Arkansas has taken a unique homegrown approach, according to Brandon Walker, Head of Amelco USA, who believes that it will create an ‘innovative playing field’ for their casinos.

Sports betting technology and platform provider SBTech has powered the first legal sports bet in the newly regulated state of Arkansas, after partnering with the Oaklawn Racetrack and Casino.

Powering the retail sportsbook of the newly refurbished property, Oaklawn becomes the first operator within the Natural State to debut sports wagering via its in-house venue.

Richard Carter, CEO, SBTech, commented: “We are rapidly becoming the supplier of choice for omni-channel sportsbook platform software in regulated and newly regulating US states, as well as major global regulated markets for tier one operators and lotteries.

“We’re delighted that Oaklawn selected SBTech to power their sportsbook in partnership with Churchill Downs and launch the state’s first sports wager, and we look forward to extending that to other products and channels in the near future.”

Following receival of the appropriate approvals by the Arkansas Racing Commission, the first bet was placed last week by Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort general manager Wayne Smith.

Placing the $5 wager on the Dallas Cowboys to beat the New York Giants in the NFL’s opening game on on September 8, Smith commented: “We’re excited to now be offering sports wagering. It’s a new level of entertainment for our guests.”

Individuals accessing the Oaklawn Racetrack and Casino on-property offering are able to access ten kiosks to bet on a “comprehensive selection of sports,” including American football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, UFC, golf and tennis.

Furthermore, both parties also stress that they are to work together to launch an SBTech powered mobile betting app later this year.

Ian Williams, president of online gaming at Churchill Downs, added: “We are delighted to facilitate sports betting at Oaklawn through our partners SBTech. As a long-standing partner in horse racing, it was a natural fit for us to bring legal sports betting first to the state of Arkansas.”