Oaklawn, Southland Set Monthly Record Highs For Egs Wagers

Electronic games of skill made a huge leap in January 2011 as live racing returned to Hot Springs-based Oaklawn and a spike in gambling occurred at Southland in West Memphis.

EGS wagers – which include video blackjack, poker, craps and other games – blew away all-time highs at both tracks.

At Southland, EGS wagers in January topped $71.5 million, nearly 7% higher than the previous monthly high set in December 2010 and 72.6% higher than a year ago. Southland track officials said they had four days during the month of wagers exceeding the $4 million mark.

Oaklawn EGS wagers, which benefitted from live racing’s open season despite tough winter conditions, recorded $44.1 million in betting at its casino operation. That number is the highest monthly number in Oaklawn history by 4.4%, eclipsing last March’s record. Compared to one year ago, Oaklawn EGS wagers are 32.5% higher.

Payouts from EGS gambling were 94.5% at Southland and 94% at Oaklawn.