Summary:
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Arkansas, US has signed a multi-channel deal with Kambi. Oaklawn will be supported with the launch of its online operations under the brand “Oaklawn Sports”, subject to Arkansas passing the relevant laws. Oaklawn will continue to receive the retail sports betting solution from Kambi.
Kambi will provide its on-property and online sportsbook solutions directly to the thoroughbred racetrack and casino.
Oaklawn will be supported with the launch of its online sportsbook operations, subject to Arkansas passing the relevant laws. Online gambling is not currently legal in the state.
Oaklawn will continue to receive the retail sports betting solution from Kambi. Since last year, the venue has been offering sports wagering through Kambi’s retail sportsbook, with the new multi-channel deal replacing the existing agreement.
Oaklawn has been one of the most trusted brands in Arkansas for more than 100 years and we are excited to now offer our loyal customers yet another great amenity with our much-awaited mobile wagering platform, said Wayne Smith, Oaklawn general manager.
“We are very excited to strengthen our relationship with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and imminently extend our partnership into the mobile space.”
The combination of Oaklawn’s reputation as one of the premier thoroughbred tracks and Kambi’s advanced technology makes this an attractive sports betting proposition.
The Arkansas Joint Budget Committee approved a set of rules from the Arkansas Racing Commission for mobile sports betting in the state. The rules, which would allow online sports betting in Arkansas, had already been approved by the Rule Review Subcommittee.
The rules removed the requirement that sports betting patrons must personally appear before a casino employee to make a bet, meaning that they can bet online.
If a casino gets a licence to bet on sports, they may partner with sports betting vendors to provide online betting, but they may not get more than 50% of the revenue.
All of the online brands must bear the name of the casino licensee with which it is affiliated, and licensees would be allowed to launch up to two online brands.
Sports betting would be taxed the same as all other gaming, with total gaming revenue up to $150m per year taxed at 13% and any revenue above this threshold taxed at 20%.