Oaklawn Gambling Expansion Could Add 250 New Jobs

Hot Springs-based Oaklawn Racing and Gaming is in the midst of a 58,000 sq. ft. construction project that officials say will increase the capacity of its current gaming by 50% and create as many as 250 new jobs.

The construction preparation began last summer and was delayed during the 2014 horse racing season. In mid-April, construction resumed and is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

“The expansion marks a turning point for Oaklawn as well as the racing and gaming industry in Arkansas,” said Oaklawn General Manager Eric Jackson. “This will allow us to continue to grow our racing programs. And, it reflects our continued commitment to a high level of service and our commitment to keeping Oaklawn the No. 1 tourist destination in Arkansas. The demand is there for a larger facility and we will continue to build our business by offering our guests a fun, friendly, safe, clean, and convenient experience.”

Oaklawn’s expansion adds on to the present electronic games of skill facility opened in 2009.  The casino-like area features slot-style machines, video blackjack and poker and other Vegas-style games.

Oaklawn says it averaged nearly 11,000 daily visitors during the 2014 live racing season, and expects attendance to grow during and after the 2015 racing season when the expansion is complete.

Garland County saw 2.6 million visitors in 2013, spending $641.6 million and generating $50.3 million in state and local taxes, according to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

On Friday, BaxStarr Consulting Group released a report that showed that Oaklawn and Southland Park in West Memphis, which is also undergoing a major expansion, had an economic impact on the state of Arkansas of more than $895 million annually.