Arkansas sports betting has officially entered a new era. In a landmark decision on Thursday, the Arkansas Racing Commission voted unanimously to approve vendor licenses for industry giants DraftKings and FanDuel, clearing the way for an immediate launch across the Natural State. This pivotal move ends a years-long standoff regarding the state's unique revenue-sharing laws and introduces top-tier mobile sportsbook apps to Arkansans just days before the frenzy of March Madness 2026 betting begins.

Breaking Down the Historic Approval

For years, Arkansas bettors have been limited to local platforms like BetSaracen and Betly due to a regulatory framework that kept national operators at bay. That changed definitively this week. The Commission's 7-0 vote authorizes DraftKings and FanDuel to operate as technology partners for the state's existing casinos, fundamentally reshaping the market landscape.

Under the new agreements, FanDuel Arkansas will power the sports betting operations for Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs, effectively replacing the existing Oaklawn Sports app. Simultaneously, DraftKings has secured a partnership with Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis, taking over the technology behind the Betly platform. Both operators are preparing for an aggressive rollout, with downloads expected to be available within days.

The "Powered By" Solution: How They Cracked the Code

The primary hurdle preventing this US sports betting expansion into Arkansas was the state's "51% rule." This regulation mandates that local casinos retain the majority of net gaming revenue from mobile sports betting, a requirement that previously made the market financially unviable for major national brands that typically demand a higher share.

Vendor Status vs. Standalone Skins

To navigate this, DraftKings and FanDuel are not launching as independent "skins" but rather as vendors. This creative "Powered By" model allows the local casinos—Oaklawn and Southland—to retain the required 51% revenue share and legal control, while the national brands provide their superior interface, odds-making technology, and customer account management.

"We are excited to team up with Southland to bring our top-rated mobile sportsbook to Arkansas," said a DraftKings executive following the vote. This compromise creates a win-win: the state protects its local gaming interests, and bettors finally get access to the premier apps they have been demanding.

March Madness 2026: A Timing Masterstroke

The timing of this approval could not be more perfect. With the 2026 NCAA Tournament just around the corner, Arkansas is poised for a massive spike in wagering activity. Industry analysts predict the entry of these two giants could expand the state's betting handle by up to five times its current volume.

Bettors can expect a significant upgrade in their wagering options. Unlike the previous local offerings, the DraftKings Arkansas launch and FanDuel Arkansas promo offers will likely include:

  • Deep markets on player props and live, in-game betting.
  • Same-game parlay (SGP) technology that has become a standard nationwide.
  • Lucrative sign-up bonuses and "No Sweat First Bet" promotions typical of major launches.

Market Reaction and Opposition

While the mood among bettors is celebratory, the transition hasn't been without friction. Saracen Casino Resort, which operates the market-leading BetSaracen app, voiced strong opposition to the approval. Saracen officials argued that the new vendor agreements might violate the spirit of the 51% rule, suggesting that national brands would eventually exert too much control over the state's gaming ecosystem.

Despite these protests, the Arkansas Racing Commission sided with expansion, prioritizing consumer choice and the potential for increased tax revenue. As the mobile sportsbook apps go live, all eyes will be on how quickly the market share shifts from local incumbents to the new national powerhouses.