Arkansas Horse Racing Betting Sites – Compare the Best AR Horse Racing Betting Sites in 2024
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Arkansas horse racing online betting was legalized in February 2022 and there are now many options for betting on the sport. This article compares the best offshore sportsbooks that accept wagers from residents of the state.
We reveal the best online betting sites that are legally available in AR. The guide will also highlight top welcome bonuses, free bets and rebates. Finally, there are answers to some common questions.
Arkansas Horse Racing Sites
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$25 Risk-Free Bet + 9% Horse Rebate
Accepts Players From Most US States T&Cs apply, 18+
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Claim Bonus |
2.
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50% Deposit Bonus up to $250
Accepts Players From Most US States T&Cs apply, 18+
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Claim Bonus |
3.
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8% Horse Rebate
Accepts Players From All US States T&Cs apply, 18+
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Claim Bonus |
4.
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100% Welcome Bonus up to $2,500
Accepts Players From All US States T&Cs apply, 18+
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Claim Bonus |
5.
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7% Horse Rebate
Accepts Players From All US States T&Cs apply, 18+
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Claim Bonus |
6.
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$150 Racebook Welcome Bonus
Accepts Players From All US States T&Cs apply, 18+
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Claim Bonus |
7.
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$25 Horse Free Play + 9% Horse Rebate
Accepts Players From All US States T&Cs apply, 18+
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Claim Bonus |
8.
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10% Racebook Cash Bonus up to $1,000
Accepts Players From All US States T&Cs apply, 18+
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Claim Bonus |
9.
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6% Horse Rebate
Accepts Players From All US States T&Cs apply, 18+
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Claim Bonus |
10.
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100% Deposit Bonus up to $250 (sports only)
Accepts Players From All US States T&Cs apply, 18+
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Claim Bonus |
List of the Best Arkansas Horse Racing Betting Sites
This guide has assessed the best Arkansas horse racing betting sites to devise a top 10 list. These operators are located offshore and legally serve the Arkansas horse racing betting market.
- BetOnline – Best AR betting site for horse racing.
- Bovada – Excellent Breeders’ Cup futures service.
- MyBookie – Rebate up to 8% on Arkansas horse racing bets.
- BetUS – Thoroughbred racing value in the odds.
- XBet – No wagering needed for AR rebates.
- BUSR – Excellent selection of overseas races’ odds.
- Sportsbetting.ag – 9% rebates limit on AR racebooks.
- Jazz – Rebates for horse racing not subject to rollover.
- Betanysports – Track odds boosted by 10%.
- Everygame – Focus on US tracks and races.
Reviews of the Best Arkansas Horse Racing Betting Sites
More detailed reviews of the leading 10 Arkansas horse racing betting sites follow. These listed operators are based offshore and residents of AT can legally register, deposit funds and place bets. You can find more detailed information in this horse racing betting guide for the current year.
1. BetOnline – Best AR Betting Site For Horse Racing
The guide has identified BetOnline has the best Arkansas horse racing betting site. There is full coverage of thoroughbred and harness racing and futures betting on races overseas and in the US. Players can claim a $25 free bet and enjoy the benefits of rebates.
New customers activate the match deposit bonus by entering the BetOnline promo code during registration. The site features betting on 22 sports in pre-game, in-play and futures markets. There are numerous props for the big games.
Pros:
- Racing rebates with an upper limit of 9%
- Free bet for $25 on horse racing
- High standard of customer care
- Betting for more than 20 sports
Cons:
- Horse racing not live streamed
- Charges for transfers using credit cards
2. Bovada – Futures Betting For The Breeders’ Cup
The two-day Breeders Cup meeting in November is possibly the biggest event of the year in horse racing. Championship races for different age groups are run on dirt and turf. Well ahead of the Breeders’ Cup, Bovada issues futures odds for several races.
The brand offers betting on 22 sports. The menu includes the four main US pro and college sports. Having registered using the Bovada bonus code, new customers can take advantage of live odds and ongoing promotions.
Pros:
- Breeders’ Cup futures
- Mobile AR horse racing odds
- Good value in 22 sports
- Bovada promo code for welcome bonus
Cons:
- Restrictions on residents of some states
- Dated website design
3. MyBookie – Rebate Up To 8% On Arkansas Horse Racing Bets
Horse racing rebates provide a good incentive to register with MyBookie and trigger the sign up offer. The maximum rebate is 8% and the percentage depends on the class of the track and whether qualifying bets are placed on straight or exotic markets
There are 20 betting sports available with this operator after new customers have entered the MyBookie promo code when joining the site. The range of categories includes baseball, basketball, hockey, football, soccer and tennis.
Pros:
- Extensive thoroughbred racing coverage
- Overseas races and festivals
- Horses rebates for 8% at most
- Betting on 20 sports
Cons:
- $50 qualifying deposit for sign up offer
- Credit card fees
4. BetUS – Thoroughbred Racing Value In The Odds
The variances in odds value across our leading Arkansas racebooks are minor and recreational players might not notice. However, big rollers will gravitate to the bookie with the better value in the horse racing odds and MyBookie scores well in this area.
The horse racing lobby complements betting on 19 sports, including the four main North American professional and college sports. There is an optional BetUS promo code that is use to claim the welcome bonus with this operator.
Pros:
- Full coverage of horse racing
- Value in refund promotion
- Futures betting on US and overseas races
- Sign up bonus available for horse racing
Cons:
- Payouts on horse racing below average
- Absence of some popular sports
5. XBet – No Wagering Needed For AR Rebates
Some online bookies stipulate wagering within a timeframe to keep any rebate. However, players with XBet receive rebates without the need to rollover the amount within a number of days, which can nr 7 or 30.
The rebates are credited to an active account and a player who has used the XBet promo code for the registration bonus. There are 20 betting sports with XBet, on the desktop website and mobile version for smartphones and tablets.
Pros:
- 7% horse racing maximum rebate
- Good coverage of thoroughbred racing
- Betting on 20 sports in pre-game markets
- Welcome bonus with promo code
Cons:
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- No downloadable app
- No payouts on non-business days
6. BUSR – Excellent Selection Of Overseas Races’ Odds
There is an interest amongst Arkansas horse racing bettors in overseas races. BUSR meets the demand with futures on important international races. Several races in the UK alone feature in the racebook, such as the Aintree Grand National and Epsom Derby. BUSR is one of the best offshore sportsbooks for residents of Arkansas.
The site features over 20 betting sports with pre-game and in-play betting. Live bets incorporate the cash out option whereby players can take control of bets with closure before expiry. The BUSR promo code is optional during registration.
Pros:
- Horse racing specific welcome bonus
- Rebates on horse racing up to 8%
- Wininng racing bets paid out promptly
- Greyhounds, horses and harness racing lobby
Cons:
- Could be more deposit methods
- Horse racing not live streamed
7. Sportsbetting.ag – 9% Rebates Limit On AR Racebooks
Arkansas racebooks put an upper limit of 9% on horse racing rebates. However, this percentage is higher than similar rebates with other offshore Arkansas race books. The dedicated horses section offers odds for US tracks and overseas races.
The desktop and mobile products feature 28 betting sports which is well above average with offshore sites serving the Arkansas horse racing and sportsbook markets. New players can place bets having registered and possibly entering filled the Sportsbetting.ag bonus code.
Pros:
- Horse racing rebates 9% at most
- US futures on major flats
- 28 sports on the main menu
- Promo code entered for the match deposit bonus
Cons:
- Deposits not possible with eWallets
- 7 days payment processing
8. Jazz – Rebates For Horse Racing Not Subject To Rollover
Any balance of net losses is not carried forward to the next qualifying period. That means the rebate balance starts at zero at the start of the next day or week. Also, the standalone racebook offers a full range of straight and exotic wagers. There is cash out betting on the live platform.
New players are entitled to a match deposit bonus having entered the Jazz promo code while registering. However, the number of betting sports could be increased but there is good coverage of thoroughbred horse racing in the United States.
Pros:
- Horse racing rebates up to 10%
- US sports’ odds offer decent value
- Good range of AR horse racing futures
- Most popular straight and exotic bets
Cons:
- Horse racing does not qualify for free bets
- Small range of betting sports
9. Betanysports – Track Odds Boosted By 10%
Betanysports is the only one of the top 10 AR offshore operators to offer odds boosts. Bettors have successful bets paid out at the track odds plus 10% which is a good incentive to bet on horse racing with this online bookmaker.
There is live betting on the most popular of the 18 sports. The in-play platform is enhanced by cash out betting which guarantees a profit or limits the loss. A Betanysports promo code activates any match deposit bonus.
Pros:
- Boost of 10% on track odds
- Futures betting in international racing
- Racing standard and exotic wagers
- Live and pre-game odds on 20 sports
Cons:
- Rebates not given for horse racing
- Payments can take a full day
10. Everygame – Focus On Us Tracks And Races
There is a glaring omission in the form of overseas races’ betting. However, that is offset by a generous welcome bonus for the same amount as the first deposit. There is also means an excellent service for US racing fixtures.
The 18 betting sports provide plenty of pre-game and in-play opportunities, including on football, making this one of the best NFL betting sites. There is good coverage of global sports, like soccer, boxing and tennis. The match deposit bonus is credited to players who enter the promo code for Everygame.
Pros:
- In depth betting for US racing
- Competitive morning line odds
- Betting on 20 sports
- Live odds with cash out
Cons:
- No overseas horse racing
- Lack of iOS and Android apps for download
More on gambling in Arkansas…
Learn about all types of online gambling in AR in our expert guides below:
- Arkansas Real Money Online Casinos
- Arkansas Online Poker
- Arkansas Online Gambling
- Arkansas Sports Betting
Frequently Asked Questions about Horse Racing in Arkansas
Are there horse races in Arkansas?
Can you bet on horse racing in Connecticut?
Is Oaklawn Park still racing?
What is the date of the Arkansas Derby?
How long is the Oaklawn Park racing season?
Comparing the Best Arkansas Horse Racing Betting Sites
Below you can examine comparisons of the best Arkansas horse racing betting sites, based on the key features on desktop and mobile platforms:
| Sportsbook | Racing Bonus | Rebate Bonus | Futures Odds | Cash Out | Live Streaming |
| BetOnline | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bovada | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| MyBookie | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BetUS | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| XBet | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| BUSR | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Sportsbetting.ag | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Jazz | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Betanysports | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Everygame | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Explore Our Sports Betting Guides
How to Bet on Horse Racing in Arkansas
There are dedicated racebooks or horse racing lobbies on our leading Arkansas betting sites. The events are usually standalone and complement the betting sports on the sportsbook. Betting on horse racing has its own wagers which are not available for other sports.
Where can I Bet on Horse Racing in Arkansas?
From 2019 betting on horse racing in Arkansas was limited to three casinos and in-person at the track. However, in February 2022 the Arkansas Joint Budget Committee confirmed the measures that made online sports betting legal, including horse racing. Residents of Arkansas can bet on horse racing at the offshore sites offering fixed odds but not at retail facilities.
With very little delay the first legal online site featuring horse racing was launched early in March 2022. At the time of the review, there are only two legal sportsbooks licensed in Arkansas: Betly with Southland Casino and BetSaracen at the Saracen Casino. TVG legally accepts pool bets from individuals living in the state. The dividends depend on the number of winning tickets and stakes.
The Arkansas gambling laws accommodate eight online sportsbooks so there is still room for expansion. DraftKings and FanDuel have not got involved and that could be due to the 51% of revenue that tribal casino partners are legally entitled to receive. However, the big brands could enter the market if the revenues compensate for the contribution to the tribal casino owners.
What Horse Racing Bets can I Wager on Online?
Offshore horse racing betting sites provide fixed odds betting at the morning line odds and leading up to a race. The early odds are subject to change during the hours before post time. Fixed odds bookmakers declare a starting price which is used to settle bets.
Customers with offshore sites based in Arkansas can also select standard wagers (Win, Place, Show) and exotic forecast wagers (Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta). Parlay bets include the Daily Double and Pick 3,4 and 6 whereby the odds are multiplied to calculate any return.
Thoroughbred horse racing in the US mainly takes place on the flat but there are also many harness racing events. Quarter horse racing is confined to events over 2 furlongs which is a quarter of a mile. The biggest flat races are the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes which make up the Triple Crown. The few major jumps race include the Maryland Hunt Cup.
Offshore racebooks feature odds on several major overseas races. The service includes betting for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France, Melbourne Cup in Australia, Dubai World Cup in UAE and Aintree Grand National and Epsom Derby in the UK. The best online sportsbook reviews cover horse racing.
What are the Benefits of Offshore Horse Racing Betting Sites?
There are a number of benefits associated with offshore betting on horse racing, some of which are listed below:
• Morning Line fixed odds and starting price odds
• Integrated racebook, sportsbook and casino accounts
• More competitive lines than at the track and casinos
• Anonymous betting at home or on the move
• Several payment methods: crypto, EWallets, bank wire transfer, prepaid cards
• Extensive range of US tracks and international races
Explore Our Betting Odd Guides
How does Horse Racing Betting Work in Arkansas?
Arkansas horse racing offshore sites display odds in fractional format by default but this can be changed to decimal or American odds. So, 2/1 in fractions is 3.00 in decimals and +300 in American odds which are displayed for a bet of $100. Therefore, a $50 bet at +300 returns $150, made up the stake ($50) and profit ($100). Bookmakers return the stake for winning bets.
Fixed odds betting displays the odds in fractions. Bettors take the odds at the time of the bet and are paid out on this basis even though the odds can change. Some bookies offer ‘Best Odds Guaranteed’ whereby bets are calculated on the highest odds between morning line and Starting Price odds.
Explore Our Sportsbook Reviews
What Horse Racing Markets can you bet on in Arkansas?
Residents of Arkansas can bet into two types of racing pools: Standard Wagers and Exotic Wagers. These markets are available for most horse races in North America and feature in the best offshore sportsbooks review. For illustration purposes, here are the Standard and Exotic payouts for the biggest race in the state in 2022, the Arkansas Derby, at Oaklawn Park in April:
| Place | Horse | $2 Win | $2 Place | $2 Show | $1 Exacta | $0.50 Trifecta | $0.10 Superfecta |
| First | Cyberknife | $13.60 | $7.00 | $3.60 | $58.10 | $114.20 | $124.83 |
| Second | Barber Road | NA | $7.40 | $4.00 | As above | As above | As above |
| Third | Secret Oath | NA | NA | $2.80 | NA | As above | As above |
| Fourth | Doppleganger | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | As above |
Standard Wagers
These bets involve one horse achieving a specific result in one race with dividends declared to a stake of $2 and are explained below:
Win
A bet predicting which horse wins a race so a $10 Win on Cyberknife pays out $136.00.
Place
A bet predicting the horses to finish first or second so a $10 Place bet on Barber Road pays out $74.00.
Show
A bet predicting the horses to finish first, second or third so a $10 Show bet on Secret Oath pays out $28.00.
Exotic Wagers
These forecast bets bring together two or more horses in one race with dividends paid on the basis of stakes and are described here:
Exacta
A bet predicting horses to finish first and second in one race in correct order so a $10 Exacta on Cyberknife and Barber Road pays out $510.00.
Trifecta
A bet predicting horses to finish first, second and third in one race in correct order so a $1 Trifecta on Cyberknife, Barber Road and Secret Oath pays out $228.40.
Superfecta
A bet predicting horses to finish first, second, third and fourth in one race in correct order so a $1 Superfecta on Cyberknife, Barber Road, Secret Oath and Doppleganger pays out $1248.30.
Parlay
A parlay is a bet that combines the winner of two or more consecutive races. Hence, at the Arkansas Derby meeting the winner was parlayed with the winner of other consecutive races at the track on that day.
The Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 6 bring together the winners of one, two, three and five supporting races with the Arkansas Derby.
How does Pool Betting Work in Arkansas?
Pool betting involves the stake from each bettor going into a pot which is divided between the winning ticket holders. In Arkansas horse racing betting the most popular pool bets are those described in the above sections.
A pool is for one or more races and the players are betting on the outcome of each race. The pot creates a jackpot that is shared between those who correctly predict the outcomes of one or more races. Pool betting is known as pari-mutuel which is translated from French to mutual bet in English.
Can I Bet Online Via TVG/Pools in Arkansas?
Residents of Arkansas can register and place bets with TVG. This is a horse racing only pool betting operation. Dividends are based on the number of people who correctly predict the winner in standard and exotic pool bets.
How to Sign Up to an Offshore Horse Racing Betting Site in Arkansas
Signing up with an offshore Arkansas racebooks is fast and convenient. Here is quick step-by-step guide to registering with BetOnline which is replicated for the other operators in our top 10 list.
Step 1. Visit Site
Firstly, you must find your way to any page on the BetOnline desktop or mobile site and click ‘JOIN’.
Step 2. Sign Up
Then you populate fields on the registration screens, including bank details, Password and optional promo code and submit the application.
Step 3. Make Deposit
The next step involves selecting a payment method and provider, specifying the amount and making the deposit.
Step 4. Place Bet
Finally, you navigate to a market, click the odds for your selection, complete the Bet Slip and place the bet.
Bonuses Available at Arkansas Horse Racing Betting Sites
Betting at Arkansas racebooks is enhanced by bonuses. Most bonuses are generic so can be used on every sport while a small number of horse racing-only benefits are also on offer. The most common horse racing bonuses are described below:
Match Deposit Bonuses
Arkansas racebooks based offshore give new customers a welcome offer. This is often a match deposit bonus whereby the bonus is related to the qualifying deposit and can be 50% or 100%.
No Deposit Bonuses
Existing players enjoy the benefits of no deposit bonuses which are quite rare. Examples include cashback and free bets that can be linked to one specific race, meeting or time period.
Rebate Bonuses
Rebate bonuses are refunds based on net losses or total stakes over a day or week. The best Arkansas horse racing rebates are not rolled over or have wagering requirements.
Free Bets
You might get free bets for a major thoroughbred race, such as the Kentucky Derby, Arkansas Derby or Breeders’ Cup Classic. The stake is not included in returns from a free bet.
Payment Methods at Arkansas Horse Racing Betting Sites
Our Arkansas horse racing sites offer several payment methods and providers. Often there is a stipulation that you must withdraw funds using the same method as the initial deposit. This rule can apply to the following ways to make payments:
Crypto Betting Options
Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new payment method and suited to betting. Deposits are fast and convenient and can be processed anonymously. Leading providers include Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum. You can read more about crypto in our best Bitcoin sportsbooks guide.
eWallet Betting Options
Online money transfers can be made using eWallets. Users enter bank or card details just once in order to make the first deposit and subsequent deposits. The more popular providers are PayPal, Skrill and Neteller.
Traditional Payment Methods
All the AR racebooks accept payments using traditional methods, such as debit and credit cards and bank wire transfer. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are leading card companies while many banks will process transfers.
Our Top 5 Tips for Horse Racing Betting in Arkansas
Betting on horse racing is not easy due to the many factors and variables. However, you can swing the odds more in your favour by following these 5 top tips:
Assess Form
There are many online sources of race form which allows you to assess the ability of each horse horses and make your picks accordingly.
Follow Picks
Alternatively, you can subscribe to winning picks’ services. Be sure to look at proofing over a sustained period of time before paying for horse racing picks.
Bet Focus
You can filter out many bets by focusing on one type. That could be Winning, Place or Show or one of the forecast or parlay wagers.
Race Focus
Races in the US fall within categories: maiden, claiming, handicap, stakes. Specialising in one type of race will allow you to focus on the form more effectively.
Claim Bonuses
Bonuses and free bets can be used on horse racing and they carry no risk. However, it’s worth noting that the bookmaker retains the bonus or free bet stake.
Explore Our Betting Picks Guides
Arkansas Derby
The Arkansas Derby horse racing event is the most prestigious thoroughbred horse race in the state. It takes place at Oaklawn Park in early April, on dirt and over nine furlongs and the winner is eligible for the Kentucky Derby.
American Pharoah is probably the most famous winner as the horse also won the US Triple Crown in 2015. You can bet on Arkansas Derby horse racing at the track, tribal land casinos and offshore racebooks.
Arkansas Horse Race Tracks
Arkansas has only ever had one horse racing facility, at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs.
2022 Arkansas Horse Racing Schedule
This table shows the graded races that take place during 2022 at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas:
| Month | Race | Grade | Surface |
| January | Southwest Stakes | 3 | Dirt |
| February | Razorback Handicap | 3 | Dirt |
| February | Bayakoa Stakes | 3 | Dirt |
| March | Azeri Stakes | 2 | Dirt |
| March | Essex Handicap | 3 | Dirt |
| March | Whitmore Stakes | 3 | Dirt |
| April | Arkansas Derby | 1 | Dirt |
| April | Fantasy Stakes | 3 | Dirt |
| April | Count Fleet | 3 | Dirt |
| April | Apple Blossom Handicap | 1 | Dirt |
| April | Oaklawn Handicap | 2 | Dirt |
Arkansas Horse Racing Betting on Mobile and Apps
You can bet with the existing two regulated online sportsbooks in Arkansas using mobile devices. Operators have created a mobile website compatible with iPhone and Android but not downloadable apps. However, TVG also accepts bets placed using mobile technology.
There are a number of advantages with mobile AR horse racing betting: some processes are faster on mobile, you can bet on the move and bookmakers can offer mobile-only promotions. There is more information in the best betting apps in the US article.
Explore Our Online Betting App Guides
Best Sports Betting Apps
Virtual Horse Racing Betting in Arkansas
At the time of this review of AR horse racing, there were no virtual races with the brands in the top 10 list. There is the potential to show numerous virtual races which could happen in time. There is a full 24 hours schedule of races and payouts are just about immediate.
Arkansas Horse Racing Near Me
You can bet on horse racing at Arkansas’s two regulated sportsbooks and at the track at Oaklawn Park but no other retail outlets. There is also the option to travel intestate.
Arkansas is land locked so its neighbouring states with tracks are as follows: Louisiana (Delta Downs, Evangeline Park, Louisiana Downs), Oklahoma (Fair Meadows, Remington Park, Will Rogers Downs) and Texas (Lone Star Park, Retama Park, Sam Houston Race Park).
Betting at the Racetrack vs Online Horse Racing Betting in Arkansas
Here are a selection of Pros and Cons with horse racing betting at the track and online:
| Betting at the Racetrack | Online Horse Racing Betting |
| Pros | Pros |
| Excitement of live horse racing | No travelling costs |
| Track often has casino | Promo code welcome bonus |
| Cons | Free bets and rebates |
| Getting to the track | US and overseas races |
| Wet grass can see races moved to dirt | Horse, sports and casino in one place |
The Best Horse Racing Betting Site in Arkansas
We conclude that BetOnline is the best Arkansas horse racing site. The operator offers a full range of race day and futures markets for meetings in the United States and other racing countries. The Arkansas racebook features rebates and free bets that are specific to horse racing.
New customers activate the welcome bonus using a promo code. The registration and login processes are fast and easy to complete. There are measures in place for banking, customer support and responsible gambling. Therefore, BetOnline has earned its places at number 1 in the standings.
