FanDuel Arkansas: Bet $5, Get $300 + High Point vs. Arkansas Preview

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – FanDuel Sportsbook officially launched in Arkansas on Friday, marking a significant expansion of legal sports betting options in the state. The launch follows approvals earlier in 2026 for both FanDuel and DraftKings to operate within Arkansas, joining Saracen Casino, which launched its own betting app in 2022.

The arrival of the national sports betting giants comes with promotional offers aimed at attracting fresh customers. FanDuel is currently offering $300 in bonus bets to new users who place a $5 wager, regardless of whether that initial bet wins or loses. The offer is valid through April 26, 2026, and is available to those 21 and older located in Arkansas.

FanDuel’s launch is tied to Oaklawn Casino in Hot Springs, while DraftKings is operating through a partnership with Southland Casino in West Memphis. Previously, Southland had partnered with Betly for online sports betting, but that service was discontinued upon DraftKings’ arrival, according to reports.

The launch coincides with the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, offering immediate betting opportunities for Arkansans. A featured matchup is the game between the No. 14 Arkansas Razorbacks (27-8) and the High Point Panthers (31-4) taking place today in Portland, Oregon, at 9:45 p.m. EDT. The Razorbacks are favored by 11.5 points, with an over/under of 168.5.

Arkansas went 16-5 in SEC play and 11-3 in non-conference games. High Point dominated the Big South conference with an 18-1 record. Arkansas averages 90.1 points per game, outscoring opponents by 10.1 points, while High Point averages 89.8 points per game.

Key players to watch include Darius Acuff Jr. Of Arkansas, averaging 23.0 points per game and making 2.6 three-pointers per game, and Terry Anderson of High Point, averaging 16.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Meleek Thomas has averaged 16.7 points for Arkansas over the last 10 games, while Rob Martin has averaged 18.2 points for High Point over the same period.

The Arkansas Racing Commission granted permission to the state’s three casinos – Oaklawn, Southland, and Saracen – to launch sports betting apps in 2022, paving the way for the current expansion. FanDuel’s entry into the Arkansas market represents the 30th state where DraftKings operates its sportsbook.

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