Arkansas Sportsbook Locations
About Arkansas Sports Betting
The state legalized sports betting in November 2018, and since then, three casinos in Arkansas have opened sportsbooks, allowing residents and visitors to place bets on sports such as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more.
In addition to the physical locations, Arkansas has approved online sports betting, and as of April 2022, two online sportsbooks, Southland’s Betly brand and BetSaracen, are available in the state. Other sportsbook apps are expected to debut in Arkansas in the near future.
Arkansas Retail & Online Sportsbooks
A Wager on the Natural State: A History of Sports Betting in Arkansas (2014-2024)
Arkansas’ relationship with sports betting has been a rollercoaster ride, oscillating between strict prohibition and cautious embrace. While horse racing and its accompanying pari-mutuel wagering enjoyed a long foothold in the state, other forms of sports betting remained shrouded in legal ambiguity until recently. Here’s a glimpse into the last decade of this evolving story:
2014: Seeds of Change Planted: Amidst a nationwide wave of sports betting legalization efforts, Arkansas saw its first legislative push towards retail sports betting. House Bill 1949, spearheaded by Representative Rick Crawford, aimed to legalize sports betting at four licensed casinos. However, the bill failed to gain traction amidst concerns about potential social and economic ramifications.
2018: Public Approval Paves the Way: The landscape shifted dramatically in 2018. Voters overwhelmingly approved Issue 4 on the ballot, amending the state constitution to legalize retail sports betting at two licensed casinos in Pope and Miller counties, with the possibility of two more licenses being granted later. This historic decision marked a turning point, reflecting a growing public acceptance of regulated sports betting.
2019: Brick-and-Mortar Bets Begin: Following months of regulatory establishment, doors opened for the first legal sports bets in July 2019 at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs and Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis. The initial offerings focused primarily on major professional sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
2020-2021: Mobile Momentum Mounts: While retail sports betting witnessed modest growth, the public yearned for the convenience of mobile wagering. Legislators, aware of the potential economic benefits, explored various bills to authorize online sportsbooks. However, concerns about tax rates, competition with existing casinos, and responsible gambling measures stalled progress.
2022: Mobile Mania Arrives: Finally, in March 2022, mobile sports betting became a reality. The Arkansas Racing Commission approved rules allowing each casino to partner with up to two online sportsbook operators. Betway, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Saracen Casino Resort’s own app entered the fray, offering a wider range of betting options and propelling the industry forward.
Present Day: Growth and Beyond: Arkansas’ sports betting market is still young, but the early signs are promising. Handle (total amount wagered) and revenue figures are steadily increasing, with 2023 already surpassing the previous year’s record. The addition of new sports, like pickleball, and innovative features like in-play betting further entice bettors.
Arkansas Sportsbook Reviews
Looking Ahead: While online sports betting has brought a significant boost, some aspects remain in flux. The 51% tax rate continues to be debated, with some stakeholders arguing for a reduction to attract more operators and bettors. The possibility of expanding licenses to additional casinos and introducing alternative forms of gambling like daily fantasy sports remains under consideration.
Conclusion: In just ten years, Arkansas’ sports betting landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. From complete prohibition to a regulated market embracing both retail and mobile options, the journey reflects a shift in public perception and the pursuit of potential economic benefits. As the industry evolves, Arkansas will continue to navigate the balance between responsible gambling, maximizing revenue, and ensuring a competitive market. Perhaps, in the next decade, we’ll see further expansion and refinement, solidifying Arkansas’ place in the ever-growing world of legal sports betting.
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