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Arkansas Racing Commission approves DraftKings for online sportsbook launch

DraftKings will provide online sportsbook operations to Arkansas residents on behalf of Southland Casino Hotel, following the entities’ market access agreement.

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Arkansas Racing Commission approves DraftKings for online sportsbook launch
Key Points
Arkansas marks the 30th US state in which DraftKings operates regulated sports betting, having also recently expanded online services in Puerto Rico
DraftKings, along with FanDuel, originally submitted an application to operate in Arkansas’ regulated sports betting market on February 18

The Arkansas Racing Commission has officially approved DraftKings for licensure to conduct online wagering, now representing the 30th US state in which DraftKings operates regulated sports betting. 

The operator will provide online sports betting services to Arkansas residents on behalf of Southland Casino Hotel after previously forming a market access agreement with the retail property. 

“We’re excited to team up with Southland Casino Hotel to bring DraftKings’ top-rated mobile sportsbook to Arkansas and introduce fans to our best-in-class sports betting offering,” DraftKings EVP and GM of Sports Greg Karamitis said. 

“As March Madness approaches and several major sports are underway, we look forward to serving Arkansas customers with innovative features, including our (number one) live betting experience and a continued commitment to responsible gaming.”

DraftKings will offer its full range of online betting options in Arkansas, including same-game parlays, in-game wagering, special odds boosts, etc. The operator had previously launched its daily fantasy sports product in Arkansas, but received licensing for full online sportsbook capabilities. 

The operator, along with FanDuel, originally submitted separate applications to enter the regulated land-based Arkansas sports betting market on February 18. 

As specified under state law, approximately 51% of the online sports betting revenue generated in Arkansas by DraftKings will be retained by Southland Casino Hotel. 

DraftKings also expanded upon its Puerto Rico operations following the launch of its online sportsbook platform on February 23, having previously unveiled a retail sportsbook at Foxwoods El San Juan Casino during November 2025.

Those visiting Puerto Rico are still eligible to place wagers at the retail sportsbook located inside Foxwoods El San Juan Casino, which is currently owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

Good to know

A class action lawsuit filed in Massachusetts against DraftKings will move to class certification, class-wide discovery and trial following a denial of the operator’s motion for summary judgement on February 24

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