Arkansas Commission Approves Video Keno Gambling At Racetracks

Racetracks in Arkansas received some welcomed news from the Arkansas Racing Commission at the end of last week. Video Keno has been classified by the Commission as a game of skill.

The admission by the Commission that keno is a game of skill means that racetracks in the state will now be allowed to offer the game as part of their gambling services. Southland Gaming and Racing in West Memphis will be the beneficiary of the ruling.

Southland had requested that they be allowed to offer the keno games and also several other games. The request was then reviewed by Gaming Laboratories International, a consulting firm that reviews whether games are considered luck or skill.

They determined that this particular video keno game was one of skill. The state has certain determining factors as to whether a game is one of skill, and the keno game met those standards according to GLI.

"That's what we're going to rely on. Our position is to follow the statute as the Legislature passed it," said Racing Chairman Cecil Alexander, on the decision to allow GLI to review the new games.

Several groups fought the decision to allow the expanded gambling. These groups claim that the overall atmosphere of the racetracks have turned more casino like.

June 15, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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