Saracen Casino Resort’s Exciting Expansion Continues in Arkansas

Saracen Casino expansion is underway in Arkansas, with a remarkable $250 million project set to enhance the casino’s offerings. Saracen Casino Resort, situated in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is currently experiencing a remarkable $250 million expansion that promises to add substantial new facilities, including a luxurious hotel and a cutting-edge event center. This ambitious project is being undertaken by the Quapaw Nation and is designed to enhance the casino’s offerings, attracting visitors and boosting local tourism.

Construction is well underway, with the project over halfway complete, specifically around 60% finished. The centerpiece of this expansion is a towering 13-story hotel featuring 321 rooms and an extensive 84,000-square-foot event center that can accommodate up to 1,600 guests.

Understanding the Background

The Saracen Casino Resort was launched following the passage of Issue 4 in November 2018, where voters sanctioned casino operations in several counties, including Jefferson. The development pays homage to a historical figure from the Quapaw Nation, named Saracen, who witnessed the forced removal of native Arkansans in the early 1880s.

Following the legalization, the Quapaw Nation partnered with local government officials to bring this innovative casino destination to life. Named “Quapaw,” which translates to “downstream people” in their native language, the project recognizes the tribe’s rich heritage and their journey along the Mississippi River.

The Casino Landscape

The 2018 ballot also paved the way for neighboring facilities like Southland greyhound track and Oaklawn horse race track to transition into full casinos featuring games such as slots and live dealer table games, alongside sports betting facilities. While racing has ceased at Southland, Oaklawn continues to host live racing events and simulcast parimutuel wagering.

Both Southland and Oaklawn are influential players within the Arkansas gaming market. Southland is owned by Delaware North, a well-known gaming and hospitality group, while Oaklawn is a venture by the Cella family.

Competition and Innovation

In recent times, Saracen Casino Resort has encountered challenges from Oaklawn after proposing initiatives linked to name, image, and likeness (NIL) programs for Arkansas universities. There’s a considerable sentiment at Oaklawn against the expansion of online gaming, fearing it may detract visitors from their physical casino.

In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court made a groundbreaking ruling permitting student-athletes to earn profits from their NIL. This pivotal shift has triggered various legislative proposals aimed at supporting these athletes financially.

The Legislative Landscape

Arkansas Representative RJ Hawk introduced House Bill 1044, also known as the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act. This bill aimed at allowing collegiate athletic departments to conduct online raffles for NIL fundraising, but prohibited involvement from casino licensees in raffle operations.

Saracen asserted that allowing the state to consider online raffles specifically for NIL would be most beneficial if casinos could also conduct such operations, leveraging existing geolocation technologies that are already in place for mobile sports betting.

Despite the effort, HB1044 failed to pass. However, Hawk remained persistent and introduced a new piece of legislation, House Bill 1634, which continues to advocate for online raffles but permits casino participation. Recently, this proposal advanced through the House Rules Committee.

While Saracen acknowledges the potential benefits of HB1634 for general university funding, they express concerns regarding legal limitations imposed by Arkansas Amendment 84, which could hinder allocations towards the NIL programs due to its stipulations.

Conclusion

The ongoing expansion at Saracen Casino Resort marks a significant milestone in Arkansas’s gaming industry, showcasing the growing potential for tourism and investment in the local economy. As the expansion progresses, the casino’s role in supporting collegiate athletic programs through innovative legislation will be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of gaming and student-athlete empowerment in the state.