Oaklawn hopes its $100 million expansion also boosts economy
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort recently opened its more than $100 million expansion in hopes of drawing more visitors, but Oaklawn General Manager Wayne Smith told the Downtown Association of Hot Springs Tuesday that a “rising tide rises all boats” and the hope is that the entire city, not just Oaklawn, will reap the benefit.
Oaklawn is striving to be a partner with the city, rather than a competitor, in a number of ways.
First, the resort is using Hot Springs as its competitive edge with nearby casinos.
“Look at the number of casinos that we compete with within a four-hour drive of us; it’s astounding,” Smith told the association during its monthly meeting.
The addition of Oaklawn’s high limits room, fine dining restaurant and hotel will help with this competition, but there is “no better” competitive advantage for Oaklawn than Hot Springs.
“What we’re going to try to do at Oaklawn, which I think will hopefully benefit you, is that we are going to expect and want those folks to come in, park their car, experience what
Oaklawn has, but at the same time experience Hot Springs,” he said.
Once people are drawn to the resort, they will be encouraged to get out and explore the city.
Oaklawn is setting up a shuttle program to take its guests to hiking trails, golf courses, boat rentals or local restaurants where they have made reservations.
There will also be trained guest service employees to help guests pinpoint just how they would like to best spend their time while here.
Oaklawn is also looking to partner with local businesses that would provide discounts for their guests in return for Oaklawn’s reference, he said. Interested businesses can contact Smith’s assistant at athronton@oaklawn.com.
“If people experience Hot Springs, it gives them such a better feeling about wanting to go some place than just to come to Oaklawn,” Smith said.
“That benefits all of us. That was one of the main goals we had when we built this property was to be able to incorporate everyone around us and every part of our city, knowing about all the things and the great things that we have,” he said.
“That’s kind of our way of looking at this opportunity for the city and for Oaklawn is to make a rising tide (which) rises all boats, and we think that we just did that, and we think we’re going to be able to really set another level of excellence in this city and for hopefully you as well.”