Government Gets Initial Revenue From Oaklawn Machines

The first payments of revenue from the introduction of electronic games of skill to the wagering menu at Oaklawn Park were made to representatives of local and state government at the track Dec. 18.

Oaklawn controller Lisa Riley presented checks to Orland Dial for the state of Arkansas, while Hot Springs city manager Kent Myers received the first check for the city of Hot Springs. The revenue, which for the state amounted to more than $81,000 and to the city for $6,800, covers the time period of Nov. 10, when electronic games of skill were first played at Oaklawn, through Nov. 30.

Garland County will also be receiving a check, more than $2,200, in the first allotments.

"We're excited to get the ball rolling," Riley said of the first payments from the new gaming machines. "This has turned into a win-win situation. We are able to generate revenue for purse money for the live racing season and, at the same time, raise additional funds for city, state, and county government."

Oaklawn added electronic games of skill Nov. 10 following the Hot Springs city election of November 2005, which gave its approval, two positive circuit court decisions challenging their introduction at Oaklawn, and the passage of rules and regulations approved by the Arkansas State Racing Commission and state Department of Finance and Administration.

One hundred and twenty-five electronic games of skill were added to the nearly 350 Instant Racing machines, which were already in operation at Oaklawn.