Top Sports Betting Sites For Arkansas In 2024
There has never been a better time for Arkansas sports betting. It took several years, but online sports betting is finally available across the state.
The legal Arkansas sports betting market is small – with three operators – but offshore sites remain available to residents. That means Arkansas can find plenty of thrilling parlays or props on the fan-favorite Razorbacks or Red Wolves.
Our team provides picks for the best sportsbooks in Arkansas with top security, betting variety and overall value.
Best Online Betting Sites Available In Arkansas
Looking for the absolute best sports betting site in Arkansas? The following sites represent the cream of the crop when it comes to sportsbooks available in AR. Each one has a compelling set of features such as high-value promotions, slick software, diverse betting options and more.
Here’s a look at the top sports betting sites in Arkansas:
- Best for Beginners in Arkansas: BetUS
- Fastest Payouts: Sportsbetting.ag
- Best for Entertainment Bets: Bovada
- Great Customer Support: BetOnline
- Best Rebate Offer in AR: BetNow
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Best For Beginners In Arkansas: BetUS
BetUS is one of the best options for anyone new to online sports betting. The offshore bookie has a stellar reputation over its 30+ years of operation and a killer 125% sign-up bonus (up to $3,125).
The site also offers a surprisingly comprehensive collection of sports-betting resources, including the Locker Room Blog and BetUS TV. It’s a natural starting point for anyone just getting started with sports betting and might give you an edge when placing your wagers. You simply won’t find that level of analysis on any other site.
BetUS also offers excellent 24/7 customer service, which is a huge win for anyone new to online sportsbooks.
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Fastest Payouts: Sportsbetting.ag
Most sportsbooks have embraced transacting with crypto, and Sportsbetting.ag rises above them with lightning-fast payouts.
Technically Crypto payouts can take up to 24 hours, however, we’ve found that Bitcoin is usually processed in less than an hour on Sportsbetting.ag.
It’s not just Bitcoin either, Sportsbetting.ag offers support for 18 different cryptocurrencies including Ethereum and Solana. The site also offers a plethora of options for betting and value-packed sign-up promotions.
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Best For Entertainment Bets: Bovada
Bovada likely needs no introduction to anyone who’s ever placed a bet online. The industry stalwart is packed to the brim with betting options.
An area where Bovada excels, is its huge portfolio of entertainment betting markets. For example, they published bets on Academy Award categories just minutes after the nominations were announced.
You can bet on a variety of entertainment events including which actor will play the next James Bond, who will be the next Miss Universe or who will win Time’s Person of the Year. The site also offers a range of betting markets on politics and celebrity gossip.
Bovada is an impressive platform in its own right with solid promotions, reliable software and great sports betting.
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Great Customer Support: BetOnline
Interacting with online platforms might feel like a risk because there’s no in-person recourse if something goes wrong.
BetOnline gets around that issue by offering one of the most robust support offerings you’ll find online. The site offers live chat, email, FAQ and, perhaps most impressive, phone support. We tested all four options and came away impressed with the live chat option. Responses are instant and support officers are friendly and helpful. There are other sites that offer similar methods for support, but we’ve found the response time to be lacking. BetOnline responded to our inquiries within minutes.
BetOnline also offers a unique $50 rebate on first-time live bettors and a 25% reload bonus for life.
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Best Rebate Offer In AR: BetNow
Worried about losing big on your first online bet? BetNow is one of the few sites that offers rebates on losses.
It’s not a huge amount (currently 2%) but it’s a nice way to soften the blow of bets that go sideways. It’s one of the more unique sportbook offers you’ll find online.
That’s in addition to their regular sign-up bonus of 150% bonus up to $225. This bonus gets bumped up to 200% for users who deposit with crypto. BetNow also gives away tons of extra value ($10,000+) in weekly contests. We’ve found the most lucrative contests are held during NCAA’s March Madness.
How We Rank The Best Sportsbooks In AR
Can’t decide on a sports betting site? Our team of gambling experts spent hundreds of hours testing online sportsbooks available in Arkansas. Here are some of the criteria they use:
Availability In Arkansas
Every betting site included on this page is available to bettors in Arkansas. Our experts test IP addresses and ensure there are no laws preventing AR residents from accessing the sites.
Safety & Security
Security is non-negotiable for online betting sites. We verify the presence of security certificates, account protection, safe deposits and withdrawals.
Bonuses & Promotions
Our sports betting experts separate great bonuses from duds by checking the terms and conditions. This means we highlight only the best welcomes bonuses, contests, and promotions for Arkansas bettors.
Arkansas Sports Coverage
We make sure the bookies we recommend cover more than just the pro leagues. Betting markets for college sports, entertainment events and other popular sports in AK are a must.
Customer Support
No Arkansan wants to spend hours resolving a problem with a bonus or deposit. Our reviewers pick online sportsbooks with great customer service.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas legalized online sports betting in 2021. There are three mobile sportsbooks, one for each of the retail casinos in AR:
- Betly
- Oaklawn Sports
- Bet Saracen
Offshore sports betting sites also welcome players from Arkansas. They are legal in their offshore jurisdictions. These sites remain popular as they often offer generous bonuses and a wider variety of betting options.
Laws Governing Sports Betting In Arkansas
Retail sports betting became legal in Arkansas in late 2018. These laws followed the rejection of PASPA by the Supreme Court in 2018, allowing states to regulate sports betting within their borders. The AK Bill 100 licensed four casinos, with retail sports betting available in three.
At the time of writing, retail sportsbooks are available at Oaklawn Casino, Southlands, and Saracen.
In late 2021, the Arkansas Racing Commission amended their rules to license mobile sports betting. Up to two licenses per casino are available.
Who Regulates Sports Betting In Arkansas?
The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates sports betting in AR. This body oversees all forms of gambling in the Natural State. The Arkansas Problem Gambling Council oversees responsible gambling. It also assists individuals that may develop issues with their gambling activity.
Are Betting Winnings Taxed In Arkansas?
Yes, profits from individual sports betting are classed as income and taxed at 3%. The bookies themselves are taxed 51% on revenue, which is one of the highest rates in the country.
Every Retail Sportsbook In Arkansas
There are three retail sportsbook locations in Arkansas. Each of the three live casinos features sports betting. Opening hours vary and are based on major leagues being in-season. Kiosks and mobile sports betting allow wagering around the clock.
| Sportsbook | Address | Sports Betting Available |
|---|---|---|
| Oaklawn Casino | 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | Yes |
| Saracen Casino | 1 Saracen Resort Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601, | Yes |
| Southland Casino | 1550 Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, AR 72301 | Yes |
Step-By-Step Guide For Betting In Arkansas
Placing bets on online sportsbooks has never been easier. Mobile software does not require downloading and you simply have to navigate to the correct website to start betting. Here’s a look at the basic process:
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There are plenty of different options for online sportsbooks. We recommend you choose one with a rock-solid reputation for security and decent sign-up bonuses. There are several high-quality online sportsbooks listed on this page.
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Creating an account on a new sportsbook requires inputting a username and providing an email address.
From there, you’ll usually need to verify your account by providing some personal information. This typically includes your legal name, home address, phone number, and age.
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The next step is to fund your account. Online sportsbooks accept various payment methods, including bank transfer and credit card. Cryptocurrency is almost always the fastest and cheapest method for depositing.
It’s at this point you should enter your bonus code if you have one.
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Once your deposit has been received, you are ready to start betting. Modern sportsbooks have a huge portfolio of betting lines, so take your time to navigate the site and learn about betting types.
Responsible Gambling In Arkansas
We encourage you to gamble responsibly and consider online betting as a form of entertainment, not a source of income. Set loss limits and time limits, and don’t bet more than you’re comfortable losing.
Here are some resources to help you, or someone you care about, gamble responsibly and get help:
National Responsible Gambling Resources
- The Sports Geek’s Responsible Gambling Guide
- AGA Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct (as supported by the NBA)
- Have A Game Plan– Complete Responsible Gambling Resource
- Gamble Responsibly America App (downloadable)
- KindBridge Behavioral Health
Arkansas Responsible Gambling Resources
For more on the AR sports betting regulations, try the quality resources linked below:
- Arkansas Racing Commission
- Chapter 5-66 of the AR Statutes (covers gambling activity)
- Arkansas Responsible Gambling Council
- Amendment 100 of 2018 which legalized sports betting in Arkansas.
Conclusion: Plenty Of Options For Sports Betting In Arkansas
Sports bettors in Arkansas have many options for online betting. Online sportsbooks are fully legal in the state, you can bet at Betly, Oaklawn Sports or Bet Saracen from anywhere in Arkansas. However, AR-based sportsbooks have their limits, and many bettors are left looking for more. These sportsbooks are also hit with a 51% tax on revenue, which has scared off some of the biggest operators.
In addition to the three AR online betting sites, offshore sites are available in Arkansas. They remain an excellent option for anyone seeking more action. We recommend BetUS as the best sportsbook overall. The site offers an exceptional portfolio of betting options. It’s also perfect for new bettors thanks to its educational resources. The site currently offers a very competitive 125% match on deposits up to $3,125.
