In Arkansas, both the horse racetrack Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in Hot Springs and the greyhound racetrack Southland Park Gaming and Racing in West Memphis began full casino operations, including offering live table games, on April 1, following unanimous approval from the state racing commission. Previously the two racinos offered electronic casino games. Sports betting also could begin at the racinos as soon as this month, said Oaklawn attorney Skip Ebel.
Voters approved Amendment 100 last November, which allowed the two racinos to expand to full casino operations and approved one casino each in Jefferson and Pope counties.
The new amendment included substantial cuts in gambling taxes, leading both Oaklawn and Southland to plan casino expansions and new hotels.
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration spokesman Scott Hardin said the commission also will begin accepting applications for a casino in Jefferson County and in Pope County in May.
The $240 million Saracen Casino Resort, to be developed by the Oklahoma-based Quapaw Indian Tribe in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, has been endorsed by current local officials. However, former officials from Pope County and Russellville endorsed a casino proposal from Gulfside Casino Partnership before leaving office, but current officials oppose it. Also, a voter referendum regarding a casino will be required in the county.
Gulfside Casino Partnership proposed a $254 million casino and 600-room hotel. Gulfside attorney Casey Castleberry has told the commission they company may file a lawsuit if the previous endorsements were not accepted.
The 4-page license application form requests basic information about a potential casino operator; a detailed explanation of the applicant’s casino experience; timeline for opening the facility; proof of financial stability and access to financial resources; and plans for the proposed casino and its amenities. The package indicates all applicants will be interviewed by the racing commission which will select the “most qualified applicant.”
Applicants will pay a license application fee of $250,000. Those not selected will be refunded only $125,000. Commission Chairman Alex Lieblong clarified the fee would apply only to “legitimate applicants” and those eliminated early in the process would not pay the fee.
