With a roll of the dice, Oaklawn is now officially called Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe tossed the first legal dice throw today at Oaklawn’s ribbon cutting for its casino gaming opening. Following McCabe, Garland County Judge Daryyl Mahoney threw the dice as well to inaugurate the casino’s live gaming.*
Live gaming tables, including blackjack and craps, are now available at Oaklawn. Previously, gambling at Oaklawn was limited to horse racing and slot machines.
Becoming a full casino is part of Oaklawn’s major expansion plans. As previously reported, Oaklawn is investing $100 million to build a high-rise hotel, multi-purpose events center and provide expanded gaming options.
The expansion project is slated to begin once the 2019 racing season concludes in May. The gaming expansion is expected to be completed in January 2020, while the hotel/event center is expected to be done in late 2020.
*For those wondering, McCabe threw a 6, while Mahoney threw a 7 at the craps table.
READ MORE: Oaklawn Unveils $100 Expansion Project