Senate approves expanding video gambling at tracks

Thursday, March 10, 2005 | 9:06 a.m.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Legislation to expand electronic gaming at Arkansas' two pari-mutuel tracks completed its sprint through the Senate on Wednesday, winning by a nose just two days after its introduction.

An 18-14 vote on the Senate floor sent the bill to the House.

The racing bill that passed the Senate would let residents of Hot Springs and West Memphis decide in local elections whether to expand electronic games of skill -- from horse and dog racing to NASCAR to cards and checkers -- at Oakland Park thoroughbred track and Southland Greyhound Park.

Both tracks currently offer "instant racing" wagering on races that were previously run.

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