Legal Sports Gambling In Arkansas
While Arkansas doesn’t have any professional sports teams in any of the major leagues, it does have an NCAA Division 1 team in the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Regardless of the lack of professional sports teams, Arkansas residents can still place bets on their favorite sports teams by using one of the online sportsbooks that we’ve recommended.
Placing bets on sports has a few regulations and restrictions attached to it, however this guide will inform you on those restrictions and how they affect Arkansas residents. It will also show you to how safely place bets with legal sportsbooks that are licensed to provide betting services online.
Is It Legal To Bet On Sports in Arkansas In 2024
We have good news, and we have bad news. The bad news is that it is not legal to own or operate any type of sports betting business within the state of Arkansas. This includes both online and offline betting opportunities.
The good news is that there are no state or federal laws that prohibit Arkansas bettors from enjoying online sports wagering at destinations that are legally licensed, regulated and located offshore, outside of the United States. The sportsbooks listed in this guide are all legitimate offshore sportsbooks operating legally within the industry.
Best Online Sports Betting Sites For Arkansas Residents In 2024
Here we have listed our top recommendations for Arkansas friendly sportsbook destinations that are operating legally within the industry, and that provide a premium betting experience. We have analyzed each of these brands for legitimacy and quality. They all offer mobile betting apps, live in play betting and advanced security protocols. We can recommend them without hesitation.
| Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Rating /5 | USA | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $1,000 | 4.9 | Yes | Play Now |
| Betonline Sportsbook | 50% Max $1,000 | 4.6 | Yes | Play Now |
| Sportsbetting.ag | 50% Max $1,000 | 4.6 | Yes | Play Now |
Which US Gambling Laws Affect Sports Betting In Arkansas?
According to Arkansas state law, state based sports betting is illegal. In regards to federal laws, there is the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that prohibits state-sponsored sports betting in all except four specific regions, and Arkansas is not one of them. The Federal Wire Act prohibits Americans from placing bets on sports online. When state licensed online casino and poker gambling began to emerge, the DOJ confirmed the application of the Federal Wire Act, stating that the law only applies to US based online sports betting.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) pertains to banks and their processing of gambling related transactions. The law is not directed towards individual gamblers, and does not make it a crime for anyone in Arkansas or anywhere else in the US to bet on sports online. This law specifically addresses gambling business owners and operators as well as US banks and payment processors.
All of these laws relate to state-licensed sports books. The offshore sportsbooks that we recommend for Arkansas residents operate outside of the jurisdiction of the US Federal Government. That being said, Arkansas residents are not breaking any laws by placing bets with these legally sanctioned online sportsbooks.
Popular Teams to Bet On in Arkansas
The Arkansas Razorbacks play in the SEC, a conference that’s filled with incredibly talented teams. Teams like Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama are just a couple of examples of teams that make up the SEC. While Arkansas might not be the best team in the conference, they can still be considered a safe bet against some of the other SEC teams. In addition, they’re also hometown favorites for Arkansas residents.
FAQs About Betting On Sports
Can I Bet On College Sports In Arkansas?
Yes. The offshore sportsbooks that we recommend offer bets on NCAA sports. You can place a future bet on who you think will win the National Championship in 2018, or you can wait until the start of the season and start betting on individual games. With college sports you can usually only bet on basketball and football.
How Do I Place A Bet Online?
When looking over the sportsbooks, you will see there is a strong selection of wagering options and bets you can place. Once you find a line that you’d like to bet on, simply click on it and you will see it a bet slip pop up in the top left corner of your screen. Once you’re ready, you can confirm the bets on your slip. After you confirm, all bets are final.
How Does a Bet Slip Work?
Bet slips track all of the bets you’re making as you make them. You can find your bet slip in the top left or right corner of your screen in most cases. Some sportsbooks will show you how much you stand to win if you win your wager. Once you are satisfied with the bets you’ve placed, simply confirm the bets on the bet slip and they will be considered final.
Can I Bet With These Sportsbooks Even If My State Doesn’t Have Any Local Teams?
Yes. Just because there are no professional sports teams in Arkansas does not restrict residents from placing bets using one of these sportsbooks. You can bet on any team in almost any league. You can bet on football, hockey, baseball, basketball, international sports and much much more. Different sportsbooks will have different bets and cover different sports categories, so be sure to thoroughly check all of the bets that are available to you.
Are Sportsbooks That Accept Arkansas Residents Legal?
Yes. These offshore sportsbooks that we’ve recommended for Arkansas residents are all legally sanctioned and operated. These sportsbooks are marketed for American bettors, giving US residents the chance to get in on the sports betting action without having to travel to Las Vegas. These sportsbooks are unaffected by PASPA, the Federal Wire Act and the UIGEA, so Arkansas residents can place bets safely and legally.
Are There Any Membership Dues?
No. These offshore sportsbooks don’t have any sign-up fees or monthly membership dues. The only money being spent is the money bettors use to place bets. If you keep winning your bets, then technically there’s no money being spent at all.
What About Customer Service?
For the sportsbooks featured in this guide, customer service is a priority. Most offer a Live Chat function where you can instantly address any issues or concerns with a representative. There are also mobile app versions of these sportsbooks offered to customers for their convenience. These sportsbooks have bonuses where bettors can get free money to play with throughout the year. Their goal is to retain you as a customer, so there are frequent incentives for you to keep betting with them.