DraftKings, FanDuel OK'd To Go Live In Arkansas
DraftKings and FanDuel, in partnership with Arkansas casinos, have gotten the green light to go live statewide, authorities said.
Alex Lieblong, chairman of the Arkansas Racing Commission, told Gambling.com on Friday both apps are "up and running."
Arkansas bettors told Gambling.com on Friday they have been able to access the DraftKings and FanDuel apps in Arkansas.
Scott Hardin, commission spokesman, told Gambling.com both apps are authorized to go live.
"Both can launch when they are ready now," he said. "Regarding going live, they have taken the actions we required to align with the Racing Commission rules. The launch is now at their discretion. We will refer to the casinos on the details of those launches."
DraftKings has partnered with Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis. FanDuel has joined with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs.
Last month, the seven-member Arkansas Racing Commission unanimously granted approval for those two Arkansas licensed casinos to partner with DraftKings and FanDuel to operate new mobile platforms in the state. Arkansas' third licensed casino, Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, has chosen to continue operating its BetSaracen mobile platform without a national partner..
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. The 68-team tournament began this week and ends April 6 with the title game. (See schedule below.)
The March Madness start date is especially of interest locally to fans of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. On Thursday, the Razorbacks defeated the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and next face the High Point Panthers, winners of their tournament-opening gaming against the Wisconsin Badgers. The Arkansas-High Point game is set for Saturday, March 21, at 8:45 p.m. ET in Portland, Oregon. The game is being broadcast on TBS.
2026 NCAA Tournament Schedule
Below is this year’s March Madness men's college basketball schedule, as posted on the ncaa.com website:
- Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 15
- First Four: March 17-18
- 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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This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
