Arkansas casino gaming rules likely to be modeled after Nevada's

The Arkansas Racing Commission met last week concerning casino gaming rules in Arkansas. The state’s voters passed a measure in November allowing for casinos in four counties, with one designated for Oaklawn Park. The commission is charged with adopting rules to put the gaming – which can include slot machines – in place, said agency attorney Byron Freeland.

Freeland said Arkansas rules will be modeled after gaming rules in place in Nevada.

“The feeling is they’ve been in business for a long time, had the gold standard for rules,” Freeland said. “We’re starting off fresh, have a 120-day deadline, and almost had to look for what other states are doing.”

The rulemaking process could be complete by early February. Drafts were passed out at the meeting Wednesday. There is a publication and comment period as part of the procedure. For now, Oaklawn is able to offer electronic games of skill and historical racing, or instant racing.

Bravazo eager to get going

Bravazo was among the horses to work at Oaklawn on Monday, the first day of official works there. Oaklawn opens Jan. 25. Bravazo went a half-mile in 48.80 seconds.

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas told Gulfstream publicity the horse is being pointed for that track’s $9 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational on Jan. 26. Lukas is based at Oaklawn.

Bravazo was second by a neck in the Grade 1 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs in his most recent start Nov. 23. He earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 102. Bravazo races for his breeder, Calumet Farm.

Oaklawn had 360 horses on the grounds as of Sunday, according to officials. The stable area opened in late November.

◗ The New Mexico Racing Commission on Thursday tabled a vote to award the state’s sixth and final racetrack license with a casino. The matter was tabled due to pending litigation, said Izzy Trejo, executive director of the New Mexico Racing Commission. There are five entities bidding for the license in New Mexico.

◗ The Wednesday night feature at Delta Downs is an optional $40,000 claiming sprint at five furlongs that drew Zoot Suit, who earlier this year was based in New York, and Imma Bling, a stakes winner invading from Churchill Downs.