Tag: casinos

Arkansas wagering sets a new record in September

A lot of folks in Arkansas are putting their chips in on the wide variety of sports betting, with wagers totaling a record $21.18 million in September, well above the…

Groups preparing to ‘roll the dice’ again with Pope County casino efforts (UPDATED)

5-4-3-2-1. The countdown is on for major developments in the effort to put a casino resort – and much more – in Pope County. A series of Russellville Courier newspaper…

State Racing Commission approves Pine Bluff casino license, rejects five bids for Pope County

Five of the half-dozen applicants for casino gaming licenses in Arkansas went home rejected following a highly-anticipated meeting Thursday (June 13) that put the rare spotlight on the Arkansas Racing…

Cherokee Nation partners with Cowboys/Yankees-backed Legends for Pope County casino bid

Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) will have an Arkansas connection in its proposal to build a casino in Pope County. CNB announced Tuesday (June 11) it is partnering with hospitality…

Casino CEOs hope to persuade Pope County on benefits of resorts

Two casino resort CEOs believe their projects in Pope County can be of massive benefit locally and to the whole state. Bill Warner, CEO of Warner Gaming, and Dan Kehl,…

Five casino bids made for Pope County, one for Jefferson County

Ahead of Thursday’s 5 p.m. deadline to submit bids for gaming licenses in Pope and Jefferson counties, the Arkansas Racing Commission received four applications to build new casino operations near…

Casinos at Oaklawn, Southland top $5.2 billion in wagers in 2018

It was another record year for casino-style gambling in Arkansas and the biggest numbers are still to come. Electronic games of skill (EGS) wagers at Oaklawn’s and Southland’s casinos topped…

Warner Gaming, Hard Rock to make casino proposal for Pope County

Warner Gaming, a hospitality and entertainment company operating resort properties throughout the western and midwestern United States, will team with the Hard Rock brand to propose a new fully-integrated resort…

Oaklawn to build $100 million gaming, hotel complex, ready by early 2020

Less than two weeks after Arkansas voters approved a constitutional amendment to expand casino gambling in Arkansas, Oaklawn Racing and Gaming on Monday (Nov. 19) announced plans for a $100…

Arkansas voters say ‘yes’ to all three ballot issues

Arkansans strongly backed all three of the constitutional amendments that made this year’s ballot, which were measures requiring voters to show ID at the polls, raise the state minimum wage…

West Memphis could get $200 million hotel and convention center if casino measure passes

If the casino ballot initiative passes in Arkansas on Tuesday (Nov. 6), Delaware North, the parent company of Southland Gaming and Racing, will attempt to build a hotel and convention…

Chief Justice recuses on tort reform, casino cases

Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Dan Kemp has recused from hearing cases involving Issues 1 and Issues 4, the tort reform and casino amendments. Kemp previously testified to the state…

Poll: Minimum wage registers high, casinos trail with voters

Voters are hesitant to roll the dice to legalize casinos in Arkansas, but they’re willing to place their bets on raising the minimum wage. Ballot issues concerning casinos and raising…

Notes from the Campaign Trail: Casino amendment cleared for ballot, term limits gets legal challenge

The Arkansas Casino Gaming Amendment of 2018 was cleared for the November ballot by Secretary of State Mark Martin, while a legal challenge was filed against the Arkansas Term Limits…

Highway officials criticize Driving Arkansas Forward messaging

A statement from the Arkansas Highway Commission declared its neutrality on a proposed casino amendment, but it leveled criticism of the ballot measure’s advertising campaign, which it implied was misleading….

Oaklawn, Southland casino-style wagering tops $5 billion in 2017

Wagering at Arkansas’ only two casinos – Oaklawn and Southland – hit the proverbial jackpot in 2017, topping $5 billion in gambling revenue. The dollar figures only reflect electronic games…

AG Rutledge rejects casino-highway funding amendment proposal

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has rejected the language for a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow up to three casinos in restricted parts of the state with tax revenues…

Group organizes to push for constitutional amendment for casinos and highway funding

A new citizens’ group, Driving Arkansas Forward, has organized to push for a constitutional amendment that would allow three casinos to be built in Arkansas with the bulk of the…