Arkansas casinos recorded a sharp rise in online sports betting activity after FanDuel and DraftKings entered the state through local casino partnerships. The increase followed new sportsbook launches tied to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Southland Casino Hotel. Online sports wagers in April reached about $52 million, showing how quickly national sportsbook brands changed the state’s betting market.
FanDuel and DraftKings changed the market
FanDuel launched in Arkansas through Oaklawn, while DraftKings entered through Southland. Both brands went live in March after approval from the Arkansas Racing Commission.
The new apps gave bettors more well-known sportsbook options alongside existing Arkansas platforms. That increased mobile activity after years when the state’s online market was led mainly by local casino-linked brands.
Saracen Casino had been the leading online sports betting operator in Arkansas. In April 2025, BetSaracen handled about $26 million in online wagers, more than any other casino sportsbook in the state at that time.
Saracen share falls as rivals grow
FanDuel and DraftKings changed the market share between Arkansas operators. Saracen’s online betting handle fell from its earlier leading position as Oaklawn and Southland gained more digital activity.
That shift shows the impact of national sportsbook brands in smaller state markets. Bettors often move quickly toward platforms they already know from advertising, fantasy sports or other regulated betting states. The change also gives Arkansas casinos a stronger online presence. Mobile betting is now more important than retail sportsbook activity, especially during major sports periods.
March launch had uneven results
The new partnerships had an early test during March Madness. Southland and Oaklawn posted strong mobile betting volume, but the launch period also brought short-term sportsbook losses after high payouts to customers.
Those results did not stop the wider growth. April showed how the market could perform after FanDuel and DraftKings had a full month of activity.
Arkansas keeps casino-linked model
Arkansas allows online sports betting through licensed casinos and their approved sportsbook partners. The state’s main casino operators are Saracen Casino Resort, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Southland Casino Hotel.
That model keeps online betting tied to local casino licences rather than opening the market to many standalone operators. It gives casinos control of market access while still allowing partnerships with major sportsbook brands.
