The Pope County, Arkansas casino saga continues as Gulfside Casino Partnership recently detailed plans for its proposed $405 million River Valley Casino Resort. Gulfside is competing with Cherokee Nation Entertainment’s proposed $300 million casino resort for the county’s gaming license.
Gulfside officials said their package includes an upfront payment of $65 million to Pope County, Russellville and other local communities, plus $2 million annually for economic development. In addition, company officials said they’ll invest their estimated annual tax revenue of $29.5 million back into Arkansas communities. They estimated the casino resort will create 1,695 new jobs with a $60.5 million annual payroll.
According to KATV, Gulfside co-owner Terry Green said, “The unveiling of this visionary project marks a pivotal moment for Pope County and the Arkansas River Valley. This high-end destination will drive economic development in the region and be an employer of choice, fostering a thriving community for generations to come.”
Gulfside Counsel Casey Castleberry added, “Our goal from day one has been to offer the citizens of Pope County and Arkansas a best-in-class resort experience. With a focus on excellence, innovation and community engagement, the River Valley Casino Resort represents a bold step forward in regional tourism and economic development for Russellville, Pope County and Arkansas. Russellville is poised to become the Gateway to the Ozarks and the Buffalo National River Country. Simply put, River Valley Casino Resort is a sure bet to bring Arkansas more jobs, more entertainment and 50 percent more tax revenue than any other option on the table.”
According to Gulfside plans, the River Valley Casino Resort will offer 70,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games and a sportsbook, plus a 300-room hotel ,steakhouse, casino lounge, 24-hour cafe and a coffee and pastry shop. Other amenities will include an outdoor amphitheater and entertainment area, resort pool and cabanas, spa and fitness center, convention center and meeting space.
Pope County Quorum Court members are expected to endorse Gulfside’s plan at their June 6 meeting.
In response to Gulfside’s proposal, Cherokee Nation Entertainment President Mark Fulton issued a statement noting, “Our more than $300 million project is not just an idea. It is a full-fledged economic development plan that has been in the works for over five years with the required support of Pope County leaders. We own more than 325 acres of land and have obtained our Large-Scale Development permit from the city of Russellville.
“Our shovel-ready development positions us to be open and operating more than a year ahead of any other proposals. Legends Resort & Casino is a world-class entertainment destination that will bring thousands of jobs to Pope County and provide more than $5 billion in economic impact over the first 10 years. Our next step is to submit an application for our casino resort destination before the Arkansas Racing Commission deadline on June 11.”
