Arkansas Racing Commission passes rules to govern casino gaming

The Arkansas Racing Commission on Thursday unanimously passed proposed rules for casino gaming in the state, according to agency attorney Byron Freeland. The two-hour meeting included a public hearing. It was held in Little Rock, Ark.

Freeland said a state legislative committee will review the action Monday, and if the rules clear committee they are scheduled to go into effect March 14.

Arkansas voters passed a measure in November allowing for casinos in four counties, with one the home of Oaklawn Park. The commission was charged with adopting rules and Freeland said they are modeled after gaming rules in place in Nevada.

Freeland said there was a 120-day deadline to adopt rules. They provide for slot machines, roulette, poker, and other table games, as well as sports betting.

Oaklawn at present can offer games of skill and historical racing, or Instant Racing. The track plans to expand its gaming center area after the current meet ends and also is building an onsite hotel as part of a $100 million project in plans that were in place in 2014, according to Oaklawn president Lou Cella.