Arkansas Panel Delays Decision On DraftKings, FanDuel Launch, On-Site iGaming, Prop Bets
The Arkansas Racing Commission on Thursday delayed a decision on when to launch new DraftKings and FanDuel mobile apps statewide. The commission also postponed a decision on whether to allow Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff to introduce an on-site iGaming app. A separate decision on whether to ban prop bets on college athletes also was delayed.
During a scheduled meeting in Little Rock, the commission discussed but delayed action on the following thee items:
1. DraftKings, FanDuel Launch: When the commission in late February approved a proposal to allow national online bookmakers DraftKing and FanDuel to partner with licensed Arkansas casinos, state officials set the NCAA men's March Madness basketball tournament as the target go-live date. The tournament began this week and ends April 6 with the title game. (See schedule below.)
The commission's approval in February allows DraftKings to partner with Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis. FanDuel is joining with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs. Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff has chosen to continue operating its BetSaracen mobile platform without a national partner.
At Thursday's meeting, commissioners wanting the new apps to be launched during the March Madness tournament noted that the public has been interested in a start date during March Madness.
However, at the meeting on Thursday, Christy Bjornson, an attorney and regulatory administrator, aid several contract items remain under review, including a mandate that licensed casinos must operate sports betting in Arkansas. That means the proposed new apps must also carry Oaklawn and Southland branding, since DraftKings and FanDuel would be vendors under the partnerships. This requirement does not appear to be a major problem, according to the attorney.
Near the end of the meeting, the commission delayed a decision on the start date. One commissioner, Steven Anthony, said he would rather get the launch "right" than rush it.
A representative from Oaklawn said the casino is ready to launch when it gets the go-ahead from the commission.
The next regular monthly commission meeting is expected to be held on or around April 16, though a decision on the DraftKings, FanDuel apps could come sooner. That approval doesn't require a commission vote. Instead, the apps can be launched at any time upon approval from state Racing Commission staff regulators.
Online Casino Gaming, Prop Bet Ban Decisions Postponed
2. On-site iGaming App at Saracen: Saracen's chief market officer, Carlton Saffa, is seeking the commission's approval for a mobile app that guests at the resort can use on-site to play traditional casino games like craps and blackjack for real money. This iGaming app would not be available statewide. It would only be for use on Saracen's property.
During the meeting, a discussion arose about whether the app could be geofenced to allow its use only on the gaming floor. Also during the meeting, an Oaklawn representative said the resort is opposed to on-site and off-site iGaming. A Southland representative said officials there would look at the idea if Saracen's proposal is approved.
The commission made no decision Thursday regarding Saracen's proposal. A public forum on the matter was suggested by not scheduled.
3. Opposition To College Prop Bets: Toward the end of Thursday's meeting, a discussion arose regarding a possible commission vote to ban proposition bets on college athletics. A concern was expressed that college athletes might be tempted to alter their performance based on a prop bet.
Saffa said one solution might be to allow prop bets only on over-performance to ensure an athlete does not have an incentive to underperform. Saffa, who has opposed banning prop bets in the past, recommended the commission take a look at integrity compliance companies such as IC360 that can monitor betting irregularities indicating a player might be adjusting his or her performance based on a prop bet's over-under total.
A motion was put forth, but not acted upon, about banning college prop bets. Any action on prop bets was delayed with the understanding that a commission vote to ban prop bets would require legislative approval.
2026 NCAA Tournament Schedule
Below is this year’s remaining March Madness men's college basketball schedule, as posted on the ncaa.com website:
- First round: March 19-20
- Second round: March 21-22
- Sweet 16: March 26-27
- Elite Eight: March 28-29
- Final Four: April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
- NCAA championship game: April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
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