FanDuel in Arkansas: How It Works and What It Means
Arkansas residents and visitors can now place sports bets through the newly branded Oaklawn Sports powered by FanDuel, bringing together Oaklawn’s trusted legacy and FanDuel’s industry-leading sportsbook technology in one seamless platform.
With Arkansas, FanDuel Sportsbook is now live in 26 markets and opens its second new market in four months, following Missouri's launch in December.
“Arkansas is home to passionate sports fans and represents an important growth market for our business," said Karol Corcoran, Managing Director, Sportsbook at FanDuel. "Customers can expect an easy-to-use app, exciting promotions, fast payouts, and our market-leading live betting and parlay experience, all delivered through a safe and secure platform."
Arkansas Sports Betting History
Arkansas’ gambling landscape shifted dramatically in November 2018 when voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing full casino operations, which included sports betting in select retail locations.
Mobile betting took a bit longer to arrive. In December 2021, the Arkansas Racing Commission—responsible for regulating thoroughbred racing and online gaming in the state—unanimously voted to expand to online sports gambling. However, the state requires mobile sportsbooks to partner with a licensed, brick-and-mortar casino to operate. Each brick-and-mortar can deploy two mobile sportsbook platforms.
Arkansas continues to operate under this structure, with three license holders in the state— one of which being Oaklawn Sports.
About Oaklawn
Oaklawn Sports operates within Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, a legendary Hot Springs venue that’s been at the heart of Thoroughbred racing for over a century.
Each spring, the track hosts the Grade I Arkansas Derby—one of the most prestigious Kentucky Derby prep races in the country.
Many will remember American Pharoah in 2015 dominated at Oaklawn before becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years and the only Oaklawn-raced horse to capture it.
In July 2019, Oaklawn expanded its legacy by becoming Arkansas's first legal sportsbook. Now, as of February 2026, the Oaklawn Sports app is powered by FanDuel, offering comprehensive betting options including prop bets, parlays, and in-game betting.
“As we considered the future evolution of our mobile offering, we were determined to deliver our customers the exceptional, high-quality experience they rightfully anticipate from the Oaklawn brand,” said Wayne Smith, General Manager of Oaklawn. “This partnership with FanDuel enables us to provide our online patrons with the superior, industry-leading experience they truly deserve.”
As part of the partnership, FanDuel has also donated $100,000 to the Oaklawn Foundation to support its community impact efforts. The foundation provides programs and scholarships for Garland County students and senior citizens.
What Does This Mean for Arkansas Residents?
Arkansas residents now have access to FanDuel's comprehensive betting markets on major sports teams, players, and events, operating within a regulated framework that supports the local community and the state's established racing industry.
Customers can also use FanDuel’s responsible gaming tools designed to help them play with a plan, including deposit limits, time limits, and My Spend dashboard so they can monitor their game plan effectively.
Who Can Sign Up and How
Placing bets in the state requires users to be at least 21 years old and physically located in Arkansas. The app is available for download through the iOS App Store or Google Play Store simply as FanDuel Sportsbook. It's also accessible via the Oaklawn Sports website.
During registration, bettors provide basic information, including their name, date of birth, and address, for identity verification. The app uses geolocation technology to confirm users are within state boundaries before enabling any betting activity.
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