Arkansas officially launched legal sports betting in July 2022, but the rollout of mobile wagering has been a more gradual process․ This article provides a detailed look at the current state of mobile betting in Arkansas, including available options, legal framework, and future outlook․ Currently, it’s a unique system compared to most states․
The Current Landscape (February 2024)
Unlike most states where multiple operators compete for market share, Arkansas currently allows only one mobile sports betting app: SaracenBET․ This is due to the state’s unique regulatory structure․ Saracen Casino Resort is the sole provider of mobile wagering within state lines․ Betly, associated with the Cherokee Casino & Hotel, also offers mobile betting, but only on-site at the casino itself – not statewide․
SaracenBET: The Sole Statewide Mobile Option
SaracenBET, operated by Saracen Casino Resort, is available for both iOS and Android devices․ Users must be 21 or older and physically located within Arkansas state borders to place bets․ The app offers a range of betting options on major professional and collegiate sports, including:
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
- College Football
- College Basketball
- And more…
SaracenBET also features standard betting types like moneyline, spread, over/under, and parlays․ Promotional offers and bonuses are frequently available․
Legal Framework & Regulations
Arkansas’s sports betting law, Act 409 of 2021, initially permitted in-person betting at casinos․ The law allowed for mobile betting, but stipulated that it must be tied to a physical casino license․ This led to the current situation where each casino can operate a single mobile app, but only Saracen has expanded statewide access․
Key Regulations:
- Age Restriction: 21+
- Location Requirement: Must be physically located within Arkansas
- Tax Rate: 10% on adjusted gross revenue
- Casino Partnerships: Mobile betting is exclusively linked to casino licenses․
Future of Mobile Betting in Arkansas
The future of mobile betting in Arkansas remains somewhat uncertain․ There’s ongoing discussion about potentially opening up the market to more operators․ However, any changes would require legislative action․ Currently, there’s no clear timeline for expansion․ The limited competition has resulted in lower tax revenue than anticipated in some projections․
Potential Changes to Consider:
- Expanding Operator Licenses: Allowing more casinos to offer statewide mobile apps․
- Competitive Bidding: Introducing a system where operators can bid for licenses․
- Relaxing Tie-In Requirements: Separating mobile licenses from physical casino licenses (less likely)․
How to Get Started with SaracenBET
If you’re in Arkansas and want to bet on sports via mobile, here’s how to get started with SaracenBET:
- Download the SaracenBET app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)․
- Create an account by providing the required information․
- Verify your identity․
- Make a deposit using one of the available payment methods․
- Start betting!
