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Although not the highest total in the US, Arkansas sports betting is showing signs of life. Recently, the state recorded its highest-grossing month in its short history collecting $30.5 million in sports betting handle for November.
Online sports betting in Arkansas began in March 2022, while retail betting launched in January.
Slow and steady
According to data from the Department of Finance and istration (DFA), the November betting handle was double the $12.60 million recorded in June.
Arkansas is in a unique position. To the North and West, it borders Missouri and Oklahoma, each lacking legal, regulated sports betting options. The state is also near Texas, which is slowly trying to expand gambling but might not do so until 2023.
Then there are states like Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, each having its own regulated sports betting market. Despite all the competition, Arkansas has been ing month-over-month growth.
Limited sports betting options
Although the DFA did not break down the sports betting numbers for November, the department said that over $20 million of the $26.87 million collected in October, was wagered through online sports betting apps.
There are only three online sports betting options in the state.
- Oaklawn Sports mobile app – Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
- BetSaracen – Saracen Casino Resort
- Betly Sportsbook – Southland Casino
The Oaklawn Sports app is the newest addition, having launched in September.
Unfortunately for residents and visitors looking for more online gambling options, mobile sports betting is as good as it gets.
Arkansas gaming rules do not allow for online casino or online poker play. Although there is a chance a legislative committee and the state racing commission could make changes to the rules, it seems unlikely at this time.
Since sports betting first came to the state in January, the DFA reported that more than $124 million had been wagered. Arkansas sports bettors were limited to retail wagering between January and March 2022.
