FanDuel, DraftKings Apply to Partner With Casinos in Arkansas
FanDuel and DraftKings seek market access through existing Casinos in Arkansas.
Arkansas may soon see a major shakeup in its online sports betting market.
Industry heavyweights FanDuel and DraftKings have formally submitted applications to partner with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, signaling their intent to enter the state’s mobile wagering landscape.
Arkansas operates one of the more controlled sports betting frameworks in the country. Only three brick-and-mortar casinos are authorized to offer both retail and statewide mobile wagering:
- Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs
- Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff
- Southland Casino Hotel in West Memphis
Each property is allowed to operate a single mobile sportsbook platform tied directly to its casino license. That structure has kept the market tightly controlled, limiting outside operators unless they partner directly with one of the three casinos.
While Oaklawn is currently the focal point due to the FanDuel and DraftKings applications, any significant shift at one of the three licensed properties can alter the competitive balance statewide.
Lawmakers in Arkansas have already moved to ban Sweepstakes casinos while making access to online casinos easier. For a market that has largely flown under the national radar, these moves could dramatically alter the competitive balance.
Why Oaklawn Matters
Arkansas operates under a limited-license structure. Only three casinos in the state are authorized to offer sports betting, and each can operate a mobile platform.
Currently, the Arkansas online market consists of:
- Oaklawn’s in-house sportsbook platform
- BetSaracen, tied to Saracen Casino Resort
- A Caesars-branded platform connected to Southland Casino
FanDuel and DraftKings applying to partner with Oaklawn suggests the casino could pivot from its proprietary app model to align with a national brand. That would instantly elevate Arkansas into a more competitive digital environment.
What we know:
- FanDuel and DraftKings both submitted partnership applications tied to Oaklawn
- Arkansas limits mobile sports betting to casino license holders
- Oaklawn currently operates its own sportsbook platform
- Approval would bring two national leaders into the state
Regulators would ultimately decide whether Oaklawn can align with one of the operators and how that impacts its current structure.
Competitive Pressure on Existing Operators
Arkansas has not generated the same handle numbers as larger states, but the market has been stable. That stability could shift quickly.
FanDuel and DraftKings consistently command dominant market share in most U.S. jurisdictions where they operate. Their presence often reshapes customer acquisition dynamics almost immediately.
If either brand replaces Oaklawn’s current platform:
- Marketing spend would likely increase
- Promotional offers would become more aggressive
- App technology and betting menus would expand
- Customer migration from smaller platforms could follow
For BetSaracen and Caesars, the arrival of a top-tier operator would mean defending share against a nationally recognized product with deep pockets.
From an insider perspective, Arkansas has so far avoided the promotional arms race seen in larger states. That could change overnight.
Why Arkansas Is Attractive Now
The question for many industry watchers is simple. Why now?
Arkansas legalized statewide mobile wagering in 2022, but its regulatory framework has limited outside operators from directly entering the market. Partnering with an existing casino is the only pathway in.
Oaklawn represents a logical access point. It has brand recognition within the state, and aligning with a national sportsbook could strengthen its long-term digital competitiveness.
There is also a broader strategic angle. As growth slows in saturated markets, national operators are increasingly looking to optimize smaller states where incremental gains still matter.
Even modest handle growth in Arkansas could justify entry, especially if the partnership terms are favorable.
What Happens Next
Regulators will review the submitted applications and determine whether Oaklawn can formalize a partnership with either FanDuel or DraftKings.
It is unlikely both brands would operate under the same license. The more probable outcome is Oaklawn selecting one partner if approval is granted.
Key factors regulators may weigh include:
- Technology compliance
- Consumer protection safeguards
- Financial suitability
- Competitive impact on the existing market
For bettors, approval would likely mean a significantly upgraded mobile betting experience. For operators already in the state, it would mean heightened competition.
Arkansas has remained a quieter sports betting jurisdiction compared to regional neighbors. That could change quickly if a national leader enters the mix.
The next regulatory decision may determine whether Arkansas stays a controlled local market or becomes a true battleground for national sportsbook brands.
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