Casino Gambling Wagers Continue Steady Climb In Arkansas
by August 12, 2012 1:49 pm 86 views
Oaklawn nearly set a new monthly record for casino wagers and Southland’s casino operation continued to hum.
The Arkansas Racing Commission released electronic games of skill (EGS) wager data which showed an uptick in year-over-year and month-to-month spending.
At Hot Springs-based Oaklawn, EGS wagers topped $81.36 million in July 2012, up 34% from July 2011. Oaklawn’s previous best month for EGS wagers was $81.48 million in February 2012.
At West Memphis-based Southland, EGS wagers cleared $144.26 million during the month of July, an improvement of 16% from one year ago.
Year-to-date, EGS wagers at the two tracks combined have totaled $1.583 billion.
EGS wagers include gambling spent on video blackjack, poker, slot machines and other casino-style games.
A proposal to expand casino gambling in Arkansas is still a potential ballot measure.
Professional poker player Nancy Todd is in the process of trying to qualify a ballot measure that would alter the Arkansas Constitution to allow full-fledged casinos in the state. Todd’s proposal would allow Nancy Todd’s Poker Palace and Entertainment Venues LLC to own and operate casinos in Crittenden, Franklin, Miller and Pulaski counties.