PINE BLUFF, Ark. (AP) — Backers of a planned casino and resort in Jefferson County say the project will create more than 1,000 permanent jobs in the area.
Officials in Jefferson County have expressed support for Downstream Development Authority of the Oklahoma-based Quapaw Tribe to build the proposed Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff.
According to the Pine Bluff Commercial, Quapaw Chairman John Berrey told local officials that construction costs for the planned casino and resort will be about $210 million to $240 million. Berrey says he’s hopeful construction will begin soon after the state approves a license.
Voters in November approved casinos at four sites, one each in Jefferson County, Pope County, Hot Springs and West Memphis.
Berrey says he’s aiming for an opening date of February 2020, but the timeline is still tentative.
