, SportsBetting.ag makes depositors in cryptocurrencies eligible to earn 100% of deposits up to $1,000, with other deposits eligible to earn up to a $350 bonus credit. The constant value dramatically increases the long-term attractiveness of the site.

5. BetUS – Best for NFL betting

BetUS has emerged as the destination for Arkansas NFL bettors, offering an unprecedented volume of football betting opportunities. The site offers in-depth markets beyond the usual game lines, including player performance props by categories such as passing yards, receiving yards, touchdowns and interceptions.

What sets BetUS apart from other sites is its full futures markets on NFL specific awards such as MVP, Coach of the Year and Rookie of the Year. These long-term betting options keep football fans engaged throughout the season.

New Arkansas bettors are well rewarded with the welcome bonus from BetUS, with fair bonuses specifically tailored to NFL betting. Their sophisticated encryption system provides a secure betting platform so that players can only play games and potential winnings.

The simple, user-friendly site accommodates both experienced bettors and novices alike. This ease of use, combined with their NFL promotional services, makes BetUS especially appealing to Arkansas football fans seeking specialized betting services.

For those who like to bet but also want to learn, BetUS delivers informative content through podcasts and video coverage of upcoming NFL games. It helps Arkansas gamblers make smarter bets throughout the football season.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Arkansas?

Arkansas' legal stance on online sports betting has grown significantly in recent years. In May 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The natural state was quick to set its own rules for sports betting.

Timeline of legalization (2018–2022)

The road to fully legal online sports betting in Arkansas has passed several significant milestones:

• November 6, 2018: Arkansas voters approved Amendment 100, a constitutional amendment authorizing sports betting at designated casino locations. 54% of voters supported the measure. The original legislation only allowed retail (in-person) sports betting.

• July 1, 2019: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs opens the state's first retail sports book. Arkansas became the ninth state in the nation to offer legal sports betting. Casino general manager Wayne Smith placed the first ceremonial wager.

• December 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission approved new rules allowing online sports betting throughout the state. These rules came with a controversial revenue-sharing requirement. Licensed casinos were required to keep 51% of net revenue from online wagering partnerships.

• February 22, 2022: The Arkansas Joint Budget Committee formally approved the Racing Commission's rules. This cleared the final regulatory hurdle for the launch of online sports betting.

• March 2022: Online sports betting went live in Arkansas. Bettors could now place wagers from anywhere within the state using licensed platforms.

• May 2022: Bet Saracen launches as the state's second licensed mobile sportsbook.

This rapid growth showed how attitudes toward sports betting were changing across the country. It also demonstrated Arkansas' commitment to creating a regulated environment. The state wanted to protect consumers while capturing tax revenue that had previously gone to illegal offshore operations.

Role of the Arkansas Racing Commission

The Arkansas Racing Commission oversees all forms of legal gaming regulation in the state. Part of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, the commission shapes the state's wagering landscape.

The Commission's primary responsibilities with respect to sports wagering include

1. Rule making and enforcement: They develop and implement regulations for both retail and online sports betting. These regulations include licensing requirements and consumer protection measures.

2. Licensing Authority: They review and approve applications from sports betting operators. Each operator must meet strict standards for financial stability, security protocols and responsible gaming programs.

3. Revenue Oversight: The Commission made waves by requiring Arkansas casinos to keep at least 51% of net revenue from mobile sports betting operations. This rule has shaped the market by giving casino-owned platforms an advantage over national operators.

4. Compliance monitoring: They monitor licensed operators to ensure they are complying with state regulations. Scott Hardin, a media representative, stated that "legal sports betting in Arkansas can only be done at state-licensed casinos or through their apps. All other means of sports betting are considered illegal."

5. Market expansion decisions: They can approve new betting markets and products. You more than doubled the number of sports available in June 2023. Bettors got new choices like lacrosse, sailing, bowling, cornhole and snooker.

The Commission's approach differs from that of many other states. They focus on casino-controlled operations. This has prevented large national brands from dominating the market, creating a more localized betting ecosystem.

Current number of licensed sportsbooks

Arkansas maintains tight control over its sports betting market in 2025. The state will allow up to eight online sportsbooks. Currently, only three licensed platforms operate in the state:

1. Betly: This platform is affiliated with Southland Casino in West Memphis. It will launch in April 2022 as the first online sportsbook in Arkansas.

2. Bet Saracen: Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff operates this platform. It launched in May 2022.

3. Oaklawn Sports: This platform is owned by Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs. They partnered with Kambi and launched in August 2022.

The Amendment 100 framework limits the market. Only designated casino locations can obtain online betting licenses. The amendment selected four possible casino locations:

• Southland Casino in West Memphis
• Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs
• Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff
• The planned Legends Resort and Casino in Pope County

Legal challenges have prevented the Pope County casino from opening. The fourth license remains unused. Carlton Saffa of Saracen Casino wants to add more iGaming options if regulators approve.

Arkansas's rules stand out because casinos must own the majority (51%) of any sports betting operation. This keeps out large national operators like DraftKings and FanDuel. These companies typically offer lower percentages to casino partners.

How to Choose the Right Arkansas Betting Site

Choosing the right betting platform in Arkansas means considering several important factors. Arkansas has a mix of licensed operators and offshore options, so bettors need to screen platforms using specific criteria. I've looked at many Arkansas betting sites to find out what makes some platforms trustworthy and others questionable.

Licensing and security standards

A reputable betting site starts with proper licensing and strong security measures. The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates local operators and sets strict requirements for service industry licenses. Companies wishing to provide gaming services must demonstrate "stability, integrity and economic responsibility" through a detailed application process that costs $5,000 plus investigation fees.

The best Arkansas betting sites use multiple layers of security:

• SSL encryption technology - Banks and e-commerce platforms use this same 256-bit encryption to keep personal and financial data safe from third-party access
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) - This extra security feature substantially reduces unauthorized access risks and should be turned on whenever possible
• Account verification protocols - Good sites need identity verification before processing big withdrawals to stop fraud
• Random Number Generators (RNGs) - Third parties regularly test these systems to make sure play outcomes are fair

The best way to check the rankings of Arkansas betting sites is to make sure the platform keeps operational funds separate from player balances through different bank accounts. This separation will provide a safety net for your money if the operator runs into business problems.

User interface and mobile experience

The betting site's interface plays a big role in how well you can place your bets. Sports betting often presents time-sensitive opportunities, and a slow platform could cause you to miss good betting windows.

The best sites have simple navigation with clean layouts. Our experts have found that the best Arkansas betting sites use clear category structures that help you quickly find different sports, bet types and account features. Function is more important than appearance - you need to be able to move easily between sections.

Mobile betting has become huge, with about 74% of sports betting nationwide happening on mobile devices. Here's what to look for in Arkansas betting sites for NFL or other sports on mobile:

• Responsive design that works well on any screen size
• Similar experience on desktop and mobile versions
• Fast loading even during big games
• All features available without extra downloads

Many offshore platforms serving Arkansas gamblers use mobile websites instead of apps. These browser-based options often work just as well as apps when they're built right.

Payment methods and withdrawal speed

Banking options can make or break your betting trip. Good sportsbooks that serve Arkansas bettors offer many payment options to suit different needs.

You can usually deposit money with:

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill)
• Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
• Bank transfers and ACH
• Prepaid cards and vouchers

Withdrawal times vary widely between platforms and payment types. Our detailed analysis shows that cryptocurrency withdrawals are usually the fastest, often taking hours instead of days. Bank transfers and checks take longer, typically 3-14 days.

Play+ prepaid cards offer the fastest payouts for most Arkansas betting bonuses - you can use your money as soon as it is approved. PayPal comes in second, usually taking about 24 hours.

Customer support availability

Great customer service is what separates the best betting sites from the average ones. If you are having problems with deposits, withdrawals, or betting settlements, quick resolution is critical.

Reliable platforms give you multiple ways to get help:

• 24/7 live chat for quick answers
• Email support for complicated issues
• Telephone support for direct conversations
• Detailed FAQ sections for common questions

Good sites should respond within 10 minutes for live chat, 24 hours for email, and 3 minutes for phone calls. The best operators also help customers who speak different languages.

Staff knowledge is just as important as quick responses. Before you put money on Arkansas betting sites for NFL betting or other markets, test their customer service by asking specific questions about different bets or promotions. This will show you how fast and knowledgeable their team really is.

Responsible gaming tools are another important support feature. Good operators include self-exclusion options, deposit limits and help with gambling problems. These features show that they care about player safety, not just profits.

Bonuses and Promotions at Arkansas Betting Sites

Bettors first look at promotional offers when they check out Arkansas betting sites. The market has many different incentives. You'll find everything from big welcome packages to regular rewards that make betting more valuable. Players who understand these offers can make their money go further and bet more.

Welcome bonuses: deposit match vs. risk-free bets

Arkansas betting sites usually give new users two types of main incentives: deposit match bonuses and second chance bets. Deposit match bonuses give you extra money based on how much you put in. For example, many sites will match 100% of your first deposit between $250 and $1,000. Put in $500 and you'll get another $500 in bonus money - that's double what you started with.

Second chance bets (also known as risk free bets) work differently. These offers give you a credit back to the site if your first bet loses. Betly Sportsbook gives new users a $100 bonus bet if their first bet doesn't win. This offer comes with some rules:

• You need to deposit and bet at least $10
• Your qualifying bet needs odds of -250 or better
• You must finish betting within seven days

Deposit bonuses usually give you better value because everyone gets them no matter what happens with their bets. Second chance offers only pay out if you lose. Both options still offer great benefits to new Arkansas bettors.

Ongoing promotions and loyalty rewards

Regular players get value from recurring promotions after their welcome bonus has expired. Reload bonuses are common - you get extra money when you add money to your account. These bonuses usually match 25% to 50% of your deposit with 6-10 times wagering requirements.

Arkansas betting sites' loyalty programs work on tiers that reward you for betting regularly. Your bets earn points at different rates:

• Sports bets at +400 odds: 6 TCs per $100 wagered
• Sports bets at +100 odds: 1.5 TCs per $100 wagered
• Slot games: 5 TCs per $100 wagered
• Table games: 2 TCs per $100 wagered

The more points you earn, the higher your tier (from Bronze to Diamond). Higher tiers mean faster payouts, better customer service and more points per wager. Gold members can earn 5x more reward points than basic accounts.

The NFL and other major sports often have special promotions. These include win boosts that increase your winnings by 25-50% and better odds on certain bets.

Arkansas betting sites no deposit offers

No deposit bonuses allow you to try out a site with free money or bets before using your own money. These offers aren't common, but they tend to pop up around big sporting events and when new markets open.

Most offers range from $5-$10, although some sites go up to $100. Arkansas betting sites might offer:

• Free bets without needing a deposit
• Small cash bonuses just for signing up
• Free slot spins in casino sections (where available)

New players love no deposit bonuses because they are risk free. The catch is that they have stricter withdrawal rules than regular bonuses.

Wagering requirements explained

Wagering requirements (also called "rollover" or "playthrough" requirements) tell you how many times you must wager your bonus before you can withdraw it. This discourages people from withdrawing their bonus money immediately.

The math is simple: a $50 sign up bonus with a 10x wagering requirement means you must wager $500 before cashing out any winnings. Arkansas betting sites usually set wagering requirements between 1x and 10x, depending on the bonus type.

Bonus offers usually come with these rules:

1. Minimum odds (often -200 or better)
2. Limits on bet types
3. Time limits (usually 7-30 days)
4. Maximum bet amounts with bonus funds

Second chance bets usually have the easiest wagering requirements - often just 1x playthrough. Deposit games require more, usually 5-8 times the bonus plus deposit.

The best Arkansas betting sites don't just have big bonus numbers. Look at the rules that come with them. A smaller bonus with easy wagering requirements will often give you better value than a huge bonus with strict wagering requirements.

Popular Sports and Betting Markets in Arkansas

Sports betting in Arkansas offers many opportunities. Fans wager millions on leagues and events of all kinds. The best Arkansas betting sites offer in-depth markets for both casual and serious bettors. Football gets the most action.

NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports

Football undoubtedly dominates Arkansas betting. It claims the largest share of wagering volume. Arkansas has no home-state NFL teams, but bettors love to support regional teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs.

Basketball is very popular, especially NBA games featuring the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks. Baseball betting remains active throughout the MLB season. The St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, and Texas Rangers get a lot of attention from bettors.

Arkansas may not have any professional teams, but college sports betting fills the void perfectly. Bettors can place bets on both pro and college events. This allows locals to support teams such as the Arkansas Razorbacks, Arkansas State Red Wolves, and Arkansas at Little Rock Trojans.

Types of bets: moneyline, spread, totals, parlays

Arkansas bettors can choose from many types of bets:

• Moneyline: Pick which team will win outright. Odds show favorites with negative numbers (-210 means bet $210 to win $100) and underdogs with positive numbers (+300 pays $300 on a $100 bet).

• Point Spreads: A system that gives extra points to the underdog. Example: Arkansas at +9.5 vs. Alabama "covers" if the former loses by 9 points or less and the latter wins.

• Over/Under: Wager on whether the combined score of both teams will be above or below a set number. A total of 54.5 with a final score of 31-21 (52 points) wins for under bettors.

• Parlays: Multiple bets combined into one. You must cover all picks to win. A three-way parlay with odds of -110 pays about 6-1.

Live betting and futures

Live betting has grown tremendously thanks to better technology that updates odds instantly. Bettors can now place bets during games and take advantage of momentum changes.

Futures betting works differently. They focus on long-term outcomes like conference titles or season win totals. Razorbacks fans can bet on SEC title odds or season wins, which sportsbooks usually set around 5.5.

Arkansas betting sites for NFL: what to look for

Here's everything you need to know about NFL betting sites:

The site needs deep markets beyond simple game lines. Look for player props on passing yards, receiving touchdowns and interceptions.

Good odds make a big difference in your winnings over time.

You want a lot of futures markets for season-long betting. These should include division winners, conference champions and individual awards such as MVP.

Mobile platforms should work smoothly for live betting. The NFL's intermissions are the perfect time to place live bets.

NFL-specific promotions are also important. The best sites offer odds boosts and parlay insurance on primetime games.

Final Thoughts on Arkansas Betting Sites

Arkansas betting sites are now 6 years old and have made their mark in the state's gambling world. They have grown from nothing to handle around $500 million annually. The market operates under strict rules with a 51% revenue share requirement that allows only three licensed platforms: Betly, Oaklawn Sports and Bet Saracen.

Bettors in Arkansas can find better odds and promotions through offshore platforms. These sites offer welcome bonuses ranging from $200 to $1,000 and have loyalty programs that reward regular players. The state's sports betting handle jumped 21% from July to August 2024, reaching $32.3 million and showing strong growth.

Smart bettors should focus on licensing, security protocols, and fair betting requirements before choosing a platform. Legitimate betting sites serving Arkansas residents use 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication to keep users safe.

Football is the state's top betting priority, especially college football through the Razorbacks markets. Bettors can choose from moneylines and spreads to player props, futures and live betting options. Mobile devices now handle approximately 74% of all live wagers.