- Gulfside Casino Partnership presented their plans for their casino resort located in Russellville, Arkansas.
- The $405 million casino will have over 70,000 square feet of gaming space, including 50 table games.
Gulfside needs help from a Pope Country Quorum Court resolution to compete with Cherokee National Businesses, which has the exclusive support of Pope County Judge Ben Cross.
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Gulfside Casino Partnership revealed the plans for their casino resort in Pope County on Wednesday. However, Gulfside is on the outside looking in for the casino gaming license for Pope County.
The casino partnership is one of a handful of applicants seeking the sole Pope County casino license. If successful, Gulfside’s plans of a 70,000 square foot gaming space with blackjack across electronic gaming machines and 50 table games would come to Russellville, Arkansas.
The $405 million investment includes a $65 million economic development pledge upfront with $40 million for Pope County, $10 million for Russellville, and the remaining $15 million for education, communities, arts, and the fire department in Pope County. Their proposal seems like a win-win for both Pope County and Gulfside Casino Partnership, but it’s not that easy.
Required Letter Of Support From Court Judge Stands In The Way
Before they can submit an official casino license application to the Arkansas Gaming Commission, Gulfside must obtain approval from the Pope County Quorum Court. However, Pope County judge Ben Cross already approved a competitor, Cherokee Nation Businesses, and only plans on giving one letter of approval.
Luckily for Gulfside, Pope County Justice of Peace Lane Scott fully supports them over Cherokee. Gulfside’s plans of bringing Arkansas blackjack and more economic benefits to Pope County are desirable, but the casino partnership will need for help before applying to the Arkansas Racing Commission.