\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe three commercial casinos in Arkansas are Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort in Hot Springs, Southland Casino Racing in West Memphis, and Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff. A fourth casino has been licensed for Russellville, but is tied up in a legal dispute.<\/p>\n
SportsBooks Down at Saracen, Table Games Up<\/h2>\n
In April, the winning streak continued at Saracen. The resort won $1.9 million more in April than the previous month.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSaracen experienced a slight falloff at the sportsbook, which won about $123,000 less in April than in March. Sportsbook revenue is determined after winning bettors have been paid off.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMarch is traditionally a strong sports-wagering month, with the NCAA men\u2019s basketball tournament, known as \u201cMarch Madness,\u201d occurring during the month. The NFL regular season, which kicks off in September, generally is the busiest time of the year for sportsbooks.<\/p>\n
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In April, Saracen\u2019s sportsbook handle dipped below $1 million. The resort reported $964,218 in bets placed, down from $1.45 million in March. The handle is the amount of money bet on sporting events. However, the casino posted higher net wins at table games and on terminal devices, such as slot machines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Pine Bluff is about 45 minutes south of Little Rock, the capital city. Little Rock is in the center of the state.<\/p>\n
Saracen was in the news this month with the installation of Evolv metal detectors on the property. The resort ordered the devices after a shootout in the parking lot in March that wounded a security guard. Two suspects were arrested in the incident and charged with first degree battery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n