Arkansas Sports Betting Soars as March Madness Begins

LITTLE ROCK, AR. - As basketball fans across the country get ready for March Madness, Arkansas is seeing more sports betting than ever before. People are filling out their brackets and betting on their favorite teams, especially with easy-to-use mobile apps.

According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, interest in sports betting has reached an "all-time high." Scott Hardin, a spokesperson for the department, explained that about 95% of all bets are placed using mobile apps like FanDuel and DraftKings. These apps have made betting much more popular and a bigger part of casino earnings.

Sports betting first became legal in Arkansas in 2018. Then, in 2022, voters decided to allow betting through mobile apps. That year alone, $186 million was bet on sports. The amount of money wagered continues to grow each year, particularly during March when the NCAA basketball tournament takes place.

For example, in March 2024, people in Arkansas bet $50 million on sports. That number jumped to $65 million in March 2025, with most of it related to March Madness. Scott Hardin expects this March to be even bigger, potentially reaching $80 million in bets.

The recent success of the Arkansas Razorbacks ("Hogs") winning the SEC tournament has added to this excitement. Hardin believes their strong performance will lead to even more betting as fans hope the Hogs go far in the national tournament.

However, as sports betting becomes more common, Hardin also stressed the importance of betting responsibly. He reminded everyone that gambling should be seen as entertainment, not a way to make money you need for daily life. "Access to wagering on sports is increasing, but with that comes responsibility," he said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-522-4700.

The Arkansas Razorbacks begin their NCAA tournament journey today in Portland, Oregon, playing against Hawaii.