Arkansas sports betting was legislated in November 2018 - 6 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 lastly saw online sportsbooks arrive in March 2022.

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

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

Feb. 26, 2026: Arkansas regulators unanimously approved FanDuel and DraftKings to launch mobile sportsbooks through collaborations with Oaklawn and Southland gambling establishments.

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

April 1, 2025: An expense to legalize genuine money online casino gaming platforms in Arkansas didn't advance out of a preliminary committee hearing, underscoring its stalled momentum in the legislature.

March 20, 2025: Arkansas legislators are taking a run at legalizing online casinos and prohibiting sweepstakes video gaming.

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

Feb. 16, 2024: Several states, including Arkansas, sent out cease-and-desists letters to everyday 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 alternative.

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

May 10, 2022: After months of delay, Saracen Casino Resort's BetSaracen mobile app officially goes live. It is just 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 wished to go live for March Madness, mentioning problems with 'partners, vendors, and screening labs' as the cause of the hold-up.

March 5, 2022: Betly ends up being the very first legal online sportsbook to go reside in Arkansas.

March 4, 2022: Legal online Arkansas sports wagering is formally allowed to start, however the state's three gambling establishments aren't yet ready to offer it. The gambling establishments are still expected to launch mobile sportsbooks before March Madness.

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

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

Jan. 25, 2022: The Arkansas Racing Commission removes mobile sports betting from the legal agenda, asking for the upgraded guideline be discussed at a future conference. The last-minute hold-up will prevent the state from launching 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 changes would see online operators partner with and give up 51% of revenues to regional casinos.

Jan. 28, 2020: Betly sportsbook introduces 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' very first legal sports bet as basic manager Wayne Smith picks the Dallas Cowboys to beat the New york city Giants in the first video game of the 2018-19 NFL season.

November 2018: State citizens authorize a tally effort to legislate gambling establishment video gaming. Retail sports is consisted of in the effort.