DraftKings, FanDuel Under Review In Arkansas, No Launch Date Set
In Arkansas, the new DraftKings and FanDuel sports betting apps, previously granted tentative approval for use statewide, remain under review . No launch date has been set.
Late this week, Scott Hardin, Arkansas Racing Commission spokesman, told Gambling.com the commission has not issued formal approval yet for these two national companies to begin operating in the state. The commission regulates all gambling in Arkansas, including casino gaming, sports betting and horse racing.
“Our review continues,” Hardin said.
In February, the seven-member commission voted unanimously to allow DraftKings and FanDuel to partner with two of Arkansas’ three licensed casinos in offering mobile sports betting platforms statewide. DraftKings is partnering with Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis. FanDuel is joining with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs.
Once the DraftKings and FanDuel apps receive formal approval, the current apps available from Oaklawn (Oaklawn Sports) and Southland (Betly Sportsbook Arkansas) will “go dark” after the last bet is settled, Hardin said.
At that point, users will be required to download the new partnership apps. Those apps have not been named publicly yet but are expected to have the casino’s brand name with a “powered by” DraftKings or FanDuel label.
Oaklawn’s horse racing betting app, Oaklawn Anywhere, will continue to operate under its current format. It will not be impacted by the FanDuel partnership.
The third Arkansas casino, Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, has chosen to continue operating its BetSaracen app without a national partner.
According to the commission, the goal has been to launch the new apps in time for the March Madness men's collegiate basketball tournament. That timeframe still can be met. The March Madness tournament runs from March 17 to April 6.
Once state regulators give the green light, Oaklawn and Southland can launch the new partnership mobile platforms in accordance with each casino's own preferred schedule.
March Madness Dates
Below is this year’s March Madness college basketball schedule, as posted on the ncaa.com website:
2026 NCAA tournament schedule, dates
- 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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