Arkansas’ race tracks/gaming centers post big gains in 2009
by January 13, 2010 4:38 pm 52 views
Electronic games of skill (EGS) wagers at Southland and Oaklawn dipped in December compared to the previous month, but once again, posted large gains over the previous year’s comparable periods.
Roby Brock, owner of TalkBusiness.net and a content partner with The City Wire, notes in this report that for the full year 2009, wagering on electronic games of skill – which include video poker and blackjack – jumped by double-digit margins, in part due to expanded facilities at both Southland and Oaklawn.
According to the latest report from the Arkansas Racing Commission, EGS wagers at Southland rose 22% in 2009 versus 2008 gambling figures. Oaklawn saw its EGS wagers rise 37.5% in 2009 compared to the previous year’s totals.
Oaklawn is a horse racing venue located in Hot Springs since 1904. In recent years the track added simulcast and electronic games and card tables.
Located in West Memphis, Southland Greyhound Park is a dog racing track that includes electronic gaming, blackjack and a poker room. The gaming center also includes three restaurants.
Southland (wager revenue)
YTD 2009 $ 452.36 million
YTD 2008 $ 371.58 million
Oaklawn (wager revenue)
YTD 2009 $ 288.44 million
YTD 2008 $ 209.75 million