Two major U.S. gambling operators have submitted applications to offer mobile sports betting in Arkansas, potentially partnering with the state’s three licensed casinos. Approval from regulators would allow the companies to operate their apps under Arkansas’ revenue-sharing rules, bringing national brands to the state’s wagering market and offering more betting options for local players.
Potential Casino Partnerships
Scott Hardin, spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, explained that if regulators approve the applications, FanDuel and DraftKings could partner with any of the three existing casino sportsbooks: Oaklawn Casino in Hot Springs, Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff, and Southland Casino in West Memphis. Casinos may choose to co-brand the sportsbooks with these operators, while at least 51% of revenue must remain with the in-state casino partner.
Hardin added that it will be up to the Arkansas Racing Commission to schedule a meeting to consider the applications. Although no date has been finalized, discussions could take place later this month. The approval process will determine how quickly these national operators can enter the market and integrate their technology with existing casino platforms.
Currently, Arkansas allows up to six mobile operators, with two linked to each retail casino. Existing platforms include BetSaracen at Saracen Casino Resort, Betly Sportsbook at Southland Casino, and Oaklawn Sports at Oaklawn Casino. The limited operator pool has historically constrained revenue growth in the state, leaving local bettors with fewer options compared with neighboring states that allow more competitive platforms.
Revenue Comparisons and Market Constraints
In 2025, Arkansas residents wagered roughly $655 million. By comparison, Iowa — with a similar population — reported approximately $2.9 billion in handle, more than four times Arkansas’ total. Missouri, which has about twice Arkansas’ population, collected $543 million in wagers during its first month after launch in December 2025.
Arkansas’ slower growth is largely due to its mandatory 51% revenue share for third-party operators. This requirement leaves companies like FanDuel and DraftKings with slimmer profit margins than in other states, potentially limiting their incentive to enter the market. The new applications indicate that these operators now see commercial conditions or strategic expansion opportunities as viable enough to justify entry, particularly as state-by-state legalization of sports betting slows and national operators seek growth in underserved regions.
Moving Beyond Prediction Markets
Both DraftKings and FanDuel operate prediction market platforms across multiple states. In Arkansas, these platforms currently focus on financial contracts, such as commodities and economic indicators, rather than sports events. Choosing to enter through the regulated sportsbook framework — rather than rely on prediction markets — signals a deliberate push into Arkansas’ licensed sports betting market.
DraftKings is expected to partner with Southland Casino, while FanDuel would likely join Oaklawn Casino. If approved, both operators could begin offering mobile sports betting immediately, marking the first time national sportsbook brands would operate widely in Arkansas.
This expansion could provide local bettors with a broader selection, encourage greater participation, and increase statewide wagering revenue over time, aligning the state more closely with the offerings in neighboring markets and helping Arkansas remain competitive in the rapidly growing U.S. sports betting industry.
Source:
“FanDuel, DraftKings submit applications to partner with Arkansas casinos for sports betting”, nwahomepage.com, February 18, 2026
The post FanDuel and DraftKings Move to Enter Arkansas Sports Betting Market first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.