FanDuel And DraftKings Submit Arkansas Casino Partnership Applications

FanDuel and DraftKings have filed applications with the Arkansas Racing Commission seeking approval to operate as third party sportsbook partners tied to existing casino license holders.

Good to Know

• State law requires at least 51 percent of sportsbook revenue to flow to the local casino partner.
• Arkansas allows online sports betting but does not permit online casino gaming.
• Regulators could review applications later in the month, though no agenda listing has appeared yet.

Regulatory approval would allow both companies to launch mobile sportsbooks through co branded agreements with one of three licensed casinos in the state. Market entry could happen quickly, potentially as early as next week, depending on commission timing.

Arkansas law structures sports wagering around casino partnerships rather than standalone operator licenses. Any national sportsbook must connect to an in state property, sharing revenue and operating under that casino regulatory framework. That structure has shaped how outside operators approach the market since legalization.

FanDuel currently holds the largest share of the United States online sports betting market, offering mobile wagering across 26 states. DraftKings ranks close behind and already maintains a presence in Arkansas through daily fantasy sports. Approval of a sportsbook license would extend DraftKings sports betting footprint to a 27th jurisdiction.

Sports betting launched in Arkansas in 2022, with all activity routed through Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff, Oaklawn Casino in Hot Springs, and Southland Casino in West Memphis. Each property controls its own digital strategy under state rules.

Saracen and Oaklawn operate proprietary mobile betting platforms, while Southland works with Betly as its technology partner. Entry by FanDuel or DraftKings would introduce new brand competition but still require alignment with one of those casino licenses.

Online casino gaming remains illegal statewide. Lawmakers considered legislation last year that would have authorized iGaming through the same three casinos, yet the proposal stalled in committee and never advanced to a full vote. Any expansion beyond sports betting would require new legislative approval.

Applications from both operators have not yet appeared on a formal Arkansas Racing Commission meeting agenda, according to local reporting from KNWA in Little Rock. Timing of review therefore remains uncertain, even as operators prepare for potential launch windows.

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