oaklawn racing & gaming

We try to make it to the track every couple of years or so. Went this month with some friends and it was incredibly crowded but had a great day-- the Reuben sandwich is a real treat!

My wife and I have been to Oaklawn twice now. So I guess you could say we are a far cry from knowledgeable when it comes to placing bets on horses. But, from what I've seen, I probably lose less than the ones that are!I'll start with parking. If this is your first time to go, I recommend parking on the west side of Hwy 7. There are several places to park close to the entrance, and it will cost you about $20. This way, when you leave, you can hit the back streets and avoid the traffic jam that WILL be in progress on the Highway in front of the racetrack. The folks behind the counters are very friendly, and are accustom to helping first-timers. You can grab a program on the way in, which will help you out. I also recommend getting a pick sheet, which will run around $4. I recommend going hungry, because the Reuben Sandwich is awesome! And in case you're wondering, you generally have just enough time between races to make a stop at the bathroom, place a bet, stand in line for a drink, and get back to your seat. Also indoor seating can be reserved for about $4 per seat, and I recommend this for the cool days. The attached Casino is great for blowing what money you didn't blow on horses;) But, as with any casino, be prepared to smell like an ash tray when you leave. Have fun!

Casino addition and renovation completed. Looking for slots you will find them there many new machines I have not seen in other casinos. Mostly penny slots that can play up to $3 a spin. Some nickles, quarters and dollar machines too. Also video porker, and blackjack machines with table games poker room in back of casino. If your play the week prior or even Thursday and earn 90 points can get a steak dinner starting at 5pm on Friday night. Compares with any steakhouse I have ever had including the $50 steaks. Comes with baked potato or other carbs, veggie of the day, salad and delicious rolls. Can take out too. Just pick up redemption card at players card counter. Also bar has a restaurant hidden behind the TVs that has wonderful Reubens, and French dip sandwich and pile high homemade onion rings. Its located next to players card counter. Don't forget to flag down tram if parking any distance from entrance as they do not have valet parking. The horses are also racing at present.

We recently spent a Sat afternoon (10 races from 1pm- 5pm) at Oaklawn. It was freezing outside but there are plenty of places to have a good view of the races indoors. You can pay extra and have the front rows in a private box. Food and drinks are good and reasonably priced. Bloody Mary's are great! Corn beef sandwiches are also good. If you want to eat before the races Rocky's Pizza directly across the street is excellent. Parking on Sat will cost you $15-25 depending on how close you park. We went with a large group and whether or not you like horse racing or betting it is a great time! Everyone gets into cheering for their horse and is a good atmosphere. Yes, lots of cigarette smoke outside but easy to move around to another place if you don't like it. People are always moving seats between races. Get the booklet upon entering to help you understand the races :)

Don't be a sight seer at the tracks get down into the croud and chear your horsr/rider on it'e FUN did not like people dropping their cups and food wrappers on the walkway!

This is a nice place to visit, even if you don't bet on the races. The downsides are that it can be quite a walk from where you park your car, depending on when you get there. The other downside is that there are no designated smoking areas, apparently, and people are puffing on cigarettes and cigars in the stands. So if you are like me, and have an allergy to cigarette smoke, you will likely wake up sick the next morning like I did.

We spent the day enjoying the varied diversions of Oaklawn Racetrack in Hot Springs, AR. My mate and I had a light lunch of the delicious corned beef sandwiches at the "Post Parade Room", and moved on, feeling the "high of grandiose possibilities". He tackled the choices on the track for a wildly exciting, fun afternoon of feeding the horses, while I tried my hand at the slots in the casino. Later, (after almost recovering my losses) I joined my companion to watch a few races, and then returned to the casino for another try. To my chagrin, someone else was playing my favorite machine, so I just wandered around in the casino "people watching". The wild excitement of other patrons grew contagious; I succumbed to try a few of the unfamiliar slots by which I slowly eked out all my gambling cash. I grew thirsty, and took my place behind a young fellow who had ordered a red Valentine drink. As I waited my turn, I grumbled to myself and smoothed my last twenty . To my surprise, this perfect stranger ordered a red drink also for me!! Well, that certainly enhanced the spirit of this 70 yr old at the end of the day!! A really fun time to go to the track each Spring is on "Family Day". This includes a petting zoo, face painting, & children's games in the center of the track, as well as burgers & other picnic offerings to enjoy under the beautiful fuscia blooms of the trees.Yes, my mate fed the horses, while I donated to the casino electric bill, yet it was a truly relaxing, enjoyable day. I'm ready to go again!

With the addition of the casino, Oaklawn has made a terrific come back. The purses are so much better now. This has attracted some really good stock and jockeys. The food is delightful too. The casino has been remodeled and is quite large. The machines are fun and the attendance there has added lots to the purse for those who love to play the horses. If you haven't been there in awhile, please give it another try. You WILL have a good time.

When the sun is out and the people are mingling, you cannot ask for a much more fun day, To win a little money in the process makes for almost a perfect Forget and Enjoy Getaway

Racing season is Jan-April. But you can still gamble at the slots and tables year round. People from all over the world come here for the races, gambling and the Hot Baths. Plenty of parking and a lot of entertainers coming year round to put on a show.

We loved the electronic poker tables and the selection of slot machines were decent. The horses were of course fabulous. Hugely hated the beer lines. We have a huge horse track here near our house in Dallas and have never had to stand in line like Oaklawn just to get a few beers. This is not the place to be if you plan on enjoying the horse race and drink some beer. If you do get beer i highly suggest you order multiple at a time!

The horse racing at Oaklawn is special... there are 3 seasons in Arkansas... Summer Fall ,and Oaklawn. It's a great place to meet up with friends and watch the people and horses. Good food, good entertainment.

It was pretty awesome that you can drive down the street and see the horses race. The casino is very nice and roomy. We enjoyed our time there very much.

None of us left any richer, but had great fun. Best tip - The grilled Reuben at the Pony Express. The corned beef is wonderful!

I experienced my first horse race here with my boyfriend, who is from Hot Springs and had been here many times. We had the kids, which I wasn't sure was really ok at first but we had a blast! For a few races, we all picked our own horse and my boyfriend placed the bets for us all, and then had a great time watching the races and cheering for our horses. Variety of food and drink for everyone. Great beer selections and prices were fair. Looking forward to another trip back, with or without the kids. Small fee for getting in but worth it as you can make a full day of it.