DraftKings, FanDuel Arkansas Launch Date Not Set; Saracen Seeks Online Casino Gaming

Article By

Larry Henry

Last Updated: Mar 18^th, 2026

DraftKings, FanDuel Arkansas Launch Date Not Set; Saracen Seeks Online Casino Gaming

The Arkansas Racing Commission has not given final approval to allow new sports betting platforms powered by DraftKings and FanDuel to begin operating statewide. That means no launch date has been set for these national platforms.

“The state’s review of the contracts and related details continues,” Scott Hardin, commission spokesman, told Gambling.com. “We have not issued approval to launch to either company.”

Saracen Seeks Approval For Online Casino Gaming

Though a launch date might be discussed at the commission meeting on Thursday, March 19, a separate issue regarding Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff is on the agenda. Saracen is seeking the commission’s approval to operate an on-site iGaming mobile app.

“Those on property could play casino games on a mobile device,” Hardin said. “It’s unclear if (the commission) will vote on it, but it will be a discussion topic.”

During the last legislative session in Little Rock, Carlton Saffa, Saracen’s chief market officer, sought approval for statewide iGaming, allowing cellphone and computer users to play traditional casino games such as craps and blackjack for real money anywhere in Arkansas. Lawmakers rejected that effort.

Saffa’s new proposal would permit iGaming only if a user is on Saracen’s property.

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March Madness Targeted For DraftKings, FanDuel Launch

Last month, the seven-member commission unanimously granted approval for two of Arkansas’ three licensed casinos to partner with DraftKings and FanDuel to operate new mobile platforms in the state.

Under that approval, DraftKings will partner with Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis. FanDuel is joining with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs. Saracen has chosen to continue operating its BetSaracen mobile platform without a national partner.

To date, the names of the new apps have not be released publicly, though they could contain Oaklawn and Southland branding with “powered by” DraftKings and FanDuel labeling.

Meanwhile, the current apps from (Oaklawn Sports) and Southland (Betly Sportsbook Arkansas) will be discontinued after the final bets are settled. Bettors will be required to download the new apps.

Oaklawn’s horse racing wagering app, Oaklawn Anywhere, will continue operating in its current format. It is not impacted by the FanDuel partnership.

When the commission approved the partnerships in late February, a tentative launch date was set for March Madness. There is still time for that to be met. The final game is April 6.

However, the DraftKings- and FanDuel-powered online platforms are not expected to be available to bettors statewide in time for the Arkansas Razorbacks' first March Madness game this week.

On Thursday, March 19, the Razorbacks face the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, during the opening round of the 68-team tournament. Tipoff is set for 3:25 CT on TBS.

In the next round, the Arkansas-Hawaii winner faces the winner of the Wisconsin-High Point game.

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