Betly Sportsbook kicks off online betting in Arkansas

Author:

Alex W

Updated:

Oct 5, 2023

Huge sports fan. Football & MLS fanatic. Lover of all things gambling - Sports betting, Casino, Poker and of course, Las Vegas.

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Online Sports Betting Launches in Arkansas with Betly Sportsbook

Legal online sports betting in Arkansas got underway on Saturday, as Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis launched an online sportsbook, with a mobile betting app expected to launch soon. Players can visit www.southland.betly.com to register at the Betly Arkansas sportsbook and then bet on a PC or Apple Mac anywhere in the state. Betly is welcoming new customers with a risk-free bet up to $250.

Southland is a casino and greyhound track owned by Delaware North. On Saturday, the company stated that its mobile app would be available soon for bettors to download on their smartphone devices. It has been speculated that the mobile app could be live within weeks. The online Betly sportsbook is also operating in West Virginia, where Delaware North runs two casinos.

In-Person betting permitted at Arkansas Casinos

On-site sports betting is already legal at kiosks and ticket windows inside Arkansas’ three casinos. However, a recent Arkansas Racing Commission rule amendment and legislative approval were required for online sports betting to begin.

David Wolf, Southland’s president and general manager said that the casino’s customers have been using Betly Sportsbook windows on the property, ensuring the new online sportsbook is a “familiar and convenient extension of our sports-betting experience.”

Wolf added that the Betly online sportsbook would make it more simple for their patrons, all Arkansas residents, and people who visit the state to bet on their favorite teams. Wolf said the Betly online sports betting site allows Southland to expand upon its investments in West Memphis, including the expected opening of a $250 million casino complex and hotel.

Other casinos in Arkansas will launch soon

After recent legislative approval, mobile sports wagering was legalized in Arkansas on Friday. The state’s three casinos had anticipated introducing smartphone apps at some point after Friday. The launch of the Betly sportsbook on Saturday was unexpected.

The process to launch an app required numerous customer-protection measures, including verification from payment vendors and app stores.

The other casinos are hoping to launch their apps by summer 2022, with Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff anticipating their app being live in time for the NCAA March Madness basketball tournaments.