Arkansas sports wagering was legislated in November 2018 - 6 months after the federal restriction on sports betting was raised in the United States. After a number of failed attempts to bring mobile sports betting to the Land of Opportunity, Arkansans finally saw online sportsbooks show up in March 2022.

Here's a peek into Arkansas' sports wagering journey:

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

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

Feb. 19, 2026: FanDuel and DraftKings could be operating sports betting in Arkansas before completion of February.

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

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

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

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

Sept. 2, 2022: The Oaklawn Sports mobile app launches in Arkansas, becoming the state's 3rd legal online choice.

Aug. 23, 2022: Kambi extends its collaboration with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. The brand-new agreement 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 officially goes live. It is only the second legal Arkansas sports wagering 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, citing problems with 'partners, suppliers, and screening labs' as the cause of the hold-up.

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

March 4, 2022: Legal online Arkansas sports betting is officially allowed to begin, however the state's three gambling establishments aren't yet ready to provide it. The casinos are still expected to release mobile sportsbooks before March Madness.

Feb. 22, 2022: Arkansas' mobile sports betting rules are officially approved 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 modifications to betting guidelines that would enable legal online sports wagering in Arkansas. The proposed rules advance to the state legislature's joint budget plan committee for a final vote.

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

Dec. 30, 2021: The Arkansas Racing Commission authorizes modifications to Arkansas' casino gaming guidelines to permit mobile sports wagering. The proposed changes would see online operators partner with and surrender 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' first legal sports bet as general manager Wayne Smith chooses 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 ballot effort to legalize casino video gaming. Retail sports wagering is included in the effort.