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Arkansasans now have two options for legal wagering on sporting events in their state on web browsers. Betly, Arkansas is now live in the state for eligible bettors to peruse and use.
While that’s a significant development in of consumer choice, bettors in Arkansas still face limitations in comparison to their counterparts in other states. There is still no timeline for when that limitation might end, too.
Betly Arkansas goes online
According to a press release, Southland Casino Racing now offers online sports wagering through the Betly brand. Betly is a collaboration of Delaware North and GAMING1.
The brand is also available for online sports betting in West Virginia. Dave Wolf, general manager at Southland Casino Racing said:
“Adding the Betly online sportsbook to our gaming options lets us bring the excitement of sports betting to our patrons wherever they are and enhances the value of our successful retail sportsbook.
This is great news for both existing and future guests right across the great state of Arkansas.”
Before this launch, the only licensed online sportsbook available in Arkansas was BetSaracen. As the name suggests, that’s the self-branded online option for Saracen Casino Resort customers.
Both websites offer an array of betting markets, including lines on Arkansas Razorbacks and SEC basketball and football. Bettors new to Betly can claim a promotional offer with their first bet worth up to $250.
What neither Betly nor BetSaracen currently offers in Arkansas, however, are corresponding mobile applications. That situation may not be permanent, though.
Unknown dates for Arkansas sports betting apps
The Betly press release says, “the brand will be available on…iOS and Android apps.” BetSaracen’s home page features a graphic that states, “sports betting app coming soon.” Just how soon that soon is remained elusive.
Neither casino has confirmed any kind of a timeline in which bettors should expect mobile apps. Additionally, it seems that online sportsbooks with ready-made apps aren’t keen to get into Arkansas.
Online sports betting in Arkansas began in early March after the state government approved new rules allowing licensees to accept bets online. The rules allow casinos to choose to contract that service out. However, brands like BetMGM, DraftKings, etc., haven’t shown interest in such partnerships.
The likely reason is due to the national-high 51% revenue share such an online sportsbook would have to pay to the casino. Unless that rate declines, Arkansas casinos are probably going it alone.
So far, that’s produced two online sportsbooks with apps in the works. That isn’t ideal yet. For Arkansasans looking to bet online legally and safely, though, it’s superior to having to leave the state.
