In 2019, Delaware North’s Southland Casino Racing began construction of a $320 million casino expansion project. After years of planning, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was present on Tuesday at the opening of its revamped casino floor, a key part of the millionaire endeavor.
The expanded 113,000 square feet casino, features an ambiance that mirrors a Las-Vegas style casino, with more than 2,400 gaming machines, 50 live table games, sports betting, new dining and restaurant options, and a new 1,400-space covered parking garage.
Rendering for the completed expansion process
“The newly expanded Southland Casino Hotel represents a transformative, new age in gaming and entertainment,” said Delaware North CEO Lou Jacobs, according to KATV. “Today’s event is a testament to our commitment to long-term, mutually beneficial partnership between Southland and the community and leaders of West Memphis and Arkansas.”
The multi-year expansion project is still ongoing as construction continues on a 20-story, 300-room hotel tower. The tower will include more than 60 suites and 12 penthouse suites. It is expected to be the tallest building in Arkansas, outside of Little Rock, as reported by ABC 24 Memphis.
The expansion, which has been privately funded by Delaware North, is expected to add about 400 additional permanent jobs to the casino complex and hotel, bringing employment at Southland to about 1,200 jobs.
Last month, online sports betting debuted in Arkansas through Southland Casino Racing. The venue launched its Betly sportsbook product, the first available in the state, as two competing operators work on making their own apps available to the market.
