What Southland Casino Racing is and where it operates
Southland Casino Racing is a dog racing track and casino located in West Memphis, Arkansas, just across the state line from Tennessee. The facility operates both live greyhound racing and a full casino with slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. It is one of the few remaining dog racing venues in the United States.
The casino is open to the public and does not require membership. You can walk in during operating hours, place bets on races, or play casino games. The track itself hosts live racing events on certain days and times throughout the year, though the schedule varies by season.
Southland is owned and operated by Southland Gaming, a private company. It is regulated by the Arkansas Racing Commission, which oversees all pari-mutuel wagering and casino operations in the state. This means the track must follow state rules about how races are conducted, how odds are calculated, and how payouts are handled.
Key Takeaways
- Southland Casino Racing is located in West Memphis, Arkansas, and offers both live greyhound racing and casino gaming in one facility.
- You can bet on live races when they are scheduled, or bet on simulcast races from other tracks throughout the day.
- The casino side includes slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and poker rooms with varying stakes.
- The Arkansas Racing Commission regulates all wagering and gaming operations to may support fairness and proper payout procedures.
- Southland does not require membership, but you must be at least 18 years old to enter and place bets.
Live racing schedule and how to bet on races
Southland holds live greyhound racing on select days throughout the year. The schedule is not year-round; racing typically runs during certain seasons and may be suspended during others. You can find the current racing schedule on the Southland website or by calling the track directly, as dates and times change.
When you arrive for a live race, you can place bets at the betting windows or through self-service kiosks. You choose a race, select which dog you want to bet on, and decide your bet amount and type. Common bet types include win (your dog finishes first), place (finishes first or second), and show (finishes in the top three). You can also make more complex bets like exacta (picking the first two finishers in order) or trifecta (first three in order).
If you cannot attend in person, Southland also offers simulcast betting, which means you can bet on races from other tracks that are broadcast at the facility. Simulcast betting is available most days during operating hours, even when Southland's own races are not running. This is how many regular bettors place wagers without waiting for live racing days.
Casino gaming options and how they work
The casino side of Southland offers slot machines, table games, and poker. Slot machines are the most straightforward: you insert money or a card, spin the reels, and win if symbols match. Payouts depend on the machine and the combination you hit. There is no strategy involved — outcomes are determined by a random number generator.
Table games include blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. Each game has different rules and odds. Blackjack, for example, requires you to beat the dealer's hand without going over 21. Roulette is a game of chance where you bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. Table games have a house edge, meaning the casino has a mathematical advantage over time.
Poker rooms at Southland operate differently because you play against other players, not the house. The casino takes a small cut of each pot (called the rake) or charges an hourly table fee. Your odds of winning depend on your skill and the skill of other players at your table, not on a house edge.
Age requirements, hours, and what to bring
You must be at least 18 years old to enter Southland Casino Racing and place any bets or play any games. You will need to show a valid photo ID when you arrive. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
Southland is open daily, but hours vary. The casino typically operates longer hours than the racing venue. You can check the current hours on their website or call ahead, as hours may change seasonally or for special events.
Bring cash or a debit card. The casino has ATMs on site if you need to withdraw money, though ATM fees explore. You do not need to bring anything else to bet or play — the track and casino provide all necessary materials like betting slips and chips.
How payouts and odds work
In pari-mutuel racing (the system used at Southland), all bets on a race go into a pool. After the race ends and the winning dogs are determined, the pool is divided among all winning bets. The track takes a percentage (called the takeout), and the rest goes to the winners. This means the odds and payouts are not set in advance — they depend on how much money was bet on each outcome.
For example, if many people bet on the same dog to win, that dog's payout will be lower because the pool is split among more winners. If few people bet on a dog and it wins, the payout is higher. You can see the current odds on a display board or screen before the race starts, and these odds update as more bets come in.
Casino games have fixed odds set by the game rules. A blackjack win typically pays 1 to 1 (you win as much as you bet), while a slot machine jackpot might pay 100 to 1 or more depending on the machine. The house edge varies by game — blackjack has a lower house edge (around 1 percent) than slots (which can be 2 to 15 percent or higher).
Responsible gambling resources and self-exclusion
Southland Casino Racing is required by Arkansas law to provide information about problem gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, the National Council on Problem Gambling operates a helpline at 1-800-522-4700. This service is free and confidential.
Arkansas also has a self-exclusion program that allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from entering casinos and racetracks in the state. If you enroll, you cannot place bets or enter the facility for a set period. You can contact the Arkansas Racing Commission to learn how to enroll in this program.
Southland also has staff trained to recognize signs of problem gambling and can provide information about treatment programs and support services in Arkansas. You can ask any employee for this information while you are at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch races without betting?
Yes. Southland allows spectators to watch live races from the grandstand without placing any bets. You do not need to pay an entry fee. However, seating and viewing areas may be limited on busy racing days, and some areas may be reserved for bettors.
What is the difference between live racing and simulcast betting?
Live racing is when greyhounds race at Southland itself, and you watch in person. Simulcast betting is when you bet on races happening at other tracks, broadcast on screens at Southland. Simulcast is available most days; live racing happens on a limited schedule.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
Yes. Winnings from both racing and casino games are taxable income. Southland will issue a tax form (Form W-2G) for large wins. You are responsible for reporting all gambling winnings on your federal tax return, even if you do not receive a form.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Outside food and drinks are typically not allowed in the casino and racing areas. Southland has restaurants, bars, and concession stands on site where you can purchase food and beverages. Prices are higher than outside vendors, as is standard at casinos.
What happens if I win a large amount?
For large wins, Southland will verify your identity, issue a tax form, and process your payout. The amount you receive may be reduced by taxes withheld by the casino. You can ask a cashier about the payout process and timeline before you collect your winnings.