Once Again, Egs Wagers Set Records

Arkansas’ two gambling venues – Oaklawn and Southland – once again scored record-setting months of revenues and payouts related to electronic games of skill (EGS).

February 2011 was the best month in both outlets’ histories, but March was even better.

At Hot Springs-based Oaklawn, March EGS wagers cleared $57 million – more than $7 million, or 14%, above the previous record-setting month of February. Payouts from the gambling machines topped $53.1 million.

Southland, the West Memphis-based dog track and racino, also had a record month. EGS wagers topped $94.6 million during March, with payouts totaling $89.4 million.  For Southland, March’s EGS wagers beating February by $4.2 million, or 4.6%.

For more perspective, consider this: In the first 3 months of 2011, EGS wagers between the two racetracks totaled $407,612,463. In the first quarter of 2010, the two tracks’ EGS wagers equaled $267,536,560, meaning gambling at the casinos are up more than 52% versus one year ago.

Electronic games of skill, or EGS, include video blackjack, poker, craps and other games.