Two projects approved by Arkansas voters last November are moving forward in Pine Bluff and Hot Springs.
The Pine Bluff city council recently voted 6-1 approving an ordinance to annex land into the city limits for the proposed Saracen Resort and Casino. The Jefferson County venue would be developed and operated by the Quapaw Indian Nation, owners of the Downstream Casino Resort in Quapaw, Oklahoma.
The Quapaw Indian Nation applied to the Arkansas Racing Commission for a casino license on May 1. Quapaw Chairman John Berry said he hopes the casino will open by Valentine’s Day 2020. The Pine Bluff Mayor and Jefferson County judge both have approved the tribe’s proposal.
The situation remains complex in Pope County where voters approved another casino. Newly elected officials do not support a casino there, and developers Gulfside Properties have filed a lawsuit over their proposed casino that was approved by former officials.
In Hot Springs, construction has begun on a $100 million expansion at
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Voters in November approved expanding gaming there. The project will include a hotel, event center and enlarged gaming floor and is expected to be completed prior to the start of the 2020 live racing season. The Arkansas Racing Commission approved casino licenses March 23 for Oaklawn and for Southland Gaming and Racing in West Memphis.
