From the roar of zealous announcers and the colorful display of attire to the eager horses soaring around the track; people love horse racing! Today we're embarking on an in-depth journey through one of the Nation's finest horse racing and all-in-one entertainment establishments, the Oawklawn Casino in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Offering exceptional thoroughbred horse racing, fine dining, live entertainment, spa packages, and more, Oaklawn Casino is a local gem for residents and tourists. If you're in the area and want a taste of the finer things in life or just to blow off some steam, we invite you to check out this detailed guide. Visit our website for more things to do in Hot Springs while you're here.
Let's jump in!
A Historical Gem
Horse racing has been one of America's most popular pastimes for centuries since it began in Long Island, NY. From there, the sport quickly spread in popularity across the country, leading to the establishment of Oaklawn Racetrack. Though originally, launched as a racetrack, but as time marched on, the business expanded.
Oaklawn Casino's roots date back to 1904, making it one of the oldest and most storied gaming and gambling venues in the Nation. Although they weren't the first race track in the region, Oaklawn's local appeal, and historic charm quickly made them one of the most popular venues for entertainment.
For a complete history of Oaklawn, visit their history page.
What Can You Do at Oaklawn Casino?
So you're planning a trip to Oaklawn, but what can you expect? Here's a brief look at some of the casino's most popular attractions:
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Horse Racing at Oaklawn Park
Wake up, it's derby day! If you've never been to a horse race, we invite you to pull out your Sunday best from your closet and make a day out of it. Thoroughbred horse racing is where it all began at Oaklawn.
The racetrack, named Oaklawn Park, is renowned for being the home of the Racing Festival of the South and the uber-popular 1.25 million dollar Arkansas Derby, and many winners and stars have raced on Oaklawn's track. One of the main appeals to horse racing is the betting aspect.
Visitors can place bets on the horses and rake in some serious dough! If betting isn't your style, many people simply enjoy dressing up and watching the horses. You can check out Oaklawn's resources for a history of winning jockeys and horses, along with the most recent entries, results, scratches, and workouts.
Basic Information:
Horse racing is available from December - May year-round.
Oaklawn Park gates open at 11:00 a.m. on most race days (subject to change).
Racing and gaming events occur throughout the year and are a beloved hobby in the South. If you want to plan your vacation around one of these events, follow the Oaklawn Casino on Facebook. When you arrive at Oaklawn Park, you can choose to place a bet in person. To place and manage your bets when you're off the track, consider downloading the Oaklawn Anywhere App.
Oaklawn Today
If you're a diehard horse racing enthusiast or just want a quick recap of an event, check out the local, Oaklawn Today show to keep up with all the action. Oaklawn Today is hosted by locals, Nancy Holthus, Matt Dinerman, and Crystal Conning. The program includes an entertaining pre-race analysis, along with insightful commentary.
Pro Tip: The show generally begins every race day at approximately 11:10 a.m. CDT, or about 90 minutes before the scheduled race time.
Gaming and Entertainment
In recent years, Oaklawn has expanded its offerings beyond horse racing to include a state-of-the-art casino. The casino floor is home to a myriad of gaming options, from classic table games like blackjack and roulette to colorful slot machines and video poker.
The casino's design exudes contemporary elegance, combining the excitement of modern gaming with the comfort of a high-end venue. Ready to test your luck and see if you strike big?
Pro Tip: The Oaklawn casino is smoke-free.
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Image may be subject to copyright
Live Entertainment & Shows
For those who want to experience some more magic during their evening, Oaklawn provides an array of shows and concertsfeaturing both local talents and well-known acts, featuring popular names like:
Gabby Barrett
Kenny G
Gin Blossoms
Tracy Lawrence
Nikki Glaser
The casino's entertainment space is versatile and can accommodate everything from small, intimate performances to larger-than-life shows and productions. Additionally, Oaklawn frequently hosts special events and themed nights, adding an extra layer of excitement, worth checking out.
Spa
Need a self-care day after your travels? Oaklawn offers relaxing, high-end services with Astral Spa. Rated by Forbes as a 4-star experience, this is Arkansa's only 4-star spa and we think it's worth the hype. The team at Astral Spa offers luxurious, full-service treatments and takes guests into complete tranquility and rejuvenation.
Enjoy signature treatments by professionals and take advantage of the elegant amenities and their wide variety of therapies.
Spa Services:
Single Massages
Couples Massage
Facials
Manicures
Pedicures
Pro Tip: Astral Spa is an adult-only facility and does not allow guests under the age of 18.
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Venue & Event Space
Oaklawn provides a grand space for a wide variety of events, shows, and meetings. Known for its sophisticated ambiance and flexible layout, the space provides an ideal setting for both formal and casual occasions. We recommend calling them for specific questions about their event space.
Event Options
Weddings Plan your big day with elegance and convenience in mind. With Oaklawn's customizable options, the space is perfect for weddings of all sizes. The team can assist with everything from the ceremony to the reception, ensuring a seamless and memorable day.
Corporate Events For conferences, seminars, or team-building activities, the venue's stellar technology, helpful staff, and flexible layouts support a productive and professional environment.
Social Gatherings Whether it's a milestone birthday, anniversary party, work retreat, or charity fundraiser, Oaklawn's event space provides the ambiance and amenities to make any social event special.
Basic Information:
18,000 square-feet
Space can accommodate up to 1,500 people
Customizable layout options
Advanced audio and visual technology
Onsite staff
Culinary team
Breakfast, lunch and dinner options
Drinking & Dining
No visit to Oaklawn would be complete without sampling the exceptional dining and drinking optionsavailable. Oaklawn showcases several choices, each with its own unique experience.
The culinary offerings are complemented by a selection of fine wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails. Throw on the big game and munch on some saucy wings or grab your best heels and wine and dine the evening away.
If you'd rather skip the crowds and check out additional restaurants in Hot Springs, we've got some excellent alternatives on our website.
Top restaurants and bars at Oaklawn Casino:
Watching Sports:
Root for your favorite team and enjoy a drink or two! Offering large TVs for watching, shareable meals, and a fine selection of draft beer, you've got everything you need to relax and watch the big game. Check out:
Take your evening up a notch and visit one of Oaklawn's upscale restaurants and bars. Enjoy a blissful evening on the outdoor patio, exploring highly composed plates, depth of flavors, unique cocktails, and extensive wine lists. Check out:
Who doesn't love a side of live music with their meal? Check out entertainment and soothing melodies in this newly remodeled lounge. They offer live music every Friday and Saturday evening. Check out:
Offering a fine selection of spirits, Oaklawn's legendary racetrack restaurant and lounge showcases a top-notch viewing experience of the race tracks. Perfect for those frosty winter-time races, guests can sit on the heated, outdoor balcony and watch the happenings from above. Check out:
What are the Oaklawn Casino's hours of operation? The Oaklawn Casino is open 24 hours a day. Is there valet parking at Oaklawn? No, there is no valet parking. Additionally, parking costs $5 a vehicle during race times
Is Oaklawn Casino open today? Yes! The Oaklawn Casino is open 24 hours a day.
Does Oaklawn Resort have a dress code? No, there isn't a set dress code. For a truly authentic racing experience, we encourage you to iron your slacks, and dress your derby best!
Is Oaklawn Casino open on Christmas Day? At the time of writing, the Oaklawn Casino is open 24 hours a day without any specific holiday hour variations. We recommend calling or emailing them for specific inquiries.
What is the age requirement for Oaklawn Casino? While the racing area is a family-friendly location, you must be 18 to bet on the races, but only people 21+ can enter the casino's game room.
Is Oaklawn smoke-free? Yes, the Oaklawn Casino is smoke-free.
How big is Oaklawn Casino? It's quite large! Oaklawn encompasses multiple areas, including their large event center that hosts special occasions and live performances. The venue space is 15,000 square-feet with a 1,900 square-foot stage.
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Area Attractions
Although we love our neck of the woods in Hot Springs, the entire region and beyond offer plenty to do and Arkansas is a popular travel destination for a reason!
Why not spend a day at the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo or visit Garvan Woodland Gardens?
From the best fishing in Arkansasto uncovering history and relaxation at Bathhouse Row, there's so much more to do beyond Oaklawn Casino.
If you'd like to make a weekend out of it, consider staying with us at Knotty and Nice. Our cabins are the perfect vacation destination and are located conveniently in the area.
Stay at Knotty & Nice Cabins
Many consider Oaklawn to be one of the cornerstones of Hot Springs, Arkansas, offering a perfect blend of good times, historical significance, and modern luxury. Oaklawn continues to attract visitors from near and far, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination in the heart of Arkansas.
We hope you've enjoyed our extensive tour into visiting Oaklawn Casino in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We invite you to visit Hot Springs and stay with us at Knotty and Nice Cabins. Contact us and let us welcome you during your travels.
