Arkansas reported gaming revenue of $3.8 million (US$3 million/€3.5 million) for December, exceeding the state’s monthly forecast.

While Arkansas had estimated gaming would generate $3.7 million in revenue in December, that figure was exceeded by another $100,000. The month’s better-than-expected results boosted the state’s year-to-date gaming revenue to $25.8 million, 4.5% above the forecast of $24.7 million.

Overall, Arkansas gaming revenue in December was 7.5% higher than the same month last year. Year-to-date sales are also an increase of 11.2% compared to 2022 figures.

Arkansas: race

Sports betting was introduced in Arkansas in July 2019 after approval from the Arkansas Racing Commission. Arkansas became the ninth state to begin accepting bets since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

Online sports betting was introduced in April 2022 when a collaboration between Gaming1 and Delaware North led to the launch of Betly.com. This allowed bettors across the state to participate in sports betting on Southland Casino Racing’s online website and through iOS and Android apps.

In August 2022, Kambi Group entered into a multi-channel sports betting deal with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Arkansas. The deal allowed Kambi to offer its on-site and online sports betting solutions directly to the thoroughbred racetrack and casino.

The introduction of online sports betting has contributed to the growth of the industry in Arkansas. In November 2023, revenue exceeded $45 million for the first time, with total commercial gaming revenue in the first quarter reaching $177 million, up 20.1% year-over-year.