Betting Bonus Arkansas Welcomes FanDuel and DraftKings
Fanduel and Draftkings live in Arkansas news

Arkansas Welcomes FanDuel and DraftKings

FanDuel & DraftKings became the first national sportsbook brands to launch in Arkansas on March 20, 2026. Their launch marks the end of a long-running deadlock, during which online betting was limited to platforms operated by land-based casinos since its legalization in 2019.
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Written by Albert Bonus & Sweepstakes Specialist
Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Approval by the Arkansas State Racing Commission

On March 20, 2026, FanDuel and DraftKings became the first national sportsbooks to enter Arkansas, after finally securing approval by the Arkansas State Racing Commission in February. This approval comes after two of the state's three tribal casinos agreed to partner with these sportsbook giants. The landscape for betting in Arkansas will undergo a drastic change, as Arkansas players are finally able to test their skill and luck at some of the biggest platforms in the industry. 

Tribal Partnered Sportsbooks Only

Online sports betting has been legal in Arkansas since 2019, but the market has been strictly limited to in-state operators, due to legislation protecting the local native tribes. In addition to licensing approval by the Arkansas State Racing Commission, sportsbooks also need to partner with one of the state's three tribal casinos.

The three options until now have all been in-state brands operated by the local casinos:

  • Betly by Southland Casino
  • BetSaracen by Saracen Casino
  • Oaklawn Sportsbook by Oaklawn Casino

FanDuel Arkansas - Through Oaklawn Casino

Founded in Scotland in 2009, FanDuel have become so ingrained in the U.S. betting scene that they decided to move their headquarters and go all-in in the USA. The American people have embraced them with open arms, making them the number one most popular sportsbook in the country. Arkansas residents will now have access to FanDuel's sportsbook.

Karol Corcoran, the Managing Director of FanDuel Sportsbook, said regarding the launch, "Arkansas is home to passionate sports fans and represents an important growth market for our business. Customers can expect an easy-to-use app, exciting promotions, fast payouts, and our market-leading live betting and parlay experience, all delivered through a safe and secure platform."

FanDuel launches in Arkansas through a new partnership with Oaklawn Casino, while Oaklawn continues to operate their own sportsbook.

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FanDuel's Sign-Up Bonus in Arkansas
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DraftKings Arkansas - Through Southland Casino

Founded back in 2012 in Massachusetts, DraftKings has undergone a transformation from a DFS-only platform to one of the leading sports betting brands in the United States, with a presence in every state. Their portfolio includes not only a sportsbook, but daily fantasy, pick'em and predictions, all in the same platform. 

DraftKings has chosen to partner up with Southland, making them one of Southland Casino's two registered partners, along with Betly.

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DraftKings' Sign-Up Bonus in Arkansas
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Ends 4/6/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Must be physically located in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY or WV (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/KY/WY/PR). New Customers Only.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 4/6/26 at 11:59 PM ET.
Albert says...
The Future of Betting in Arkansas

The entry of FanDuel and DraftKings will likely increase overall market activity in Arkansas, especially as national brands bring technology, marketing and promotions that smaller, in-state operators can't match. If these launches prove successful, we may see additional national sportsbooks seeking partnerships in the state, as companies look to capture a share of Arkansas' growing betting market.