AP has a report on the first income figures from video poker, etc., gambling at Southland and Oaklawn. The state won’t release specifics, citing a law that shields tax reporting forms, though the tracks have given some general numbers.

This situation is going to require some further investigation. I was assured by the Racing Commission in the runup to this law that there would be full reporting on 1) wagering; 2) state tax flow and 3) track takeouts. This is the only way to know what payouts the tracks are setting on these “electronic games of skill.” These figures are routinely reported in other gambling states. Are they not going to be reported in Arkansas? If they are not, breathes there a legislator with the courage to demand accountability from the tracks from this slot machine windfall?

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