Kambi Group has entered into a multi-channel sportsbook agreement with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in the US state of Arkansas.
Under the deal, Kambi will provide its on-property and online sportsbook solutions direct to the thoroughbred racetrack and casino.
Kambi will support Oaklawn with the launch of its online sportsbook operations under the brand “Oaklawn Sports”, subject to Arkansas passing the relevant laws. Online gambling of any kind is not yet legal in the state.
In addition, Kambi will continue to provide its retail sports betting solution to Oaklawn. The venue has been offering sports wagering through Kambi’s retail sportsbook since last year, with the new, multi-channel deal replacing the existing agreement.
“Oaklawn has been one of the most trusted brands in Arkansas for more than 100 years and we are excited to now offer our loyal customers yet another great amenity with our much-anticipated mobile wagering platform,” Oaklawn general manager Wayne Smith said.
Kambi co-founder and chief executive Kristian Nylén added: “We’re very excited to strengthen our relationship with Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and imminently extend our partnership into the mobile space.
“The combination of Kambi’s advanced technology and Oaklawn’s reputation as one of the premier thoroughbred tracks and casinos in the US makes this an enticing sports betting proposition.”
Earlier this year, the Arkansas Joint Budget Committee approved a set of rules from the Arkansas Racing Commission for mobile sports betting in the state. The rules, which would class online sports betting as a permitted form of casino gaming in Arkansas, had already been signed off by the Rule Review Subcommittee.
The rules removed the requirement that any sports betting patron must personally appear before a casino employee to make a bet, meaning that they can instead bet online.
Casinos – which may receive licences to bet on sports – may partner with sports betting vendors to provide online betting, but vendors may not receive more than 50% of revenue.
Licensees would be permitted to launch up to two online brands, and all of these brands must “conspicuously bear the name of the casino licensee with which it is affiliated”.
Sports betting would be taxed like all other gaming, with total gaming revenue up to $150m per year taxed at 13% and any revenue above this threshold taxed at 20%.
