DraftKings Launch in Arkansas Already Delivering Strong Results

DraftKings launched its sportsbook in Arkansas last week, following regulatory approval from the Arkansas Racing Commission in February that allowed the operator to partner with the Southland Casino in West Memphis. The launch also strategically aligned with the start of the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments and has already been a hit with residents.  

The timing of DraftKings' launch ultimately placed the operator in the middle of one of the year's biggest betting periods, with DraftKings Director of Sports Operations, Johnny Avello, adding that having the app ready for the tournament was the goal.  

According to Avello, Arkansas sports betting customers have focused heavily on the Arkansas men's team, which has driven the most wagering activity in the app's early days. That trend aligns with local allegiance, though secondary betting patterns show broader awareness of national contenders. 

Florida and Iowa State have become the next popular teams among bettors in Arkansas. UConn and Saint John's are next in line. This indicates that bettors are not only betting on local teams but also on top teams. 

Although there is no major professional sports team in Arkansas, early signs show that betting is here to stay. As the sports calendar is dynamic and seasonal, betting on the Masters Tournament is expected to be the next major driver. 

The Razorbacks, meanwhile, have advanced deeper into the tournament bracket and enter their next matchup as part of the Elite Eight after defeating High Point on Saturday. Despite their strong results, Arkansas is an underdog to win the tournament.  

NCAA files trademark lawsuit against DraftKings  

With increased betting, the NCAA has also taken recent legal action. The NCAA has filed a federal lawsuit against DraftKings in the Southern District of Indiana. The case accuses it of using protected terms such as March Madness, Final Four, and related phrases without authorization. 

The NCAA wants an emergency temporary restraining order to halt the use of those terms during the ongoing men's and women's tournaments. According to the filing, the organization had previously contacted DraftKings regarding the issue. While some uses were removed, the sportsbook maintained it had the right to display certain tournament-related language within its app. 

The filing included several references to DraftKings' tournament terms as trademarks next to betting markets. Other sportsbooks used the same language, which could indicate industry-wide practices that invite further scrutiny. 

The NCAA considers the situation urgent given its timing and that the tournament is still underway. The organization has also long opposed any association with gambling in college athletics. The lawsuit alleges that the association with the betting sites and the NCAA championships violates the organization's primary rules regarding student-athletes and fair competition.