Arkansas sports wagering was legalized in November 2018 - six months after the federal ban on sports betting was raised in the United States. After numerous failed attempts to bring mobile sports wagering to the Land of Opportunity, Arkansans finally saw online sportsbooks show up in March 2022.

Here's a glimpse into Arkansas' sports betting journey:

March 20, 2026: After both FanDuel and DraftKings secured licenses in Arkansas last month, both books launched in the Natural State March 20th.

Feb. 26, 2026: Arkansas regulators unanimously authorized FanDuel and DraftKings to release mobile sportsbooks through collaborations with Oaklawn and Southland casinos.

Feb. 19, 2026: FanDuel and DraftKings might be running sports wagering in Arkansas before completion of February.

April 1, 2025: A costs to legalize genuine cash online gambling establishment gaming platforms in Arkansas didn't advance out of a preliminary committee hearing, highlighting its stalled momentum in the legislature.

March 20, 2025: Arkansas lawmakers are taking a run at legalizing online casinos and banning sweepstakes gaming.

March 10, 2025: An Arkansas legislator is proposing constitutional modifications to casino video gaming which would permit online slots and table video games like blackjack and live roulette to be played.

Feb. 16, 2024: Several states, consisting of Arkansas, sent out cease-and-desists letters to day-to-day fantasy sports (DFS) operators Underdog and PrizePicks for providing unlicensed sports betting.

Sept. 2, 2022: The Oaklawn Sports mobile app launches in Arkansas, ending up being the state's 3rd legal online option.

Aug. 23, 2022: Kambi extends its collaboration with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. The brand-new arrangement includes Oaklawn's retail sportsbook and an online sportsbook service for the upcoming launch of 'Oaklawn Sports.'

May 10, 2022: After months of hold-up, Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app formally goes live. It is only the second legal Arkansas sports betting platform to launch.

March 23, 2022: Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app has yet to launch. The operator had hoped to go live for March Madness, pointing out issues with 'partners, suppliers, and screening labs' as the cause of the delay.

March 5, 2022: Betly becomes the very first legal online sportsbook to go live in Arkansas.

March 4, 2022: Legal online Arkansas sports betting is officially enabled to begin, but the state's three gambling establishments aren't yet prepared to offer it. The casinos are still anticipated to launch mobile sportsbooks before March Madness.

Feb. 22, 2022: Arkansas' mobile sports wagering guidelines are formally authorized by the state legislature's Joint Budget Committee. Online sports wagering is on track to release in time for March Madness.

Feb. 17, 2022: Lawmakers approve modifications to gambling rules that would permit for legal online sports betting in Arkansas. The proposed guidelines advance to the state legislature's joint budget plan committee for a last vote.

Jan. 25, 2022: The Arkansas Racing Commission eliminates mobile sports betting from the legal program, asking for the updated guideline be discussed at a future conference. The last-minute delay will avoid the state from releasing mobile sports betting before Super Bowl 56.

Dec. 30, 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission approves changes to Arkansas' casino video gaming rules to permit mobile sports betting. The proposed modifications would see online operators partner with and give up 51% of earnings to local casinos.

Jan. 28, 2020: Betly sportsbook launches a retail sportsbook in Southland Casino Racing.

Oct. 1, 2019: Saracen Casino resort opens Saracen Sportsbook, the second retail sportsbook in Arkansas.

July 1, 2019: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort takes Arkansas' first legal sports bet as general manager Wayne Smith selects the Dallas Cowboys to defeat the New York Giants in the first video game of the 2018-19 NFL season.

November 2018: State voters approve a tally initiative to legalize casino video gaming. Retail sports wagering is included in the effort.