While many bettors in the state still utilize trusted offshore betting sites, the two mobile sports betting powerhouses, DraftKings and FanDuel, both delayed entering the Arkansas market, but since launching in mid-March, both leading brands have seized control and bolstered betting activity throughout the state.
Sportsbook Giants Fuel Betting Boom
DraftKings and FanDuel received unanimous approval to enter the Arkansas market in February. Their delayed entry stemmed from state regulations requiring casinos to retain at least 51% ownership and control of revenue generated through sportsbook partnerships. As we frequently see when monitoring state-by-state sports betting to bring you the best options and odds, those rules kept both mobile sports betting powerhouses out of Arkansas for more than four years.
Arkansas sportsbooks surpassed the $100 million betting-handle mark in April, reaching that milestone for the first time since both FanDuel and DraftKings completed their first full month of operations in the state.
FanDuel, operating through Oaklawn, emerged as the market leader, generating nearly $53 million in wagers and accounting for more than half of the statewide handle. DraftKings, partnered with Southland Casino, followed with approximately $35.6 million in bets.
The strong April results continued the momentum seen in March, when FanDuel and DraftKings launched in the state. Although both platforms were active for only the final 12 days of that month, they still captured over 60% of the total betting handle.
Since the nation’s sports betting duopoly, DraftKings and FanDuel, entered the Arkansas market, Saracen, the Pine Bluff-based gambling giant, is now the only Arkansas casino without a national partner for its sports betting app.
In April 2025, Saracen led all Arkansas digital sportsbooks, boasting a $26 million handle, but this April, with the emergence of DraftKings and FanDuel added to the mix, Saracen’s handle was cut in half to $13.8 million and has plummeted to third, according to figures released by the Arkansas Racing Commission.
Carlton Saffa, Chief Market Officer at Saracen Casino, said, “Our sports betting numbers, we are seeing some changes. And that’s okay.”
“BetSaracen is an Arkansas-built product built by Arkansans for Arkansans to bet on,” Saffa said. “We even market it that way. We don’t bring in out-of-state celebrities. We don’t push folks from other places down your throat all over Instagram and television.”
Tax Revenue Remains Modest
While betting activity has grown rapidly, tax collections have yet to see the same level of success. DraftKings reported negative net revenue for the second consecutive month, making it the only sportsbook in the state operating at a loss. Since its launch, DraftKings’ partner, Southland, has recorded losses exceeding $9 million.
FanDuel posted positive revenue in April, improving on its March performance. However, revenue totaled only $1.2 million, resulting in a hold rate of just 2.3%.
Arkansas regulators do not require operators to disclose promotional spending, but both companies have indicated they are investing heavily to attract customers and expand their user bases. These promotional efforts likely contributed to the low hold percentages and reported losses. In our commitment to guiding you safely through these expanding markets, we always look for platforms that connect players with responsible wagering resources and gambling support organizations.
Flutter, FanDuel’s parent company, stated it expects to spend roughly $20 million in Arkansas, while DraftKings said its investment would be in the low double-digit millions.
At present, Arkansas places no restrictions on the amount that operators can deduct for promotional spending. However, lawmakers could revisit that policy through future legislation.
